The Apple Watch is an excellent smartwatch that allows you to access apps, make payments, track fitness data, and more right from your wrist. However, you may find that some of the apps you want to use are not showing up on your Apple Watch. Learn how to add apps on apple watch.
Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab and tap App Store. Search for and select the app you want, then tap Install. The app will download to your iPhone and sync over to your Apple Watch.
There are a few things you can try to get new apps to successfully install and appear on your Apple Watch.
Key Takeaways
- Check app compatibility before trying to install on Apple Watch. Not all iPhone apps work on the smaller watchOS platform.
- Keep iPhone and Apple Watch software up-to-date. Outdated operating systems can prevent proper app syncing.
- Review app permissions and enable notifications/background app refresh if needed. This allows full app functionality.
- Use the Watch app on iPhone to install, organize, and remove apps. This is the central app management hub.
- Troubleshoot connection issues between devices and re-pair if needed for a clean sync. Stability is key.
How to Add Apps on Apple Watch
Here is the detailed breakdown of how to add apps on Apple Watch.
- Check App Compatibility
- Update iPhone and Apple Watch Software
- Reboot Both Devices
- Check App Permissions
Keep reading.
Check App Compatibility
The first step is to make sure the app you want to add is actually compatible with Apple Watch. Not all apps that run on iPhone will work on the smaller Apple Watch screen.
To check for compatibility:
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone
- Search for the app name
- Scroll down on the app page and check the “Compatibility” section – it should say “Apple Watch” if it is fully compatible
If the app is not labeled as Apple Watch compatible, then unfortunately you will not be able to install it directly on your watch. You will need to look for an alternative app that provides similar functionality and is optimized for the watchOS platform.
Update iPhone and Apple Watch Software
Before trying to add new apps, make sure both devices are updated to the latest software versions:
Update iPhone Software
- Open Settings app on iPhone
- Tap General > Software Update
- Install any available updates
Update Apple Watch Software
- Open Apple Watch app on iPhone
- Tap General > Software Update
- Install any available updates for your watch
Having the latest software versions can help resolve any bugs that may be preventing apps from installing correctly.
Reboot Both Devices
After ensuring the software is up to date, try rebooting both your iPhone and Apple Watch:
- On iPhone, press and hold the Side button until the “Slide to Power Off” prompt appears. Slide to turn off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button again to turn iPhone back on.
- For Apple Watch, press and hold the Side button until the Power off slider appears. Slide to turn off your watch.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button again to turn the watch back on.
Rebooting can help clear any minor glitches that may be interfering with apps syncing over to Apple Watch.
Check App Permissions
Some apps need special permissions to work properly on Apple Watch. You need to make sure required permissions are enabled:
- Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone
- Go to My Watch > General > Enable Notifications
- Make sure the app you want to add has notifications enabled
- Also check Apps in the same section and make sure the app is set to “Show App on Apple Watch”
Granting notifications and app permissions can allow apps to fully function on Apple Watch after installation.
Unpair and Repair Apple Watch
If you are still having no luck getting new apps to show up, a more advanced troubleshooting step is to unpair and then repair your Apple Watch:
- Open the Watch app on iPhone
- Tap the My Watch tab
- Tap the info button next to your watch
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm
This will reset your watch and disconnect it from your phone. You can then pair it again:
- On iPhone, open the Watch app and follow the on-screen setup prompts
- Bring your watch close to iPhone and a pairing request will appear on both devices
- Tap to confirm pairing and complete the setup process
Once fully paired again, try re-downloading the missing apps from the App Store. They should now install without issue.
Contact App Developer
For apps from third-party developers, another option is to contact the developer directly and report the issues you are having with the Apple Watch app.
Provide specific details like your iPhone model, watchOS version, and what troubleshooting steps you have tried already. The developer may be able to provide advice or push out an update to fix compatibility problems.
Reset Your Apple Watch
If all else fails, you can factory reset your Apple Watch to erase any corrupted data and start fresh.
Note: This will erase all content and settings on your watch.
To reset go to:
- Settings app on Apple Watch
- General > Reset
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
Once the reset is complete, pair your watch to iPhone again and set it up as new. Try re-downloading the problem apps – they should now be able to install cleanly on the fresh watchOS install.
Check iPhone Storage and Connection
Some general tips for keeping apps working smoothly on Apple Watch include:
- Check that iPhone has enough free storage space. Apps may fail to install if your iPhone is low on storage.
- Make sure iPhone and Apple Watch are within close Bluetooth range when installing new apps.
- Use WiFi on iPhone for large app downloads to avoid cellular data limitations.
- Restart both devices occasionally to clear caches and keep processes running smoothly.
Monitoring these factors can help ensure a stable connection for syncing new apps over to your watch.
Troubleshooting Tips to Fix Missing Apps on Apple Watch
If you still can’t get an app to show up on your Apple Watch after trying the above steps, here are some additional troubleshooting tips that may help identify and resolve the issue:
Update the App on iPhone First
Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your iPhone. If the iPhone app is outdated, it may prevent syncing the app over to Apple Watch properly.
- Open the App Store on iPhone
- Pull down to refresh your installed apps list
- If the app needing to be added to Apple Watch has an Update button, tap it to update to the latest version
- Once updated on iPhone, try adding it to Apple Watch again
Reinstall the iPhone App
If updating doesn’t work, the next step is to delete the iPhone app and reinstall it fresh:
- Touch and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling
- Tap the X icon to delete the app from iPhone
- Go to the App Store and redownload the app
- Try adding it to Apple Watch again after reinstalling
This can clear up any corrupted data that may be causing the iPhone app to not sync properly.
Delete and Re-add the App on Apple Watch
You can also try removing the Apple Watch app completely and re-adding it:
- On your watch, press firmly on the app icon until the icons start to jiggle
- Tap the X button on the problem app to remove it
- On your iPhone, open the Watch mobile app
- Go to the My Watch tab and select App Store
- Search for and re-add the app so it re-installs on your watch
Deleting the app data directly on Apple Watch can allow it to then reinstall fresh.
Contact Apple Support
If you still can’t resolve the issue, get in touch with Apple Support directly:
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Support app
- Select the option for Apple Watch and describe the problem you are having
- Schedule a call or chat with an Apple Support advisor
They can run diagnostics, check server logs, and possibly identify any underlying issues on Apple’s end that may be interfering with installing apps properly on your watchOS device.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| App not compatible with watchOS | Check for Apple Watch support on App Store listing. Find alternate app. |
| Outdated iPhone and/or watchOS | Update to latest iOS and watchOS versions. |
| Permissions not enabled | Enable notifications and background app refresh. |
| Unstable Bluetooth connection | Keep devices in close proximity. Repair if needed. |
| App not installed on iPhone | Download app to iPhone first. |
| Corrupt iPhone app data | Delete and reinstall app on iPhone. |
| Watch app data issues | Remove app from watch, re-add from iPhone. |
| Insufficient iPhone storage | Check and free up storage space on iPhone. |
| Cellular data limitations | Use WiFi for large app downloads. |
| Excessive background activity | Turn off unneeded background app refresh. |
| Too many notifications | Disable non-essential notifications. |
How to Add Apps Apple Watch: Paid Versions
If you are trying to install a paid app from the App Store onto your Apple Watch, the process is similar but with one extra step – you need to make sure the app has been purchased through your Apple ID:
Purchase the App on Your iPhone
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Find the paid app you want and tap Get, then tap the price
- Sign in with your Apple ID and complete the purchase
Purchasing the app through the same Apple account linked to your Apple Watch is required.
Install the Paid App on iPhone First
Even though you already paid for the app, you still need to fully download and install it on your iPhone first.
To do this:
- After completing the purchase, tap the cloud download icon to download the app
- Once downloaded, find the app on your iPhone homepage and tap to open it
- The app should now be fully installed and associated with your Apple ID
Sync the Paid App to Apple Watch
Now you can add the paid app to your Apple Watch:
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app
- Scroll down and tap App Store
- You should see the paid app ready to install under My Purchases
- Tap Install to download it to your Apple Watch
As long as you used the same Apple ID for purchase and watch setup, paid apps should transfer over just like free apps after following these steps.
How to Resolve “No Internet Connection” Error When Adding Apps on Apple Watch
One common error you may see when trying to install apps on your Apple Watch is “Cannot Connect to App Store – No Internet Connection.”
This occurs when your watch is not properly connected to your iPhone’s internet connection. Here are some ways to troubleshoot this:
Check iPhone Internet Connection
First make sure your iPhone itself has an internet connection:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and confirm Wi-Fi is on and connected to a network
- Alternatively try disabling Wi-Fi and use your cellular data connection instead
- Launch an internet-connected app like Safari to confirm internet is working on the phone
If your iPhone has no connectivity, your Apple Watch will be unable to access the internet as well.
Reconnect Apple Watch and iPhone
If your iPhone internet is fine, try reconnecting your watch:
- On your watch, open the Settings app and go to General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
- This will restart your watch’s network adapters without erasing data
- Open the Watch app on iPhone and ensure it is paired
- Force press the Watch app icon and select Create New Pairing
- Follow the on-screen steps to pair again from scratch
Re-pairing can refresh the connection and allow apps to access the internet.
Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
An easy way to reset connections is enable Airplane Mode on your watch for 30 seconds, then turn it off again:
- Open Settings on Apple Watch and toggle on Airplane Mode
- Wait 30 seconds then open Settings again and turn Airplane Mode off
Toggling airplane mode will restart your radio connections.
Update iPhone and Apple Watch Software
As covered earlier, keeping both devices updated is key for maintaining app connectivity:
- Install the latest iOS update on your iPhone
- Make sure your Apple Watch is on the newest watchOS version
- Restart both devices after updating
Updated software improves compatibility between the two devices.
Following these tips should help you troubleshoot and fix the “no internet connection” error so you can access and install apps on your Apple Watch!
How to Rearrange and Organize Apps on Apple Watch
Once you have all your desired apps installed, you can customize where they appear on your Apple Watch:
Open the Watch App on iPhone
The iPhone Watch app is used to manage your watch settings and apps:
- Locate and open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
- If you can’t find it, use the iPhone search bar to locate and open the app
Tap on the App View or Dock Section
Within the My Watch tab you’ll find two sections related to your apps:
- App View – This controls the layout of apps on your watch screen.
- Dock – This section lets you pick which apps appear in the Dock.
Tap on either section to customize your layout.
Rearrange Apps in App View
In App View you can reorganize apps on your watch face screens:
- Tap an app icon and hold, then drag it to move it
- Move apps around until they are in your desired order
- You can have multiple pages of apps – scroll left or right to add more pages
- Remember the placement, as the watch layout will match what you customized on your iPhone
Customize Your Dock
The Dock appears when you press the Side button and shows up to 10 apps.
To edit it:
- Tap the “+” icon in Dock settings to select apps
- Tap icons to add or remove them from the Dock
- Drag icons to reorder your Dock apps
Pressing the Side button will now show your customized Dock apps.
Sync Changes to Apple Watch
Once you finish rearranging apps in App View and Dock, the changes will sync over:
- Exit the Watch app to return to your iPhone home screen
- Wait a few minutes as the layout syncs to your watch in the background
- Open your watch to view your newly organized apps!
Enjoy having your most-used apps right where you want them for quick access on your wrist!
How to Add Apps on Apple watch: Optimizing App Performance
Here are some bonus tips for keeping your Apple Watch apps running fast and smoothly:
Close Unused Apps
Don’t leave apps running in the background that you aren’t using. To force quit:
- Press the Side button to see recent apps
- Swipe left on any app screens you want to close
- Tapping the red X will force that app to fully close
Closing unused apps preserves resources.
Turn Off Unneeded Background App Refresh
Having too many apps refreshing data in the background can drain battery and slow things down.
Disable Background App Refresh as needed:
- Open the Watch app on iPhone and go to General
- Tap Background App Refresh
- Toggle off any apps that don’t need constant updates
This will free up resources.
Reduce Notifications
Too many notifications flooding in can clutter your watch and slow things down. Prune any non-essential notifications:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications
- Review each app and turn off badges, sounds, banners as desired
- Tap the Show on Apple Watch toggle for apps that don’t need notifications
Cutting down excessive notifications will help optimize performance.
Restart Frequently
As covered earlier, don’t forget to restart your Apple Watch and iPhone regularly. This clears memory, ends stuck processes, and keeps things running efficiently.
FAQ
Does Apple Watch need to be connected to iPhone to install apps?
Yes, the Apple Watch relies on a paired iPhone and needs to be in close Bluetooth range to be able to access the iOS App Store and install apps over the air. If your Apple Watch is not near your iPhone, new app installs will fail.
Can I install apps directly from the Apple Watch App Store?
There is no App Store app directly on the Apple Watch. You can only install apps remotely from the iPhone App Store. Use the Watch mobile app on your iPhone to manage and install apps onto your Apple Watch.
Why are some iPhone apps not showing up on my Apple Watch?
Not all iPhone apps are available or optimized to also run on Apple Watch. Apps must be developed with the watchOS SDK and compiled for Apple Watch to be installable on the smaller wearable device. Check that the app supports Apple Watch in App Store listings.
How many apps can I install on Apple Watch?
The number of apps depends on the amount of storage space on your particular Apple Watch model. Typically you can install dozens of apps ranging from small third-party apps to built-in Apple apps like Messages, Mail, Maps, etc.
Can I rearrange apps and change my watch face on Apple Watch directly?
No, customizing your watch face and rearranging apps can only be done through the Watch mobile app on your paired iPhone device. Manage both from your iPhone for the changes to sync over.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide covered all the key steps for how to add apps on apple watch successfully and managing them!
The most important things are ensuring app compatibility, keeping your iPhone and watchOS updated, granting app permissions, and properly pairing devices. Paying attention to storage, internet connections, background activity, and other performance factors will also help keep your watch experience optimal.
If you follow these tips, you should have no problem expanding your app collection on your Apple Watch and keeping things organized just how you like it! Enjoy unlocking the full potential of your Apple wearable.
