Beginner's guide: How to set up and start using your new Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is one of our favorite gadgets for fitness, time tracking, messages on the go, and more. (And what's more, it looks great on all wrist sizes — whether you're a 7-year-old second-grader or a 76-year-old senior), and it's pretty simple to start using your Apple Watch. If you've just picked up a new one, we can help you get it set up, customize it to your liking, and find the best accessories depending on your activities. After all, the best Apple Watch, is the Apple Watch you love the most. Here's how you can start using your Apple Watch right now!

What's new with Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch Series 6 is Apple's latest and greatest Apple Watch. It's actually the seventh version. The original Apple Watch has been dubbed "Series 0" because Series 1 took its name the next year. Series 6 sports an always-on altimeter, blood oxygen monitoring, and an ECG app, to give you even more health data and better fitness tracking than ever before!

Apple Watch Series 6 review

How to set up and pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone

The Apple Watch and iPhone may be two distinctly different pieces of hardware, but one can't exist without the other. When you buy a new Apple Watch, turning it on is only the first step — next comes pairing it with an iPhone. You need to pair it to your iPhone if you want to start using your Apple Watch.

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When it comes time to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone, you'll need to use the Apple Watch app for iOS. You should be able to find it pre-installed on your iPhone (or via the App Store, if you've removed it previously).

How to set up and pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone

Meet watchOS

The latest software iteration from Apple's watchOS team continues the trend of past watchOS releases in helping improve its users' lives. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from watchOS 5, as well as tips and tricks for Apple's smartwatch operating system!

How to navigate your Apple Watch

Apple Watch software tips & tricks

How to customize your Apple Watch

Customize your Apple Watch face

Customize Settings

Customize Apps

How to find apps for Apple Watch

As of watchOS 6, Apple has added a dedicated App Store right on Apple Watch. You no longer need to pick up your iPhone and find goodies to add to your Apple Watch. It's not as robust as the Watch App Store on your iPhone, but with a bit of patience, you can find what you're looking for right on your wrist.

How to use the App Store on your Apple Watch

How to find, install, rearrange, and delete Apple Watch apps

Best Apple Watch apps

Everything you need to know about Apple Watch bands

The Apple Watch is both a gadget and a fashion accessory, and that means interchangeable bands. Apple's bands fit all versions of the company's Apple Watch — whether you own a Series 0 all the way through Series 6 — you'll be able to pair it with a band. Additionally, there are ways to configure non-Apple Watch bands to work with the Apple Watch, pick up third-party options, color-match your lugs, and more. Here's what you need to know!

Apple Watch Bands: The ultimate guide

Best Apple Watch Accessories

The Apple Watch may technically be an accessory for your iPhone, but it's also a powerful device in its own right — cataloging workouts, monitoring your heart rate, helping you pay for items, playing music, and, of course, telling time. The more you use your Apple Watch, the more you may find yourself wanting to accessorize your accessory with new bands, protective coverings, external monitors, stands, travel cases, or headphones. Here are our must-have accessories to pick up for Apple Watch.

Best Accessories for Apple Watch

Troubleshoot Apple Watch

Is your Apple Watch being fussy? Here are a few ways to make it behave. Whether it's an app on your Apple Watch or the Watch itself that's giving you some trouble, you don't have to panic: There are a few simple fixes you can employ to get your smartwatch back on the operational path in no time.

How to troubleshoot your Apple Watch