10 Best Force Touch Uses on Apple Watch

Understanding Force Touch on Apple Watch

The Force Touch capability on Apple Watch functions similarly to a right-click on a Windows computer. It provides swift access to options tailored to the current context within the watch’s interface. Below, we detail ten practical applications of Force Touch across various apps on your watch.

Modify and Personalize Watch Faces

Changing watch faces is arguably the most frequent use of Force Touch. A firm press on the watch face reveals the interface for selecting and customizing different watch face designs.

NOTE: You can utilize a single photograph or an entire photo album to create a personalized watch face, and also adjust the colors displayed on the Modular watch face.

Adjust the Display in the Weather App

Upon launching the “Weather” app on your Apple Watch, the current weather conditions are shown by default. However, Force Touch allows you to alter the displayed view.

Pressing firmly on the watch face unlocks three distinct options for viewing weather information within the app. Selecting one of these options will change the display accordingly.

NOTE: Tapping the current view also cycles through the three available display options.

Alter the View in the Calendar App

The “Day” view is the default display when you initially open the Calendar app on your watch. The last used view will then be shown upon subsequent openings. Utilize Force Touch to quickly switch between Calendar views. Apply firm pressure to the watch screen in the current view.

Tap “List” to view today’s events presented in a list format.

NOTE: Selecting the “Today” link in the upper-left corner of the screen provides a monthly overview. Tapping the monthly calendar returns you to the “Today” view (“Day” or “List”, depending on the last format used).

Another firm press will revert you to the “Day” view.

Manage Emails in the Mail App

The “Mail” app on Apple Watch enables not only viewing email messages but also performing actions on them using Force Touch. Open the mail app and tap the email you wish to flag, delete, mark as unread, or reply to.

Once the desired email is open, press firmly on the screen to access options for managing the current message.

Clear All Notifications Efficiently

This feature is particularly useful when you receive a large number of notifications simultaneously. Instead of dismissing each notification individually, you can quickly clear them all. When notifications appear, open the main notification list and press firmly on the watch screen. Tap the “Clear All” button to dismiss all notifications.

Initiate a New Text Message

The Apple Watch allows you to compose and send text messages directly from your wrist, with delivery routed through your iPhone. You don’t need to remove your phone to create a message. Simply use Force Touch within the “Messages” app to start a new message.

Open the “Messages” app and press firmly on the main “Messages” screen.

Tap the “New Message” button and use the “New Message” screen to add a contact and compose your message.

When composing, you can choose from default messages, dictate your message, or send an emoji.

NOTE: You can create custom messages for quick use when sending new messages or replying to received messages.

Share Your Location via Messages

If you are meeting someone, sharing your location via text message can be more effective than providing verbal directions. They can use the received location to navigate to your position. This is easily achieved using Force Touch in the “Messages” app.

We have previously discussed how to quickly share your location using “Messages” on your Apple Watch.

Add a New Alarm

Similar to multi-function watches, your Apple Watch includes an Alarm function. Opening the “Alarms” app displays a list of added alarms, with slider buttons indicating whether they are enabled (green) or disabled (gray). Disabled alarms are also shown in gray text instead of white.

Force Touch is used to create new alarms within the app. Press firmly on the main “Alarms” screen.

Tap the “Add Alarm” button and set the desired alarm options.

Control Music Playback in the Music App

Your Apple Watch can control music playing on your iPhone, as well as music stored directly on the watch. Force Touch provides access to various options within the app’s different screens.

Open the “Music” app and press firmly on the main “Music” screen.

Tap the “Source” button to select whether to play music from your iPhone or directly from the watch.

NOTE: You can store up to 2GB of music on your watch and play it directly using Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Additional options are available on the “Now Playing” screen with Force Touch. Press firmly on the “Now Playing” screen.

The “Shuffle”, “Repeat”, and “AirPlay” options will appear. You can also change the music “Source” from this screen.

Search for Locations in the Apple Maps App

You can search for locations in the “Maps” app using your Apple Watch, without needing to take out your phone, utilizing Force Touch. When you open the “Maps” app, your current location is displayed. Press firmly on the watch screen.

Tap the “Search” button to search for a specific location. You can dictate the address using the “Dictation” button or select a location from the “Recents” list.

NOTE: You can also find the location of any contact with a saved address using the “Contacts” button and access transit system maps using the “Transit” button.

Other Force Touch applications exist on the Apple Watch, such as modifying stopwatch and timer modes, adjusting the move goal in the “Activity” app, and changing emoji colors in “Messages”. Explore Force Touch in third-party apps to discover any additional available options.