How to Type on Your Apple Watch Using Your iPhone

By Rhett Intriago Updated 09/04/2024

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Typing on your Apple Watch can be a hassle because of how small the display is. Plus, if your Apple Watch is older than Series 7, you don’t even have access to an on-screen keyboard. However, did you know you can type on your Apple Watch using your iPhone? Here’s how.

Why You’ll Love This Tip:

Quickly type from your iPhone instead of using the tiny watch display.
Enter search terms and reply to texts faster on your watch.

How to Access Apple Watch Keyboard Notification

System Requirements

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 16 or later and Apple Watches on watchOS 9 or later. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS and watchOS.

While the Apple Watch Series 7 and newer has a keyboard built into the OS, it can be difficult to type on the small display. Luckily, when you open a text entry field on your Apple Watch, you’ll also get a notification on your iPhone allowing you to type using your iPhone’s keyboard. For more hidden Apple Watch tricks, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here’s how to enable and use the Apple Watch keyboard notification:

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On your iPhone, open the Settings app, and tap Notifications.
Scroll down and find the Watch app. Tap it.

Confirm that Notifications are enabled.
Keep your iPhone nearby, and on your Apple Watch, open a text entry field (e.g. tap the Search icon in the App Store, reply to a text message, etc.)

On your iPhone, a notification should pop up reading, Apple Watch Keyboard Input. Tap it.
A text box and keyboard will appear. Now, you can type whatever you want and it will also be typed on your Apple Watch!

This can be used anywhere on your Apple Watch when you need to type. I find it most useful to search on the App Store or Apple Maps, although it can also be used for texting.

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Topics

Author Details

Rhett Intriago

Rhett Intriago is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, offering his expertise in all things iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. He enjoys writing on topics related to maintaining privacy in a digital world, as well as iPhone security. He’s been a tech enthusiast all his life, with experiences ranging from jailbreaking his iPhone to building his own gaming PC.

Despite his disdain for the beach, Rhett is based in Florida. In his free time, he enjoys playing the latest games, spoiling his cats, or discovering new places with his wife, Kyla.

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