The fastest way: use the Watch app on your iPhone
Most apps reach your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone, not directly on the watch itself. Open the Watch app, tap the App Store tab at the bottom, search for the app you want, and tap Get. The app then installs to your watch automatically — you do not need to do anything on the watch itself.
This method works for the vast majority of apps. The app appears on your watch within a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on file size and your internet connection. You can then open it from your watch's home screen or Siri.
Key Takeaways
- Most apps install through the Watch app on your iPhone, not on the watch itself, by searching and tapping Get.
- Some apps that exist on your iPhone automatically appear on your watch without any action from you.
- Apps that require a subscription or login often need you to set up an account on your iPhone first before they work on the watch.
- Your Apple Watch needs to be paired with your iPhone and connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for new apps to install.
Apps that install automatically from your iPhone
When you download certain apps to your iPhone, a companion app for Apple Watch installs at the same time without you asking. This happens with popular apps like Messages, Mail, Reminders, Stocks, and Weather. You will see these apps appear on your watch automatically after you install them on your phone.
You can control which of these automatic apps actually appear on your watch. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the App Library section, and toggle off any app you do not want to see on your watch. The app stays on your iPhone but disappears from your watch.
When you need to set up an account first
Apps that require a login — like banking apps, fitness services, or streaming platforms — usually need you to create or sign into an account on your iPhone before the watch version will work. Install the app on your iPhone first, log in with your credentials, and then install it to your watch through the Watch app.
Some apps require you to complete setup steps on your iPhone before the watch version becomes active. Check the app's instructions on your iPhone to see if there are any required steps. Once you have finished setup on the phone, the watch version should be ready to use.
Checking your watch's storage and connection
Your Apple Watch has limited storage — typically between 8 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model — and it fills up faster than your iPhone. If you have installed many apps and your watch is running low on space, new apps may not install. Delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding an app icon on your watch, then tapping Remove App.
Your watch also needs to be paired with your iPhone and connected to either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for apps to download. If an app seems stuck during installation, unpair your watch from your iPhone in the Watch app settings, then pair them again. This often clears up installation problems.
Apps that work only on certain watch models
Not every app works on every Apple Watch. Older watches like the Series 3 cannot run the latest versions of watchOS, so some newer apps will not install on them. When you search for an app in the Watch app, it will show whether that app is compatible with your specific watch model.
If an app shows as unavailable for your watch, it means the developer has not built a version that works with your model's processor or operating system. You can still use the app on your iPhone, but the watch version is not an option. Upgrading to a newer watch model is the only way to access that app on your wrist.
Sideloading apps through Xcode (for developers)
If you are a software developer, you can install apps directly to your Apple Watch through Xcode, Apple's development tool, without going through the App Store. This is called sideloading and requires a Mac, Xcode, and knowledge of how to build and deploy apps. Most people do not need this method.
Sideloading is useful only if you are testing an app you are building yourself or installing an app that is not available in the App Store. For regular users, the Watch app on your iPhone is the only method you will ever need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps directly on my Apple Watch without an iPhone?
No. You need an iPhone to set up your Apple Watch and to install apps through the Watch app. The watch itself does not have its own app store. You can use your watch without an iPhone once it is set up, but installation always requires an iPhone.
Why does an app I installed on my iPhone not appear on my watch?
The app may not have a watch version available, or it may not be compatible with your specific watch model. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the App Library, and search for the app. If it does not appear in the Watch app's search results, no watch version exists for that app.
How do I remove an app from my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the app icon on your watch's home screen until a menu appears, then tap Remove App. You can also remove it through the Watch app on your iPhone by going to the App Library, finding the app, and toggling it off. Removing it from your watch does not delete it from your iPhone.
What should I do if an app is stuck installing?
Make sure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and has enough storage space. If the app is still stuck, try restarting your watch by holding the side button until the power-off slider appears, then sliding to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on, then try installing the app again.
Can I install apps on my Apple Watch while it is not paired to my iPhone?
No. Your watch must be paired with your iPhone and connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to download and install apps. Once an app is installed, you can use it on your watch even if your iPhone is not nearby, but the initial installation requires an active connection.