ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

15 Hidden Apple Watch Hacks Every User Should Try

While many smartwatches are available from different brands, people are often attracted to the Apple Watch. The latest models, such as the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9, use advanced technology and offer an incredible experience. But unfortunately, some are unaware of the hidden features of these watches that could make their lives easier. Here are 15 lesser-known hacks Apple Watch users must check out right away.

1. Customize the watch face
Every Apple Watch has a default watch face. However, users can customize it by changing the background color, font style, and other elements. One can also save a customized watch face for later use. Those who do not want to customize can choose a pre-designed option. Long-pressing the current watch face and then swiping will reveal the available watch faces.

2. Share contacts with NameDrop
With watchOS 10, individuals can easily and securely share contact information and photos with someone else. One way to do this is by tapping the My Card watch face complication and bringing the device face-to-face with someone else’s Apple Watch.

3. Use the watch to unlock an iPhone or Mac
Using the Apple Watch to unlock one’s iPhone and Mac can save time and hassle. One can enable this feature on the iPhone by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Unlock with Apple Watch. Users can now unlock their phone by glancing at their watch’s screen. However, for this to work, one must ensure their watch is passcode-protected, unlocked, and worn correctly.

4. Control an Apple TV with the watch
The Apple Watch allows users to control an Apple TV from their wrists. One can navigate through menus, adjust the volume, play, pause, and even use Siri to search for shows and movies. Individuals can set up this feature by visiting the Remote app on the watch.

5. Navigate text using Digital Crown
Digital Crown can help users navigate text messages on the watch. One can rotate the crown downward to get to the bottom of the text and upward to navigate to the top. This feature can help fix typos and edit messages easily.

6. Access a last-used app quickly
Individuals can customize the Apple Watch to ensure their last-used app is displayed whenever the device wakes up. To do this, one must open the Settings app on the watch and navigate to General > Wake Screen > On Screen Wake Show Last App.

7. Start a group FaceTime
Group FaceTime lets one connect with multiple people (up to 32) simultaneously from the Apple Watch. It is an exciting feature to catch up with friends, collaborate on a project, or host a virtual gathering. One can initiate group FaceTime from the watch’s Phone app.

8. Wikipedia anything
The Apple Watch has no built-in browser but can access Wikipedia through Siri. Users can ask the voice assistant to describe a specific term, and it will pull up a concise summary. It’s a quick and easy way to get information at one’s wrist.

9. Use a palm to mute alerts
This feature is handy for users needing to silence their devices quickly. One can enable it by going to My Watch > Sounds & Haptics > Cover to Mute. Individuals can now cover the watch with their palms to mute alerts.

10. Locate an iPhone with the watch
If users misplace their iPhone, the Apple Watch can help locate it. All one has to do is go to the Control Center and tap a specific button to make the iPhone beep and its flashlight flash. This nifty feature saves time and frustration when searching for a misplaced phone.

11. Enable the handwashing timer
With the increasing importance of hygiene, this feature comes as a game-changer. The handwashing timer uses motion sensors and audio cues to ensure users wash their hands for 20 seconds. To turn on handwashing alerts, one must open the Settings app on the watch, tap Handwashing, and then choose Turn on Handwashing Timer.

12. Explore the Water Lock mode
When swimming or engaging in water sports, users can turn on the Water Lock feature by opening the Control Center and clicking the water drop icon. This feature prevents accidental input and swipes due to water contact.

13. Reboot the watch to fix errors
Holding the Digital Crown and the side button for at least ten seconds will force the watch to restart. This is a good solution if the Apple Watch malfunctions or hangs. Restarting the watch may fix minor issues and get it back up and running.

14. Increase text size
Apple has made it possible to use larger text on the Apple Watch. To do this, one must open the Settings app, scroll down to Brightness & Text Size, and adjust the text size to their liking.

15. Use heart monitoring
The Apple Watch can record an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). However, this feature is not a substitute for a visit to a cardiologist. Users should see a doctor if they have any concerns about their heart health.

The features discussed here may not be available on older versions of the Apple Watch. Hence, it’s safe to invest in a newer model, such as the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.