The two ways to get apps on your Apple Watch

You add apps to your Apple Watch in two ways: through the Watch app on your iPhone, or directly on the watch itself if it has its own App Store. Most people use the iPhone method because it's faster and gives you a better view of what's available. The watch's own App Store exists, but it's slower to browse and easier to accidentally tap the wrong thing on a small screen.

Before you start, make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone are paired and connected to the same Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. If they're not talking to each other, the apps won't sync over. You'll also need an Apple ID — the same one you use for your iPhone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Watch app on your iPhone is the fastest way to add apps; open it, go to the App Store tab, and search for or browse apps to install.
  • Not every iPhone app has a watch version, so you may see an app on your phone that doesn't offer a watch companion.
  • Apps install automatically to your watch once you tap "Get" in the Watch app, as long as your devices are paired and connected.
  • You can also browse and install apps directly on the watch through its own App Store, though the small screen makes this slower.
  • Removing an app from your watch doesn't remove it from your iPhone, and vice versa — they're separate installations.

Installing apps through the Watch app on your iPhone

Open the Watch app on your iPhone — it's the icon that looks like a small watch face. Tap the "App Store" tab at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a "Search" button and a "Browse" section with categories like Games, Health, Productivity, and Social.

Search for the app you want by name, or browse by category. When you find it, tap the app name or icon to open its details page. You'll see a button that says "Get" with a cloud icon. Tap that button. If you've set up Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone, you'll be asked to authenticate. After you do, the button changes to "Install" and then to a checkmark. The app is now queued to install on your watch.

The actual installation happens in the background once your watch and iPhone sync, which usually takes a few seconds to a minute. You don't need to do anything else. If you want to watch it happen, open the Watch app again and tap "My Watch" at the bottom — you'll see the app listed under "Installed Apps" once it's done.

What to do if an app won't install

If you tap "Get" and nothing happens, or the button stays gray, check that your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to "My Watch" — at the top, you'll see your watch name and its connection status. If it says "Not Connected," make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on and are within range of each other.

Some apps also require watchOS updates. If your watch is running an older version of watchOS than the app needs, you'll see a message saying the app requires a newer version. To update watchOS, go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap "General," then "Software Update." Your watch needs to be charged to at least 50% and connected to power during the update.

If the app still won't install after checking these things, try restarting both your iPhone and your watch. On the watch, press and hold the side button until you see the power-off slider, then slide it to turn off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.

Installing apps directly on your Apple Watch

You can also install apps by using the App Store on the watch itself. Press the Digital Crown (the knob on the side) to open the app grid, then look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white plus sign. Tap it to open the watch's App Store.

From there, you can search for apps or browse by category. The process is the same as on your iPhone: find the app, tap "Get," authenticate if asked, and wait for it to install. The main difference is that the watch's small screen makes scrolling and tapping slower and more error-prone. Most people find the iPhone method faster.

Understanding which apps have watch versions

Not every app on your iPhone has a companion app for the watch. Some developers only make iPhone versions. When you search for an app in the Watch app's App Store, you'll see a label that says "Offers Apple Watch App" if a watch version exists. If you don't see that label, the app only works on your iPhone.

Some apps also offer different features on the watch than on the phone. For example, a fitness app might let you start a workout on your watch but require your iPhone to view detailed stats. Check the app's description in the App Store to see what it can do on the watch specifically.

Removing apps from your Apple Watch

To delete an app from your watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap "My Watch," then scroll down to find the app you want to remove. Tap the app name, then tap "Show App on Apple Watch" to toggle it off. The app disappears from your watch but stays on your iPhone.

You can also delete apps directly from the watch. Press and hold any app icon on the watch's home screen until a menu appears, then tap "Remove." A confirmation screen will ask if you want to remove it — tap "Remove" again. This also doesn't delete the app from your iPhone, only from the watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy apps separately for my watch and my phone?

No. If you buy an app on your iPhone that has a watch version, the watch version installs automatically at no extra cost. You only pay once per app, and both versions come with that purchase.

Can I use my Apple Watch without installing any apps?

Yes. Your watch comes with built-in apps like Fitness, Weather, Reminders, and Timer that work without installing anything. You can add more apps later if you want, but the watch is functional on its own.

Why does an app I installed on my iPhone not show up in the watch App Store?

The developer hasn't made a watch version of that app. Only apps with companion watch versions appear in the watch App Store. You can still use the full version on your iPhone.

What happens to my watch apps if I unpair my watch from my iPhone?

When you unpair your watch, all third-party apps you installed are removed from it. Built-in apps stay. If you pair the watch to a different iPhone later, you can reinstall your apps through that iPhone's Watch app.