How to Prevent New Apps from Automatically Downloading to Apple Watch

By Conner Carey Sat, 07/08/2017

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

For the longest time, every new app I downloaded on my iPhone seemed to also appear on my Apple Watch. I found myself constantly deleting apps from my Apple Watch that I knew I would never ever use on the tiny screen. Eventually, I got so frustrated with all the new apps crowding my watch face that I went searching through settings for a solution. Here’s how to prevent new apps from automatically downloading to Apple Watch.

Related: How to Set a Passcode on Apple Watch

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

How to Prevent New Apps from Automatically Downloading to Apple Watch

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap General.
  • Toggle off Automatic App Install.

Below this setting it says, “When this is on and you have apps on your iPhone that also work with Apple Watch, those apps will automatically install and appear on your home screen.” But now that you’ve toggled it off, you won’t have to worry about that anymore.

Top image credit: 10 FACE / Shutterstock.com

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

How-To
Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Apple Watch
iPhone
Third-Party Apps

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.