Apple has a watch face for everything — exercise, productivity, style, even astronomy. But manually switching between them throughout the day? That's a hassle. Here's how to set up an automation that changes your watch face automatically based on the time of day or your location.
What You'll Need
To create a watch face automation, you'll need watchOS 7 or later and the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you don't have it, download it free from the App Store.
Step-by-Step: Create a Watch Face Automation
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Create Personal Automation.
- Select Time of Day for time-based, or Arrive/Leave for location-based.
- Choose your preferred time or location.
- Tap Add Action.
- Search for Watch and select Set Watch Face.
- Tap Face (highlighted in blue) at the top of your screen.
- Choose your desired watch face.
- Tap Next at the top right.
- Unselect Ask Before Running so your watch face changes automatically.
- Tap Done at the top right.
That's it — your watch face will now update automatically based on your configuration!
Automation Ideas to Try
Automate Your Exercise Watch Face
Use a specific watch face for workouts? Set it to switch automatically when you leave for your morning run, or when you arrive at and leave the gym.
Switch to Your Productivity Watch Face for Work
Automatically switch to a minimalist design to stay focused at work, or a data-rich face to stay on top of everything — all without lifting a finger.
Keep Your Apple Watch Looking Its Best
No matter which watch face you're rocking, a fresh band is the easiest way to make your Apple Watch look its best every single day.
