Use Messages with your Apple Watch

Apple Watch gives you a gentle tap to let you know when you have a new message. Just raise your wrist to read it and reply.

Read a message

To see all your messages, press the Digital Crown, then tap Messages icon.

If you just got a message, raise your wrist to see it and scroll with the Digital Crown.

 

After you read a message, you can reply or mark it as read. Just tap Reply or Dismiss.

Choose how to reply

You can respond with a preset reply, dictate a response, send an animated emoji, or show your location on a map. If your friend also has an Apple Watch, you can reply with a Digital Touch

To use preset replies, just tap one.
You can also create your own replies in the Watch app.

To speak a message, tap microphone icon, say something, and tap Done. Then tap to send the message as audio or text.
 

To send an emoji, tap emoji icon, swipe to choose one, then tap to send it. You can even rotate the Digital Crown to see more options.
 

To show where you are, firmly press the display while you're viewing the conversation, then tap Send Location.
 

Send a new message

You can ask Siri to create a message for you. For example, say “Hey Siri, tell Johnny I’ll be there in 20 minutes.” Then lower your wrist to send. You can also use these steps:

  1. Press the Digital Crown to open the Home screen, then tap Messages app.
  2. Firmly press the display, then tap New Message. 
  3. Tap Add Contact. You can tap a contact in the list that appears, tap contacts button to see more contacts, or tap microphone icon to search for someone or dictate a phone number.
  4. Create your message. 

Create a new preset reply

To customize a reply, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, and go to Messages > Default Replies. Then tap a default reply to change it.

Delete a conversation

Swipe left on the conversation, then tap Trash.

 

Get help if you can't send or receive a message

After each step, try to send or receive a message again:

  1. See if you can send and receive messages on your iPhone
  2. Make sure that your Apple Watch can connect to your iPhone. To check the connection, open the Settings Glance on your Apple Watch and tap ping phone icon. If connected, your iPhone will make a "ping" sound.
  3. If you see Moon on your watch, turn off Do Not Disturb.
  4. Check your friend's phone number or Apple ID to make sure that it's correct.
  5. Sign out of iMessage on your iPhone. If you're signed in with your Apple ID, tap it, then tap Sign Out. 
  6. Turn iMessage off on your iPhone, then turn it back on again.
  7. Sign back in to iMessage on your iPhone. 
  8. Restart your Apple Watch and iPhone.
  9. Unpair your Apple Watch, then pair it again.
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