Master How to Text on Your Apple Watch

What to Know

  • You can send texts from Messages, Contacts, or using Siri.
  • You can respond to texts by typing, using emojis and Memojis, Digital Touch, or Dictation.

The Apple Watch is a valuable communication tool if you know how to use it right! Texts can be received and read as well as sent directly from your wrist. You can respond by using your Apple Watch's keyboard, Scribble, dictation, emojis, Memoji, Animojis, and Digital Touch. In this article, I will teach you how to text on Apple Watch.

7 Ways to Respond to Texts on Apple Watch

You probably know how to text on your Apple Watch, but what about responding? When texts come in on your Apple Watch, there are several ways to respond. Keep in mind that you get notifications on either your watch or your phone. If your iPhone is unlocked, the text notification will appear there. However, you can still respond from your Apple Watch by opening the Messages app from your Home screen. Find out what to do if your Apple Watch is not receiving texts.

When a new text message comes in, or you want to send one to a contact, there are several response options:

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1. Send a Text Message Using Dictation

My personal favorite is dictation because it is the fastest way to get your message across. For more Apple Watch shortcuts and tricks, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to use dictation to send a text message:

  1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field to open the keyboard or Scribble.

    apple watch messages app with a red box around imessage text field
  2. Tap the microphone icon.

    apple watch messages displaying keyboard with a red box around dictation icon
  3. Speak your message and tap Send.

    apple watch messages dictation screen with a red box around send button

Pro Tip:

You can punctuate your message by saying "exclamation mark" at the end of the sentence. You can do the same with other punctuation marks and symbols such as a hashtag or dollar sign.

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2. Send a Message with Scribble

If you find yourself somewhere loud where dictation won't work or if you are in a public space and want to keep your text private, Scribble is an excellent option. It makes it possible to send a message discreetly, but it can be a little frustrating because you need to write one letter at a time. Scribble is available on the Apple Watch Series 6 and older, as well as both generations of Apple Watch SE.

  1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field. If you are using an Apple Watch that does not have a keyboard, Scribble will open automatically.

    apple watch messages app with a red box around imessage text field
  2. Use your finger to write letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols. 

    apple watch messages scribble screen with a red box around scribble field
  3. You can use the Digital Crown to correct mistakes quickly.

    You can use the Digital Crown to correct mistakes quickly.
  4. Tap the space and backspace when necessary.

    apple watch messages scribble screen with red boxes around backspace and space bar buttons
  5. When you are finished, tap Send.

    apple watch messages scribble screen with a red box around send button

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3. Use a Preset Reply to Send an Apple Watch Text

Sometimes all you need to say is a simple "yes," "no," or "okay." Or you want to quickly say, "I'm driving, and I'll respond later." You can do this easily on your Apple Watch.

  1. Open a message and scroll down, to Suggestions.

    apple watch message conversation with a red circle and arrow pointing upward, indicating to scroll down
  2. Based on the language used in the most recent texts, your Apple Watch will recommend answers. Just tap one to send it. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.

    apple watch message conversation, displaying quick reply suggestions with a red box around a suggestion that reads, "Hi how are you?"

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4. Create Custom Preset Replies for Quick Apple Watch Texting

If you want to add custom replies to the suggestions menu seen in the previous section, you can do is in the Watch app. Find out how to text on your Apple Watch with custom replies. You can write a long message to use as a suggested response. This can be useful if you are on holiday and have customers or clients reaching out, and you want to refer them to a colleague and let them know when you are back from your holiday.

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5. Send an Emoticon or Emoji as a Text Message

Can you send emojis on Apple Watch? Yes, you can! Sometimes a picture speaks a thousand words, and a simple emoticon can convey all you want to say.

  1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field.

    apple watch messages app with a red box around imessage text field
  2. Tap on the emoji icon.

    apple watch messages displaying keyboard with a red box around emoji icon
  3. Tap the one you want to send to send it. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.

    apple watch messages app displaying frequently used emojis

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6. Respond to an Apple Watch Text with a Memoji or Animoji

Personalize your message with a cartoon version of your face in a fitting expression!

  1. Open a message, and tap the App Store icon.

    apple watch messages app with a red box around imessage app button
  2. Tap on the Memoji icon.

    apple watch messages app displaying a list of imessage apps with a red box around memoji app
  3. Select the type of Memoji or Animoji you want to browse.

    apple watch messages displaying memoji options with a red box around personal memoji
  4. Tap the one you want to send. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.

    apple watch messages memoji app displaying a variety of memojis, with a red box around a waving memoji

You can learn more about creating a personalized Memoji here.

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7. Send a Text Message Using Digital Touch

Digital Touch is an animated drawing that will play a video of the strokes you make to create an image.

  1. Open a message, and tap the App Store icon.

    apple watch messages app with a red box around imessage app button
  2. Tap on the Digital Touch icon.

    apple watch messages app displaying a list of imessage apps with a red box around digital touch app
  3. Draw the animated image you want to send. You can tap the color circle on the top right to change colors.

    apple watch messages digital touch app with a red arrow pointing at a small blue circle in the upper right corner, where one can tap to change the color of the digital touch
  4. Tap Done to send it.

    apple watch messages digital touch app with a red box around done button

Now, you know several ways to respond to incoming texts on your Apple Watch. When a text comes in, there will be a red dot on your watch face. There is no specific text message icon but rather a new notification alert. Don't forget that you can still access them in the Messages app after you read new text messages. Next, learn how to delete your Apple Watch texts in bulk to free up some storage!

FAQ

  • Can you text on Apple Watch without cellular? To an extent, yes, you can text on non-cellular Apple Watches, as long as your iPhone is nearby and connected to the watch. If you don't have your iPhone on you, your Apple Watch will be able to send iMessages over Wi-Fi, but not SMS messages. If you don't have access to Wi-Fi and your iPhone is not nearby, you won't be able to text at all.
  • Can you search for a text message on iPhone? Yes, searching for texts on your iPhone is a breeze! If you scroll to the top of the Messages app, you'll find a search bar. Check out our article on how to search a text message on iPhone to find the specific text you need.
  • What is Apple Watch keyboard input? On the latest versions of watchOS and iOS, you can use your iPhone to type on your Apple Watch. Find out how to use the Apple Watch keyboard notification to use your iPhone to text on your watch.
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Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.