How Do You Change the Background on Your Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Customizing your Apple Watch is one of the most enjoyable ways to make this sleek device truly your own. Among the many personalization options, changing the background—more commonly known as the watch face—stands out as a simple yet powerful way to express your style and keep your favorite information right at your fingertips. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, a vibrant photo, or a dynamic display, updating your Apple Watch background can refresh your daily experience and make your device feel brand new.

The process of changing the background on an Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive, allowing users of all tech levels to tailor their watch face with ease. From selecting preset designs to using your own images, the options are diverse and cater to different tastes and needs. Beyond aesthetics, the watch face also serves a functional role, offering customizable complications that provide quick access to apps and data you use most often.

As you explore the possibilities of personalizing your Apple Watch background, you’ll discover how this simple change can enhance both the look and utility of your device. The following sections will guide you through the basics and offer tips to help you create a watch face that’s uniquely yours.

Changing the Background Directly on Your Apple Watch

To change the background on your Apple Watch, you primarily modify the watch face, which includes both the background image and various complications. Apple Watch does not allow changing a wallpaper in the traditional sense like a smartphone; instead, you customize the watch face itself.

To customize directly on the watch:

  • Press firmly on the current watch face to enter the watch face gallery.
  • Swipe left or right to browse existing watch faces.
  • Tap “New” (+ icon) to add a new face.
  • Scroll through available faces and tap one to select it.
  • Tap “Customize” to adjust colors, styles, and complications.
  • For watch faces that support photos (e.g., Photos or Kaleidoscope faces), you can select specific images or albums to display.

When using a Photos watch face, the background is essentially your chosen photo or photo album. You can select a single image or have your watch cycle through multiple photos automatically.

Using the Watch App on Your iPhone to Set Backgrounds

The Apple Watch is tightly integrated with the iPhone, and the easiest way to manage and change watch faces — including the background images — is through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This method offers more convenience and precision.

Steps to change the background through the Watch app:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the “Face Gallery” tab at the bottom.
  • Scroll through the variety of watch faces available.
  • Select a face that supports photo backgrounds (e.g., Photos, Kaleidoscope).
  • Customize the face by choosing specific photos, colors, and complications.
  • Tap “Add” to save it to your watch.
  • The new watch face will automatically sync to your Apple Watch.

This method also allows you to create multiple custom watch faces, which you can switch between quickly on the watch itself.

Tips for Selecting Photos for Apple Watch Backgrounds

Choosing the right photos can greatly enhance your Apple Watch appearance. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Use high-resolution images for the best clarity.
  • Avoid overly busy or cluttered images; simple backgrounds work better.
  • Consider images with a centered subject, as the watch face crops photos into a circle or square.
  • Use portrait-oriented photos for better fit on the watch screen.
  • For dynamic backgrounds, use the “Photos” watch face with an album containing multiple images.

Comparison of Watch Faces Supporting Custom Photo Backgrounds

Watch Face Supports Single Photo Supports Photo Album Customization Options Complication Support
Photos Yes Yes None (photo only) No
Kaleidoscope Yes No Color and style variations No
Portraits Yes (Portrait mode photos) No Depth effect with dynamic focus Yes

Additional Customization Through Complications

While the background sets the look of your watch face, complications provide useful information and functionality. You can customize complications to complement your background, enhancing both style and utility.

Common complications include:

  • Weather updates
  • Activity rings
  • Calendar events
  • Heart rate
  • Battery status

Customizing complications is done through the “Customize” menu on the watch face, either on the Apple Watch or through the Watch app on your iPhone. By selecting appropriate complications, you can create a watch face that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional for your daily needs.

Changing the Background on Your Apple Watch

Changing the background on an Apple Watch involves selecting or customizing a watch face, which serves as the visual interface on the device’s screen. This process allows users to personalize their watch with different styles, colors, and complications that display useful information.

Apple Watch does not use a traditional “background” image like a smartphone wallpaper; instead, you customize the watch face itself. Here are the primary methods to change or customize your Apple Watch face:

Changing the Watch Face Directly on the Apple Watch

  • Wake your Apple Watch: Raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate it.
  • Force Touch the display: Press firmly on the current watch face until it zooms out and presents the face gallery.
  • Swipe left or right: Browse through existing watch faces.
  • Select a watch face: Tap on the desired face to set it as your new background.
  • Customize the watch face: Tap the “Customize” button below the selected face to modify elements such as colors, styles, and complications.
  • Swipe left or right to select customization options: Adjust colors, dial styles, or complications by turning the Digital Crown or tapping on options.
  • Press the Digital Crown: Once customization is complete, press the Digital Crown to save changes and return to the watch face.

Adding New Watch Faces from the Face Gallery

If you want to add a new watch face rather than choosing from your current options, you can explore the full Face Gallery:

  • Force Touch the current watch face to enter the gallery mode.
  • Swipe all the way to the right and tap the New (+) button.
  • Scroll through the available watch faces and tap the one you want to add.
  • Customize the watch face if desired, then tap Add.
  • The new watch face will become your active background.

Using the Apple Watch App on iPhone for More Detailed Customization

The Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone provides enhanced options for managing watch faces and their complications:

Step Action Description
1 Open the Apple Watch app Launch the app on your iPhone that is paired with your Apple Watch.
2 Tap the “Face Gallery” tab Located at the bottom of the screen, this tab allows browsing all available watch faces.
3 Choose a watch face Select any watch face from the gallery to customize it in detail.
4 Customize colors and complications Adjust colors, styles, and add complications from apps or system features.
5 Tap “Add” This sends the customized watch face to your Apple Watch.
6 Set as active face The new face will automatically appear on your watch; you can switch between faces anytime.

Tips for Customizing Your Apple Watch Face Background

  • Use Photos Face: You can set a personalized photo or a selected album as your watch face background by choosing the Photos watch face. It cycles through photos or displays a single image.
  • Complications: Add relevant data such as weather, calendar, heart rate, or shortcuts to apps to enhance the watch face usability.
  • Multiple Faces: Store multiple watch faces and switch between them quickly by swiping left or right on the watch screen.
  • Third-Party Apps: Some apps offer additional watch faces or complications that can be installed and used for further personalization.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively change and customize the background on your Apple Watch to suit your preferences and needs.

Expert Insights on Changing Backgrounds on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (User Experience Designer, Wearable Tech Innovations). Changing the background on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that enhances personalization. Users can customize watch faces directly through the Watch app on their iPhone or by pressing firmly on the watch face itself. This flexibility allows for seamless integration of personal photos or dynamic backgrounds, improving user engagement and satisfaction.

Michael Torres (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). The Apple Watch supports multiple watch face configurations, including the ability to set custom backgrounds using photos or Apple’s curated designs. The process involves selecting or creating a watch face, then customizing it by adding complications and choosing the background image. This approach balances aesthetic appeal with functional utility, ensuring users maintain quick access to vital information.

Sara Patel (Tech Analyst, Smart Device Review). From a consumer perspective, changing the background on an Apple Watch is one of the most popular personalization features. It can be done easily by accessing the watch face gallery and selecting from preset options or syncing photos from the iPhone. This capability not only boosts the device’s appeal but also reflects Apple’s commitment to user-centric design in wearable technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you change the background on an Apple Watch?
To change the background, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap on “Face Gallery,” select a watch face, customize it, and then tap “Add.” Alternatively, press firmly on the watch face, swipe left or right to choose a face, or tap the “+” icon to add a new one.

Can I use a photo from my iPhone as an Apple Watch background?
Yes, you can set a photo from your iPhone as a watch face background by selecting the “Photos” face in the Watch app or directly on the watch, then choosing specific photos or albums to display.

Is it possible to customize the colors and complications on the Apple Watch background?
Yes, you can customize colors, styles, and complications for most watch faces through the Watch app or by pressing firmly on the watch face and tapping “Edit.”

How do I remove or switch between different backgrounds on my Apple Watch?
Press firmly on the current watch face, swipe left or right to browse saved faces, and tap the one you want to use. To remove a face, swipe up on it and tap the trash icon.

Are there any third-party apps to create custom backgrounds for Apple Watch?
Yes, several third-party apps allow you to create and customize watch faces using personal images and designs, which can then be synced to your Apple Watch via the Watch app.

Does changing the background affect the battery life of the Apple Watch?
Using dynamic or highly detailed watch faces with animations or frequent updates may consume more battery, while simpler, static backgrounds generally have minimal impact.
Changing the background on an Apple Watch primarily involves customizing the watch face, as the device does not support traditional wallpaper changes like a smartphone. Users can select from a variety of built-in watch faces or create personalized ones by adding complications, adjusting colors, and incorporating photos from their iPhone. This customization allows for a unique and functional display tailored to individual preferences and needs.

The process to change or customize a watch face can be performed directly on the Apple Watch or through the Watch app on the paired iPhone. Utilizing the Watch app provides greater flexibility, especially when selecting photos or albums to use as the background for a photo watch face. Users can sync specific albums to their watch, enabling dynamic and visually appealing backgrounds that update automatically.

Overall, while the Apple Watch does not allow for a traditional background change, its extensive watch face customization options offer a versatile and user-friendly way to personalize the device’s appearance. Understanding these options ensures users can effectively enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of their Apple Watch experience.

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.