How Do You Change the Watch Face on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Changing the watch face on your Apple Watch is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to personalize your device and make it truly your own. Whether you prefer a classic analog look, a modern digital display, or something fun and dynamic, customizing your watch face allows you to express your style while keeping the information you care about front and center. If you’ve ever wondered how to change the watch face on your iWatch, you’re in the right place.

The Apple Watch offers a wide variety of watch faces, each designed to highlight different features and functionalities. From fitness metrics and weather updates to calendar events and customizable complications, the options are nearly endless. Understanding how to navigate these choices and switch between faces effortlessly can enhance your daily experience and make your watch feel fresh every day.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of changing your watch face, how to customize it to suit your preferences, and tips for managing multiple faces efficiently. Whether you’re a new user or looking to get more out of your Apple Watch, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of your device’s display.

Customizing Watch Faces Using the Apple Watch

Once you have selected a watch face on your Apple Watch, customization allows you to tailor its appearance and functionality to better suit your preferences. To begin customizing directly on the watch, press firmly on the current watch face to enter the watch face gallery. Swipe left or right to browse available faces, then tap “Customize.”

When customizing, you can adjust multiple elements:

  • Complications: These are small widgets that display information such as weather, calendar events, battery life, or activity rings. You can select from a variety of complications offered by Apple and third-party apps.
  • Colors: Choose from a palette of colors that affect dial accents, numerals, and other visual details.
  • Styles and Layouts: Some watch faces allow you to change the dial style, numeral type, or the arrangement of complications.

Use the Digital Crown to scroll through options for each customizable area, and tap the screen to move between them. Once satisfied, press the Digital Crown to save your changes and set the watch face as active.

Customizing Watch Faces Using the iPhone

The Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone provides a more detailed interface for creating and managing watch faces. This method is especially useful for exploring a wider range of options and making precise adjustments.

To customize a watch face via the iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Face Gallery tab at the bottom to browse all available watch faces.
  • Select a watch face to see all customization options, including complications, colors, and styles.
  • After making your changes, tap Add to save the customized face to your Apple Watch.
  • You can also manage your existing watch faces under the My Watch tab by selecting a face and editing its settings.

Using the iPhone allows you to preview complications and colors in a larger format, making it easier to design your ideal watch face.

Managing and Switching Between Watch Faces

Apple Watch lets you store multiple watch faces and switch between them quickly to suit different occasions or needs. Managing your collection efficiently can enhance your daily experience.

To switch watch faces on the Apple Watch:

  • Swipe left or right from edge to edge on the watch face screen to cycle through your saved faces.
  • Press firmly on the watch face, swipe to the desired face, and tap it to activate.

You can also reorder or delete watch faces via the iPhone Watch app:

  • Open the My Watch tab.
  • Tap Edit next to My Faces.
  • Use the drag handles to reorder faces or tap the red minus button to remove unwanted ones.
Action Method on Apple Watch Method on iPhone
Add New Watch Face Press firmly on current face → Swipe left → Tap ‘+’ → Select face Watch app → Face Gallery → Select face → Customize → Add
Customize Watch Face Press firmly on face → Tap ‘Customize’ → Use Digital Crown and taps Watch app → My Watch → Select face → Customize
Switch Watch Face Swipe left/right on watch face screen Not available
Delete Watch Face Press firmly on face → Swipe up on face → Tap Delete Watch app → My Watch → Edit → Tap ‘-‘ next to face

Changing the Watch Face Directly on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch offers a highly customizable interface through various watch faces, allowing users to tailor their experience to personal style and functionality. To change the watch face directly on your Apple Watch, follow these expert steps:

  • Wake the Watch Screen: Raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate the display.
  • Force Touch the Current Watch Face: Firmly press (Force Touch) the center of the watch face until you feel a subtle haptic tap and the watch face gallery appears.
  • Swipe to Browse Faces: Swipe left or right to preview different available watch faces on your device.
  • Select a Watch Face: Tap the watch face you want to use to set it as your current face.
  • Customize (Optional): Tap the “Customize” button below the selected face to modify complications, colors, and styles:
  • Swipe left or right to select different customization options.
  • Use the Digital Crown to adjust colors, styles, or complication data.
  • Press the Digital Crown to save your customizations.
  • Exit to Watch Face: Press the Digital Crown again to return to the main watch face screen.

This method allows you to quickly switch and personalize watch faces without needing your iPhone.

Using the Watch App on iPhone to Change and Customize Watch Faces

For more detailed customization and to explore a broader selection of watch faces, the Watch app on your paired iPhone is the ideal tool. This method offers comprehensive control over watch face settings and complications.

Steps to Change and Customize Watch Faces via iPhone:

  1. Open the Watch App: Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the “Face Gallery” Tab: This section displays all available watch faces, including third-party options and new releases.
  3. Browse and Select a Face: Scroll through the Face Gallery to find a watch face that suits your preferences.
  4. Customize the Watch Face:
  • Choose colors, styles, and complication slots.
  • Select complications to add useful data and shortcuts (weather, calendar, fitness stats, etc.).
  1. Add to Your Watch: Tap “Add” to send the customized watch face to your Apple Watch.
  2. Set as Current Face: Once added, the watch face will appear on your watch. You can select it directly or switch from the watch.
Feature Description Benefit
Face Gallery Comprehensive library of watch faces and styles Access to more options than on the watch
Complication Customization Add detailed widgets to watch face Enhance functionality and quick data access
Color and Style Options Modify aesthetics including colors and dial appearance Personalize appearance to match your style
Syncing Instant transfer of selected faces from iPhone to watch Seamless experience between devices

Using the Watch app provides a powerful way to manage and experiment with watch faces beyond the default options.

Managing Multiple Watch Faces and Switching Quickly

Apple Watch allows users to maintain multiple watch faces and switch between them effortlessly. This capability helps adapt the watch to different occasions, activities, or moods.

How to Manage Multiple Watch Faces:

  • Add Faces: Use the Watch app or Force Touch on the watch to add several faces.
  • Rearrange Faces: In the Watch app under “My Faces,” tap “Edit” to reorder faces for quick access.
  • Remove Faces: Swipe left on a watch face in the “My Faces” list and tap “Remove” to delete unwanted faces.
  • Switch Faces Quickly: On the watch, swipe left or right on the current watch face to cycle through your saved faces.

Tips for Effective Watch Face Management:

  • Group faces by function, such as fitness, work, or casual.
  • Customize complications to match the use case of each face.
  • Keep frequently used faces at the beginning of your list for faster access.

Customizing Watch Face Complications for Enhanced Functionality

Complications are small widgets displayed on the watch face that provide quick access to information and apps. Customizing complications maximizes the utility of your watch face.

Key Points About Complications:

  • Available on most watch faces but vary by style and layout.
  • Can show data like calendar events, battery status, weather, heart rate, and more.
  • Many third-party apps offer complications for specialized data.

Steps to Customize Complications on Apple Watch:

  1. Enter Face Customization: Force Touch the watch face and tap “Customize.”
  2. Navigate to Complication Areas: Swipe to complication customization mode.
  3. Select a Complication Slot: Tap the complication position you want to change.
  4. Choose a New Complication: Rotate the Digital Crown to scroll through available complications.
  5. Save Changes: Press the Digital Crown to exit customization mode.

Commonly Used Complications and Their Use Cases:

Complication Use Case
Weather Quick access to current weather conditions
Activity Rings Monitor daily exercise progress
Calendar View upcoming events and reminders
Battery Check Apple Watch battery level
Heart Rate Monitor pulse during workouts or rest
Music Controls Control playback without opening the app

Properly configuring complications ensures the watch face is both informative and efficient for your daily needs.

Expert Insights on How To Change Watch Face On iWatch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechWear Insights). Changing the watch face on an Apple Watch is a seamless process designed to enhance user personalization. Users can simply press firmly on the current watch face to enter customization mode, swipe to select from existing faces, or tap the “+” icon to add new designs. This intuitive interface reflects Apple’s commitment to user-friendly wearable experiences.

Michael Torres (Senior UX Designer, Smartwatch Innovations). From a user experience perspective, the ability to quickly switch watch faces on the iWatch allows for adaptability in different contexts—whether for fitness tracking, professional settings, or casual use. Apple’s approach to face customization balances aesthetic appeal with functional widgets, empowering users to tailor their device to their lifestyle efficiently.

Sarah Patel (Apple Watch Developer and Consultant). Technically, changing the watch face on the iWatch involves leveraging watchOS’s built-in customization tools. Developers and users alike benefit from the modular design of watch faces, which supports complications and interactive elements. This flexibility not only improves user engagement but also opens opportunities for third-party integrations within the watch face ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the watch face on my Apple Watch?
Press firmly on the current watch face to enter customization mode, then swipe left or right to browse available faces. Tap the desired face to select it.

Can I customize the complications on my Apple Watch face?
Yes, after entering customization mode by pressing firmly on the watch face, tap “Customize” to modify complications, colors, and styles according to your preference.

Is it possible to download new watch faces for the Apple Watch?
Apple does not allow third-party watch faces, but you can download new faces through watchOS updates or by adding new faces from the Watch app on your paired iPhone.

How do I set a photo as my Apple Watch face?
Open the Photos app on your Apple Watch or iPhone, select the desired photo, then tap the share icon and choose “Create Watch Face” to set it as your watch face.

Can I switch watch faces automatically based on time or location?
Yes, with watchOS 7 and later, you can use the Shortcuts app or Focus modes to automate watch face changes based on time, location, or activity.

What should I do if my watch face is not changing?
Restart your Apple Watch and iPhone, ensure watchOS is updated, and try changing the watch face again. If the issue persists, unpair and re-pair your devices.
Changing the watch face on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that allows users to personalize their device to suit their style and functional preferences. By pressing firmly on the current watch face, users can access the watch face gallery, where they can swipe through available options or customize existing faces. Additionally, the Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone offers an expanded interface for selecting and modifying watch faces, providing further customization features such as complications and color adjustments.

Understanding how to change and customize watch faces enhances the overall user experience by allowing quick access to preferred information and aesthetics. Users can switch between multiple watch faces throughout the day to match different activities or moods, making the Apple Watch a versatile accessory. Regularly exploring new watch faces and updates from Apple can also introduce innovative features and designs that improve both functionality and visual appeal.

In summary, mastering the process of changing the watch face on the Apple Watch empowers users to maximize the device’s potential. It combines convenience, personalization, and efficiency, ensuring the watch remains both a practical tool and a reflection of individual style. Staying informed about the latest watch face options and customization techniques will continue to enhance the Apple Watch experience over time.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.