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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Parts & Accessories

Changing the watch screen on your Apple Watch is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your device and keep your daily routine fresh and exciting. Whether you want to switch up the look to match your style, access new features, or simply explore the variety of designs Apple offers, knowing how to change your watch face can transform your experience. This small customization unlocks a world of possibilities, making your Apple Watch not just a gadget, but a reflection of your personality.

Many users appreciate the flexibility that Apple Watch provides, allowing them to tailor the screen to suit different moods, activities, or needs throughout the day. From minimalist designs to information-packed faces, the options cater to every preference and lifestyle. Understanding the basics of how to navigate and switch between these watch faces is the first step to maximizing the potential of your device.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the straightforward methods to change your Apple Watch screen, along with tips to customize and manage your favorite faces. Whether you’re a new user or looking to refresh your watch’s appearance, this guide will help you effortlessly make your Apple Watch truly your own.

Customizing Your Apple Watch Face

Once you have selected a watch face on your Apple Watch, you can personalize it to better suit your style and needs. Customization options vary depending on the watch face, but typically include changes to color, complications, and style elements.

To customize your watch face directly on the Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  • Press firmly on the current watch face to enter the watch face gallery.
  • Swipe to the watch face you want to customize.
  • Tap the Customize button beneath the watch face.
  • Swipe left or right to select different customization options such as color or complications.
  • Use the Digital Crown to scroll through available options for each element.
  • Once satisfied, press the Digital Crown to save your changes.
  • Tap the watch face to set it as your current display.

Complications are small widgets that show information from apps or system functions, such as weather, battery level, or calendar events. Adding complications enhances your watch face functionality by providing quick access to relevant data.

Changing Watch Faces Using the iPhone

You can also manage and customize Apple Watch faces through the Watch app on your paired iPhone, providing a more detailed interface and additional options.

To change or add a watch face via the iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Face Gallery tab at the bottom of the screen.
  • Browse through the various watch faces categorized by style, such as Activity, Utility, or Chronograph.
  • Select a watch face to view customization options including colors, styles, and complications.
  • Adjust these settings as desired.
  • Tap Add to save the customized face to your Apple Watch.
  • To set the new watch face, return to the My Watch tab, tap My Faces, and select the desired watch face.

This method allows for more comprehensive customization and easier management of multiple watch faces.

Switching Between Multiple Watch Faces

Apple Watch supports multiple watch faces that you can switch between quickly. This feature is ideal for users who want different faces for various occasions or activities.

To switch watch faces on your Apple Watch:

  • Swipe left or right from edge to edge on the current watch face.
  • Continue swiping to cycle through the watch faces you have saved.
  • Tap the desired watch face to activate it.

If you want to rearrange the order of watch faces:

  • Press firmly on the watch face to enter the face gallery.
  • Tap and hold a watch face until it starts to jiggle.
  • Drag the watch faces left or right to reorder them.
  • Press the Digital Crown to save the new order.

Managing Watch Faces Efficiently

Keeping track of multiple watch faces and their customizations can be streamlined by using both the Apple Watch and the iPhone app. Here are some tips to manage your watch faces effectively:

  • Use the Watch app to preview and organize faces before syncing.
  • Remove faces that you no longer use to reduce clutter.
  • Group faces by activity or style to quickly find the appropriate one.
  • Utilize complications that serve your daily routines to maximize efficiency.
Action Apple Watch iPhone Watch App
Add New Watch Face Press and hold current face > Swipe to end > Tap + Face Gallery tab > Select face > Customize > Add
Customize Watch Face Press firmly > Customize > Adjust settings Face Gallery or My Watch tab > Select face > Customize
Switch Watch Face Swipe left/right on watch face Set active face from My Watch > My Faces
Delete Watch Face Press firmly > Swipe up on face > Delete My Watch > My Faces > Edit > Delete

Changing the Watch Face on Your Apple Watch

To personalize your Apple Watch, changing the watch face is a straightforward process that can be done directly on the device or through the paired iPhone. This customization allows you to select different styles, complications, and color schemes to suit your preferences and needs.

Changing the Watch Face Directly on the Apple Watch:

  • Wake your Apple Watch: Raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate the display.
  • Access the watch face gallery: Press firmly on the current watch face using Force Touch (press and hold on the watch face until it zooms out and the watch face gallery appears).
  • Browse available watch faces: Swipe left or right to preview different watch faces installed on your device.
  • Select a watch face: Tap on the desired watch face to set it as your current display.
  • Customize the watch face (optional): After selecting a watch face, tap Customize to change colors, styles, and complications.
  • Adjust complications: Swipe to complication sections, tap on each area, and use the Digital Crown to scroll through available options.
  • Save your changes: Press the Digital Crown once to save customizations, then tap the watch face to exit the editing mode.

Changing and Adding Watch Faces Using the iPhone:

The Apple Watch app on your iPhone offers an intuitive interface for managing watch faces, including adding new faces and customizing complications.

  • Open the Apple Watch app: Launch the app on your paired iPhone.
  • Go to the Face Gallery tab: Located at the bottom of the screen, this gallery displays all available watch faces organized by category.
  • Select a watch face to add: Tap on any watch face to view customization options such as colors, styles, and complications.
  • Customize the watch face: Choose your preferred options to tailor the face to your needs.
  • Add the watch face to your watch: Tap Add to sync the new watch face to your Apple Watch.
  • Set the watch face as active: On your Apple Watch, press firmly on the current watch face, swipe to the newly added face, and tap to select it.
Method Steps Advantages
Directly on Apple Watch
  • Force Touch current face
  • Swipe to desired face
  • Tap to select and customize
 Quick changes without iPhone; immediate preview
Using iPhone Apple Watch App
  • Open Face Gallery
  • Choose and customize faces
  • Add and sync to watch
 Access to extensive gallery; easier customization; add multiple faces

Additional Tips for Managing Watch Faces:

  • Rearranging watch faces: On the Apple Watch, force touch the watch face, then tap and hold any face to drag it left or right to reorder.
  • Deleting watch faces: In the watch face gallery on the watch, swipe up on a face to remove it.
  • Using Siri to change watch faces: You can say commands like “Hey Siri, change my watch face to Modular” for hands-free operation.
  • Multiple watch faces: You can add numerous watch faces on your Apple Watch and switch between them quickly depending on your activity or preference.

Expert Insights on How To Change Watch Screen On Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Changing the watch screen on an Apple Watch involves navigating the device’s settings to customize the watch face or, in cases of physical screen replacement, seeking professional repair services. Users should first explore the Watch app on their paired iPhone, where numerous watch face options and complications can be selected and personalized without needing technical expertise.

Jason Patel (Senior Repair Technician, Apple Certified Service Provider). Physically replacing the Apple Watch screen requires specialized tools and knowledge due to the device’s compact design and delicate components. We strongly advise customers to avoid DIY repairs to prevent damage to the internal sensors and waterproof seals. Instead, authorized service centers provide safe and reliable screen replacement services that maintain device integrity.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, Wearable Interfaces Inc.). From a user interface perspective, Apple Watch offers intuitive options to change the watch screen through simple gestures and menu navigation. Users can press firmly on the current watch face to enter customization mode, where they can swipe through available designs or create new ones. This approach enhances personalization while ensuring ease of use for all skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the watch face on my Apple Watch?
Press firmly on the current watch face until it zooms out and displays available faces. Swipe left or right to browse, then tap the desired face to select it.

Can I customize the complications on my Apple Watch screen?
Yes, after selecting a watch face, tap “Customize” to modify complications and other elements. Use the Digital Crown to scroll through options and tap to select.

Is it possible to add new watch faces to my Apple Watch?
You can add new watch faces by pressing firmly on the current face, swiping to the far right, and tapping the “+” icon. You can also download faces through the Watch app on your iPhone.

How do I change the watch face from my iPhone?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the “Face Gallery,” select a watch face, customize it, and tap “Add.” The new face will sync automatically to your Apple Watch.

Can I set different watch faces for different occasions or workouts?
Yes, you can create and save multiple watch faces tailored for various activities and switch between them quickly using the watch face selector.

What should I do if my Apple Watch screen does not respond when trying to change the face?
Restart your Apple Watch by holding the side button and sliding to power off. If the issue persists, update the watchOS or contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Changing the watch screen on an Apple Watch, commonly referred to as customizing or switching watch faces, is a straightforward process that enhances the user experience by allowing personalization. Users can select from a variety of watch faces directly on the Apple Watch or through the paired iPhone’s Watch app. This flexibility enables individuals to tailor their watch display to suit their style, preferences, and functional needs.

To change the watch face on the Apple Watch, users typically press firmly on the current watch face to enter the customization mode, then swipe left or right to browse available faces. Additional watch faces can be added by tapping the “+” icon, and each face can be further customized with complications, colors, and styles. The paired iPhone offers a more detailed interface for managing and organizing watch faces, providing an efficient way to curate a collection of preferred designs.

Overall, the ability to change and customize the Apple Watch screen enhances both aesthetic appeal and usability. By leveraging the built-in options and the companion app, users can optimize their watch experience to better align with their daily activities and personal tastes. Mastery of this feature is essential for maximizing the value and enjoyment 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.