If you're like most Apple Watch owners, you likely use your device primarily for checking notifications, tracking workouts, and telling time. However, your wrist-worn companion is capable of so much more than these basic functions. Beyond the typical features lies a treasure trove of clever functionalities that can genuinely enhance your daily routine. Apple has refined these tools across multiple generations, yet many users may never discover their full potential. To elevate your Apple Watch experience, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its comprehensive range of capabilities. Here, we explore seven standout features that promise real value to your everyday life.
While basic workout tracking is widely recognized, the new Training Load feature in watchOS 11 offers deeper insights that many users have yet to explore. To set up Training Load, ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18 and your watch has watchOS 11. Open the Fitness app on your iPhone, tap on Summary, and then Edit Summary. Scroll down and tap Set Up in the Training Load section. Once you've added the card to your summary, you can view your Training Load metrics by tapping the card. You have the option to switch between All Workouts and All Day views, providing different perspectives on your training impact.
Despite being available since the Apple Watch Series 4, many users are still unaware of the ECG (electrocardiogram) feature that can detect irregular heart rhythms. This underutilized tool provides medical-grade heart monitoring that once required a healthcare provider’s visit. To take an ECG reading, simply open the ECG app on your Apple Watch. Sit down, rest your arm on a flat surface, and press your finger against the Digital Crown. Hold still for 30 seconds as the reading occurs, and then review your results, which will indicate either sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation. You can also add notes about any symptoms you're experiencing, and share these results with your doctor if necessary.
The Vitals app in watchOS 11 consolidates multiple health metrics into a comprehensive dashboard, making it a must-use feature for anyone interested in monitoring their health. To start, open the Vitals app on your Apple Watch and follow the on-screen prompts. For optimal results, wear your watch consistently throughout the day and while sleeping for at least seven days. After collecting sufficient data, you can check your heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and blood oxygen levels. The app allows you to review daily variations and longer-term trends, helping you identify what’s normal for your body and when something may be amiss. You can also set up notifications for unusual readings.
Many features of the Apple Watch focus on physical fitness, but the Mindfulness app offers significant mental health benefits that remain largely underutilized. To explore these features, open the Mindfulness app on your watch and choose between Reflect and Breathe modes. In Reflect mode, focus on the suggested thought for one minute. In Breathe mode, follow the animated blue dots that guide your breathing. Users with watchOS 10 or later can tap State of Mind to track their emotional wellbeing over time by selecting how they're feeling and identifying the primary factors influencing their emotional state. You can also set specific times for mindfulness reminders throughout your day.
Many Apple Watch users are unaware that they can browse websites directly on their device using a hidden Safari functionality. To access Safari, open the Messages app on your watch and tap the compose button. Select yourself as the recipient and type or dictate the URL you wish to visit. Tap send to deliver the message containing the URL link. When you receive the notification, tap it to open the message and then tap the URL preview to access the hidden browser interface. If the page loads in Reader view, you can switch to Web View by tapping the URL bar at the top. Additionally, you can access this browser by tapping links in emails through the Mail app.
The Noise app on the Apple Watch features hearing protection capabilities that are often overlooked, despite their potential to prevent long-term hearing damage. This passive monitoring feature works in the background to safeguard your hearing health without requiring daily input. To set up noise monitoring, navigate to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Noise, and then Environmental Sound Measurements. Turn on Measure Sounds and customize your preferred decibel threshold (typically between 80-90 dB). Your watch will now monitor ambient noise levels and send alerts when surrounding sounds reach harmful levels.
The Check In feature offers a simple way to let loved ones know you've arrived safely at your destination. Ensure your watch is updated to watchOS 11 to utilize this new safety feature. Open the Messages app on your watch and either start a new conversation or open an existing one. Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the screen, scroll down, and select the Check In option. Choose your preferred Check In method—timer-based, destination-based, or upon workout completion. After customizing the time, location, or activity parameters, tap send to activate the Check In. Your contact will be notified when the conditions are met, and you can cancel or modify your Check In at any time through the Messages app.
By exploring these seven features of your Apple Watch, you can unlock its full potential and enhance your daily routine significantly. Whether you own the latest Series 10 or an older model, these tools are designed to provide real value and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
