A misplaced Apple Watch is just a tap away if you’ve paired it with an iPhone. This article explains how to ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone to find it quickly.
Do you know how to ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone? One of the best iPhone features I use most frequently is the ping button in the control center to locate my Apple Watch. I often forget where I put my Apple Watch down, but with my iPhone always in my hand, I can it track down through a loud ring.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- To ping your Apple Watch with your iPhone, use Control CenterSettings> Control Center > next to Ping My Watch > open Control Center > Ping My Watch.
- On iPhone, open Find My app > Apple Watch > Play Sound.
Continue reading to learn how to ping a misplaced Apple Watch from an iPhone using an option in the Control Center and the Find My app.
Note: Information in this article apply to Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 4.
How does Apple Watch ping work?
Tapping the button makes your watch emit an audible tone so you can more easily locate it.
The new feature only works if your iPhone and Apple Watch are in Bluetooth range or connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you think your watch may be further away, try the Find My app instead.
How to Find an Apple Watch with an iPhone
How to Ping Apple Watch from iPhone Using Control Center
You need iOS 17 or newer to use this feature. If you have not updated already or if you have a device that is not compatible with iOS 17, you can use the Find My’s Play Sound feature explained in the next section. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Please also note: The Apple Watch has to be nearby because this option only works if your iPhone and Watch are in Bluetooth range (a few dozen feet) or are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Skip to the next section if they are not.
Apple doesn’t include the new Ping My Watch button in the default Control Center set, but you can add it manually by following these simple steps.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and tap** Control Center**.
Step 2: Scroll down and find the More Controls section. And then tap the **( ) **add button next to the Ping My Watch option.
Step 3: Now, swipe down diagonally from the top-right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on a device with a Home button) to open Control Center.
Step 4: Then tap the Ping My Watch button.
Note that the feature works if your watch is locked and/or charging, and even if your watch is on your wrist.
How to Ping Apple Watch from iPhone Using Find My
If your Apple Watch isn’t in Bluetooth range of your iPhone or isn’t connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, don’t worry. You can use the Find My app via any web browser on any device).
You’ll need to have connected your Apple Watch to Find My, but you likely did that when you set up the Apple Watch. As long as you did that, follow these steps:
Step 1: In the Find My app that comes pre-installed on your iPhone, tap your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Tap Play Sound.
Step 3: The sound will keep playing until you find your Watch.
Step 4: When you find the Watch, tap Dismiss to stop playing the sound.