How to Change Your Apple Watch Face

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Did you know that you can customize your Apple Watch face from the Watch app on your iPhone? This is helpful because changing your watch face on the Apple Watch can be tricky with the small screen. But from the Watch app on iPhone, it’s easy to go through all of your options and select the complications and colors you want to use. Here’s how to customize an Apple Watch face from your iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

  • Avoid squinting at your tiny Apple Watch screen while trying to make customizations to your watch face.
  • Make your watch faces even more personalized by customizing complications, colors, and more.

How to Customize an Apple Watch Face from Your iPhone

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 12 running iOS 17.4 and an Apple Watch Series 7 running watchOS 10.4. Learn how to update to the latest iOS and watchOS.

Once you've learned how to set and customize Apple Watch Faces, you can have multiple watch faces and switch between them by swiping. If you like learning about how to use your Apple devices, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day!

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  1. Open the Watch app on iPhone.

    apple watch faces
  2. Tap the Face Gallery tab at the bottom of the screen.

    how to change apple watch face
  3. Scroll through multiple rows of options, including New Watch Faces, Activity, Artist, Astronomy, and much more.

    how to change watch face on apple watch
  4. Select the design you want to use as your watch face.

    change apple watch face
  5. From here, you can customize the face's colors. The watch face at the top will show you a preview of what it will look like.

    how to change the face on apple watch
  6. Many watch faces have the option of multiple styles, select the style you like. Be careful though, as some styles have different options for complications.

    how to change face on apple watch
  7. Lastly, select your Complications. Depending on how many the design allows for, you can tap each and choose from the list.

    how do i change the face on my apple watch
  8. Once satisfied with all your customizations, tap Add near the top.

    change face on apple watch

Pro Tip

Check out these fantastic Apple Watch complications that you might consider adding to your watch face. For more tips about how to use your Apple Watch, sign up for our free Tip of the Day.

And that's how to change your Apple Watch face directly from your iPhone. As long as your watch is within distance, it will automatically update to the new watch face. Do keep in mind that some Apple Watch faces drain more battery than others, but these third-party watch faces may be worth the battery loss. Apple's seemingly endless customization options are such a fun way to make the watch your own. But be careful though, this feature is dangerously addictive! You may find yourself creating a new Apple Watch face for every occasion!

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Author Details

Conner Carey's picture

Author Details

Conner Carey

Conner Carey's writing can be found at conpoet.com. She is currently writing a book, creating lots of content, and writing poetry via @conpoet on Instagram. She lives in an RV full-time with her mom, Jan and dog, Jodi as they slow-travel around the country.