The Apple Watch not only stands out as a powerful smartwatch for its ability to monitor health and receive notifications, but it also allows simplify many everyday tasks through the Shortcuts app. If you've ever wanted to automate processes or have customized shortcuts right from your wrist, you've come to the right place to learn everything you need to know about setting up and getting the most out of shortcuts on your Apple Watch.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything from a detailed explanation of how the Shortcuts app works to advanced methods for customizing and integrating them into your daily routine. You'll discover how to create, manage, and run shortcuts, what limitations exist and how to avoid common mistakes, as well as tips for improving your watch's battery life by leveraging the power of automation.
What are shortcuts on the Apple Watch and what are they for?
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Shortcuts are small automations or sequences of actions you can design to have your Apple Watch perform specific tasks with just a tap or a voice command to Siri. They allow, for example, sending predefined messages, managing music playback, activating concentration modes or making automatic adjustments to the device. without having to navigate through difficult menus.
One of the main advantages is the full integration with the Apple ecosystem, which makes it easy for shortcuts created on your iPhone to also be run from your smartwatch. This level of customization offers a much more efficient experience tailored to your daily needs..
Requirements for using Shortcuts on your Apple Watch
- Apple Watch with relatively recent watchOS. While shortcuts work on most models, to take full advantage of the features, we recommend using the latest versions of watchOS and iOS.
- Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Since iOS 13 and watchOS 7, this app comes built-in, but you can update it from the App Store if necessary.
- Active synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch. Make sure both devices are connected and have the same Apple ID so information flows correctly.
How to create and manage shortcuts from your iPhone for use on your Apple Watch
The process starts on the iPhone, as All shortcuts available on the watch must be previously created or activated on the phone.. Follow these steps to set up a shortcut that can be conveniently run from your wrist:
- Access the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Press the button to create a new shortcut (“+” top right).
- Add the actions you want to automate, such as sending messages, playing music, or turning device features on/off.
- Select “Details” within the shortcut. Here is the essential option: activate “Show on Apple Watch”.
- Save the shortcut. It will now automatically appear in the Shortcuts app on your Apple Watch.
Remember that only shortcuts you specifically mark to appear on the watch will be available. You can manage which shortcuts are displayed at any time by accessing the Apple Watch tab in the Shortcuts app on your iPhone..
Run shortcuts from Apple Watch: all options
Now that your shortcuts are synced, you have several ways to run them on your watch:
- From the Shortcuts app on Apple Watch: Open the app and tap the shortcut you want to run. This is the most direct and visual way.
- Using Siri: You can say the shortcut name or phrases like "Hey Siri, run ." This is useful for quick actions, like sending messages or controlling home automation.
- Via complications on the watch face: Set up a specific Shortcuts complication for one-tap access from your watch's home screen. This is one of the most convenient ways, as you don't need to navigate menus or talk to Siri.
Tip: If you use shortcuts often, group them on your watch face using complications so you have them just a tap away at any time of day.
How to add, remove, and organize shortcuts on Apple Watch
Once you have several shortcuts created, you can manage their visibility and order to make your experience more intuitive:
- Change the visibility of shortcuts: From the iPhone Shortcuts app, go to the Apple Watch tab and turn off the “Show on Apple Watch” option for the shortcuts you want to hide.
- Remove shortcuts: If you decide you no longer need a shortcut, you can delete it from your iPhone and it will automatically disappear from your watch.
- Organize the order: There's no drag-and-drop feature on the Apple Watch, but you can reposition shortcuts in the iPhone app to reflect that order on your wrist.
Advanced Tips: Automate features to save battery life and increase productivity
One of the most practical uses of shortcuts on the Apple Watch is efficient battery management. For example, you can create shortcuts that turn on or off the always-on display, wrist turn detection, or even automate connectivity settings..
Reduce battery consumption by disabling the always-on display
- Go to the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Select “Display & Brightness.”
- Tap “Always-on display” and turn it off. This can be managed with a shortcut if you want to automate the process for specific times, such as when you know your battery is running low.
This simple adjustment can help extend battery life, especially on models with limited range.
Create a shortcut to adjust the screen by turning your wrist
Every time you turn your wrist to look at your watch, the sensors activate the display, which also consumes energy. You can create a shortcut on your iPhone that, with a single tap, turns the “Wake on Wrist Raise” feature on or off.. Follow these steps:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Click “+” to add a new shortcut.
- Choose the “Apps” tab and select “Watch.”
- Set the “Set 'Wrist Up'” action.
- Choose to activate or deactivate according to your needs.
This shortcut is useful for preventing the screen from turning on unnecessarily and, at the same time, increasing the device's battery life. Easily control when you want the screen to wake up when you raise your wrist.
Limit shortcut complexity for optimal performance
The simplicity of shortcut actions helps them work more efficiently on Apple Watch. The simpler the tasks, the better the watch will respond.If they include forms, multiple options, or require manual data entry, their operation may be affected on this device.
It's a good idea to create automations and actions that can be executed with a single tap or quick settings, leaving more complex tasks for the iPhone, where the screen and keyboard make the process easier.
View and modify all your shortcuts on Apple Watch
To review all your shortcuts on the watch, simply:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Click “Shortcuts” in the top left corner.
- Select the specific section of the Apple Watch.
From there, you can view, add, or remove shortcuts, and adjust any details to fine-tune your experience. Any changes in this section are instantly reflected on your watch..
Useful shortcut ideas for everyday life
Shortcuts can be highly customized to suit your habits and needs. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of this feature:
- Send messages or make quick calls to your favorite contacts, ideal for emergencies or for easy communication.
- Play music lists or podcasts with a simple touch, without having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.
- Create reminders and manage tasks instantly, adding items to shopping lists or working from your wrist.
- Control smart home devices, such as turning on lights, adjusting the temperature, or opening the garage door, directly from the clock face.
- Activate focus modes or do not disturb mode to facilitate moments of disconnection in meetings or while driving.
- Automate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or airplane mode settings according to your daily routines or usual places.
Common errors and problems when setting up shortcuts on the Apple Watch
It's important to know some issues that can occur during setup and how to quickly fix them:
- The shortcut does not appear on the Apple Watch: Make sure the “Show on Apple Watch” option is enabled in the shortcut details on your iPhone.
- The shortcut is not working properly: Check that the actions are compatible with watchOS and do not require manual intervention or restricted permissions.
- Synchronization is slow: Check that both devices have the latest version of the system and are properly connected.
Keeping shortcuts simple and ensuring they are compatible will facilitate a smooth experience.
Tips for advanced users: Get the most out of the Shortcuts app
For those who want to automate even more, it's possible to combine several shortcuts and automations, integrating them with different aspects of your routine:
- Location-based automations: They can be activated automatically when you arrive or leave places like your home or work, adjusting the watch settings according to your environment.
- Sequences of chained actions: How to adjust focus mode, mute notifications, and play music as you start your workday.
- Integration with third-party applications: Most popular apps offer automation options that can be integrated using shortcuts.
Experiment and adjust shortcuts to suit your routines to maximize their usefulness.Personalization and continuous testing will be key to getting the most out of this.
Apple Watch Shortcuts offer a wide range of possibilities for automating tasks, optimizing your time, and getting the most out of your device. Spending a few minutes customizing them can transform your daily experience, making your watch an even more useful and efficient extension of your iPhone. From managing your battery to controlling your smart home, mastering Shortcuts is an investment that will make many everyday tasks easier.
