Six Essential iOS Shortcuts for Apple Watch

Save time, stay organized, and do more with just a tap on your wrist.

If you own an Apple Watch and love to save time, you might already know about Apple’s Shortcuts app. Shortcuts allow you to automate tasks or quickly launch actions on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Below are six handy shortcuts that can simplify your daily routine. Each section also includes a step-by-step guide to help you create and run these shortcuts on your Watch.

1. Quick Timer for Tasks

Ever wish you could start a timer without digging through apps or asking Siri every time? A Quick Timer shortcut is the perfect solution.

  • What it does: Instantly starts a timer (e.g., 25 minutes for a focus session) with a single tap.
  • How it helps: You won’t have to interrupt your workflow or hunt through the Timer app.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. On your iPhone, open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Tap the + (plus) icon to create a new shortcut.
  3. Type “Start Timer” into the search bar, then choose the duration (e.g., 25 minutes).
  4. Name your shortcut (e.g., “25-Minute Timer”).
  5. Tap Done to save it.
  6. In Shortcuts app settings or the Gallery, enable the shortcut for your Apple Watch.

Now, open the Shortcuts app on your Watch and tap 25-Minute Timer. Your timer starts instantly!

2. Send a “Check-In” Message

Need to keep someone updated with a quick text? With a single tap, you can send a preset message like “I’ve arrived” or “On my way” without using the tiny keyboard.

  • What it does: Sends a prewritten text message to a specific contact from your Watch.
  • How it helps: Perfect for quick updates without fumbling with your phone.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. In Shortcuts on your iPhone, tap +.
  2. Search for “Send Message” and select it.
  3. Choose the recipient and write your preset message (e.g., “I’m home safe!”).
  4. Name the shortcut, like “Check-In Text”, then tap Done.
  5. Enable “Show on Apple Watch” in the Shortcut settings or Gallery.

Tap this shortcut on your Watch to send the text immediately—no more tiny typing!

3. Morning Weather Report

Get today’s forecast on your wrist with a single tap—no need to open the Weather app or pick up your phone.

  • What it does: Fetches current temperature, high/low, and conditions.
  • How it helps: Quickly plan your outfit or check if you need an umbrella.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. Open Shortcuts on your iPhone and tap +.
  2. Search for “Get Current Weather” and add it.
  3. Add a “Show Result” or “Speak Text” action to display/read the forecast.
  4. Name it (e.g., “Morning Weather”) and tap Done.
  5. Enable it for your Watch. In the morning, just tap “Morning Weather” for an instant forecast!

4. Log Water Intake

Staying hydrated is crucial. This shortcut lets you log water (e.g., 8 ounces) directly into Apple Health or your favorite tracking app—straight from your wrist.

  • What it does: Records a set amount of water intake each time you tap.
  • How it helps: You can effortlessly stay on top of your daily hydration goals.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. In Shortcuts, tap + to create a new one.
  2. Look for actions like “Log Health Sample” or your specific water app’s logging action.
  3. Set it to log 8 oz (or your chosen amount) of water.
  4. Name it “Log Water”, then tap Done.
  5. Enable “Show on Apple Watch” so you can tap it from your watch whenever you drink water.

5. Control Your Smart Home

If you have HomeKit devices—like lights, thermostats, or smart plugs—why not control them from your Watch?

  • What it does: Runs a HomeKit scene or toggles specific devices (turn lights off, adjust thermostat, etc.).
  • How it helps: Perfect for bedtime or leaving the house—no more opening multiple apps.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. Open Shortcuts and tap +.
  2. Search for the HomeKit action you want (e.g., “Control [Your Device/Scene]”).
  3. Choose the device or scene (like “Turn Off Bedroom Lights”).
  4. Name it (e.g., “Lights Off”) and tap Done.
  5. Toggle “Show on Apple Watch,” and you’re good to go.

With one tap, you can control your entire home environment from your watch.

6. Quick Workout Launcher

Always start the same workouts (like Outdoor Run or Yoga)? Launch them immediately from your wrist.

  • What it does: Opens the Workout app and starts a chosen workout (e.g., “Outdoor Run”).
  • How it helps: No scrolling through workout lists on the tiny Watch screen.

How to Create This Shortcut

  1. In Shortcuts, tap + to make a new shortcut.
  2. Search for something like “Start Outdoor Run”.
  3. Name it “Start Running Workout” (for example) and tap Done.
  4. Enable it for your Watch, then tap “Start Running Workout” to begin immediately!

General Tips: Creating & Using iOS Shortcuts on Apple Watch

Follow these simple steps to ensure any shortcut you create will appear and function on your Watch:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the + icon to create a new shortcut, or pick one from the Gallery to customize.
  3. Add the actions you need (Start Timer, Send Message, etc.).
  4. Name your shortcut clearly so you’ll recognize it on your Watch.
  5. Go to the shortcut’s settings or the “Shortcuts” tab in the Watch app and enable “Show on Apple Watch.”
  6. Open the Shortcuts app on your Watch. You’ll see the shortcuts you enabled.
  7. Tap any shortcut to run it instantly—no iPhone required!

With just a bit of setup, you can save time, stay organized, and do more directly from your wrist.

Conclusion

These six shortcuts are just the beginning. You can create automations for almost any repetitive task, saving you precious seconds (or minutes) every day. By leveraging iOS Shortcuts on Apple Watch, you turn your watch from a simple notification device into a powerful personal assistant that’s always with you.