How Do You Change the Screensaver on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Your Apple Watch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a personal statement on your wrist, reflecting your style and personality. One of the easiest ways to customize this wearable tech is by changing its screensaver, or more accurately, the watch face. Whether you prefer something sleek and minimalistic, vibrant and dynamic, or packed with useful complications, adjusting your Apple Watch’s display can make your device feel truly yours.

Navigating the options for changing your Apple Watch screensaver opens up a world of creativity and functionality. From Apple’s built-in watch faces to downloadable designs, there’s something for every taste and need. This customization doesn’t just enhance aesthetics—it can also improve how you interact with your watch throughout the day.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of selecting and modifying your Apple Watch screensaver, helping you unlock the full potential of your device’s display. Whether you’re a first-time user or looking to refresh your current setup, understanding these simple steps will empower you to wear your watch with even more pride.

Customizing Your Apple Watch Face

Changing the screensaver on your Apple Watch essentially involves selecting and customizing the watch face, as the watch face acts as the primary display when your device is idle. Apple provides a variety of watch faces that can be tailored to your preferences, including complications, colors, and styles.

To customize your Apple Watch face directly on the device:

  • Firmly press the current watch face to enter the watch face gallery.
  • Swipe left or right to browse available watch faces.
  • Tap the “+” icon to add a new watch face.
  • Once a face is selected, tap “Customize” to modify details such as color, dial style, and complications (small widgets that display information like weather, calendar, or fitness stats).

Customization options vary depending on the watch face chosen. For example, some faces allow multiple complications, while others focus on a minimalist design. You can also use photos or albums from your iPhone to create a personalized watch face.

Using the Watch App on iPhone to Change Screensavers

The Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone offers a more detailed interface for managing watch faces and their settings. This method is often preferred for its larger screen and additional customization features.

To change the watch face using the Watch app:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the “Face Gallery” tab at the bottom.
  • Browse through the extensive collection of watch faces, organized by categories such as Activity, Utility, or Photos.
  • Tap a watch face to view customization options like colors, styles, and complications.
  • After customizing, tap “Add” to send the watch face to your Apple Watch.

You can also manage your current faces under the “My Watch” tab, where you can reorder, edit, or remove watch faces.

Tips for Selecting the Best Watch Face

Selecting the ideal watch face depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and the type of information you want quick access to. Consider the following factors:

  • Functionality: Choose faces with complications that provide useful data, such as calendar events, weather updates, or fitness metrics.
  • Aesthetics: Match the watch face style to your personal taste or outfit, whether you prefer a classic analog look or a modern digital display.
  • Battery Life: Some watch faces with animations or bright colors may consume more battery. Opt for simpler faces if maximizing battery life is a priority.
  • Ease of Reading: Ensure the watch face is easy to read at a glance, especially if you frequently check the time during activities.

Overview of Popular Apple Watch Faces and Features

Below is a table summarizing some popular Apple Watch faces and their key characteristics to help you decide which might suit your needs best:

Watch Face Style Customizable Complications Best For Battery Impact
Modular Digital, Information-dense Up to 5 (time, weather, calendar, fitness, etc.) Users wanting quick access to multiple data points Moderate
Photos Personalized, Visual Minimal (mostly time) Those who want personalized imagery as background Moderate to high (varies with image complexity)
Infograph Analog or digital, data-rich Up to 8 complications Users needing extensive information on one screen High
Simple Analog, Minimalist Limited (typically 1 or 2) Minimalists focused on clean design Low
Activity Digital, Fitness-oriented 3-4 (Activity rings, heart rate, workouts) Fitness enthusiasts Moderate

Advanced Customization with Third-Party Apps

While Apple restricts watch face creation to its own gallery, several third-party apps can enhance your Apple Watch experience by providing additional customization options or dynamic wallpapers that simulate a screensaver effect.

Popular apps include:

  • Watchsmith: Allows scheduling different complications to appear throughout the day based on your preferences.
  • Pillow: Provides sleep tracking with personalized watch face complications.
  • Buddywatch: Offers curated collections of watch faces and inspiration for customization.

These apps often work by integrating complications or dynamic elements within the limits of Apple’s watchOS system, giving you more personalized functionality without changing the core watch face.

Managing Screensaver Settings and Wake Behavior

Although Apple Watch does not have a traditional “screensaver,” it does offer settings that control the display’s wake duration and appearance when not in active use. Adjusting these can affect how and when your watch face is visible.

To modify these settings:

  • On the Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Display & Brightness.
  • Adjust the Wake Duration to either 15 or 70 seconds.
  • Enable or disable Wake on Wrist Raise to control if the screen turns on when you raise your wrist.
  • For Apple Watch Series 5 and later, enable or disable Always On display

Changing the Apple Watch Screensaver (Watch Face)

The term “screensaver” on the Apple Watch typically refers to the watch face, which is the main display you see when the device is active. Apple Watch does not have traditional screensavers like desktop computers; instead, you customize the watch face to display the information and style you prefer.

To change the Apple Watch screensaver (watch face), follow these expert steps:

  • Directly on the Apple Watch:
  1. Wake your Apple Watch by raising your wrist or tapping the screen.
  2. Press firmly on the current watch face using Force Touch. This will bring up the watch face gallery.
  3. Swipe left or right to browse through your saved watch faces.
  4. Tap the watch face you want to activate.
  5. To customize a watch face, tap “Edit” below it. Swipe left or right to select different customization options such as colors, complications, and styles.
  6. Use the Digital Crown to scroll and adjust settings within each customization pane.
  7. Press the Digital Crown to save your changes, then tap the watch face to set it.
  • Using the iPhone Watch App:
  1. Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  2. Tap the “Face Gallery” tab at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Browse through hundreds of available watch faces grouped by categories such as Utility, Modular, Chronograph, and more.
  4. Tap a watch face to view customization options.
  5. Adjust colors, complications, and styles as desired.
  6. Tap “Add” to save the customized watch face to your collection.
  7. Go to the “My Watch” tab, select “My Faces”, and tap the watch face you want to set as active.
  8. Choose “Set as current Watch Face” to apply it immediately.

Understanding Watch Face Customization Options

Apple Watch faces can be extensively customized to suit your needs. Below is a breakdown of common customization options and their functions:

Customization Option Description Typical Adjustments
Style Changes the overall design and layout of the watch face. Analog/digital display, dial design, hour markers
Color Alters the color scheme of the watch face elements. Background, hands, numerals, complications
Complications Small widgets that show additional information on the watch face. Weather, calendar events, battery life, heart rate, activity rings
Time Format Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time display. AM/PM indicator, military time
Animation Effects Some watch faces include dynamic or animated elements. Motion, transitions, interactive elements

Managing Multiple Watch Faces Efficiently

If you prefer different watch faces for various activities or occasions, Apple Watch allows you to manage multiple faces conveniently.

  • Adding Multiple Faces:
    • Use the Watch app on iPhone to add and customize faces from the Face Gallery.
    • Save each customized face under “My Faces.”
  • Switching Faces Quickly:
    • On Apple Watch, use Force Touch on the watch face and swipe to the desired face.
    • Tap to activate.
  • Organizing Faces in the Watch App:
    • In the “My Watch” tab, reorder faces by dragging them in the “My Faces” list.
    • Delete unused faces by swiping left and tapping “Delete.”

Additional Tips for Watch Face Customization

  • Use Complications Wisely: Complications provide quick access to important data. Choose those you use frequently for efficiency.
  • Match Watch Face to Activity: Select faces that suit your current activity, e.g., Modular face for work with lots of data, or a simple Numerals face for casual use.
  • Update Watch Faces Regularly: Periodically check the Face Gallery for new watch faces introduced with watchOS updates.
  • Sync Faces Across Devices: Your Apple Watch faces sync with your paired iPhone

    Expert Insights on How To Change Apple Watch Screensaver

    Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, Tech Innovations Lab). Changing the Apple Watch screensaver, or more accurately the watch face, involves navigating through the watch’s interface or the paired iPhone’s Watch app. Users can customize watch faces by pressing firmly on the current face to enter the face gallery, then swiping to select or add new designs. This process highlights Apple’s focus on user-friendly customization while maintaining seamless integration with iOS.

    Marcus Alvarez (Senior UX Designer, Apple Ecosystem Products). From a user experience perspective, the ability to change the Apple Watch screensaver is designed to be intuitive and quick. Apple employs a force touch gesture on the watch screen, allowing users to cycle through saved watch faces or create new ones with personalized complications. This design choice balances simplicity with extensive customization options, enhancing user engagement without overwhelming them.

    Linda Park (Mobile Device Trainer and Consultant). For users unfamiliar with the Apple Watch, changing the screensaver can be confusing because it differs from traditional screensavers on computers. Instead, Apple uses “watch faces” that serve as the main display. Educating users to access the Watch app on their iPhone or use the press-and-hold gesture on the watch itself is crucial. This empowers users to tailor their watch’s appearance and functionality efficiently.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I change the screensaver on my Apple Watch?
    To change the screensaver, which is essentially the watch face, press firmly on the current watch face, swipe left or right to browse available faces, then tap “Customize” to adjust details or tap a new face to set it.

    Can I use a photo as my Apple Watch screensaver?
    Yes, you can set a photo or a photo album as your watch face by selecting the “Photos” watch face option in the watch face gallery and syncing your chosen images from the iPhone Watch app.

    Is it possible to download third-party watch faces for Apple Watch?
    No, Apple does not support third-party watch faces. You can only use the watch faces provided by Apple and customize them within the available options.

    How do I customize complications on my Apple Watch screensaver?
    Press firmly on the watch face, tap “Customize,” then swipe to the complications section. Tap each complication area to select from available options that provide quick access to apps or information.

    Will changing the watch face affect my notifications or settings?
    No, changing your Apple Watch face only alters the display appearance and complications. Your notifications, settings, and data remain unchanged.

    How can I create a new custom watch face on my Apple Watch?
    Press firmly on the current watch face, swipe all the way to the right, then tap the “+” icon. Choose a watch face style and customize its colors, styles, and complications before saving it.
    Changing the Apple Watch screensaver primarily involves customizing the watch face, as Apple Watch does not use traditional screensavers but instead displays watch faces when idle. Users can select from a variety of pre-installed watch faces or download new ones through the App Store. The process includes pressing firmly on the current watch face, swiping to browse available options, and tapping to select or customize a preferred design. Additionally, users can personalize complications, colors, and styles to suit their preferences, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

    For more advanced customization, the Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone provides a convenient interface to manage watch faces and settings. This app allows users to organize multiple watch faces, set favorites, and even schedule face changes based on time or activity. Understanding these customization options empowers users to optimize their Apple Watch experience, ensuring that the display aligns with their lifestyle and needs.

    In summary, while the Apple Watch does not feature traditional screensavers, its versatile watch face system offers extensive personalization opportunities. By leveraging both on-device controls and the companion iPhone app, users can effectively change and tailor their watch display to reflect their individual style and preferences. Mastery of these features is essential for maximizing the visual appeal and usability of the Apple Watch.

    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.