How to use Scribble to send an emoji on Apple Watch

Scribble on Apple Watch
Scribble on Apple Watch (Image credit: iMore)

Scribble, the handwriting feature on Apple Watch, lets you communicate with text instead of dictation or a canned response. All you have to do is write words with your finger on the Scribble screen and they will automatically turn into text that you can send to someone via email, iMessages, chat rooms, and more. It also turns your words into emoji so you can send communications in style. But did you know that you can also use Scribble to send an emoji on your best Apple Watch?

You can seamlessly handwrite words with Scribble in watchOS 8 that turn into text, but you can also select new related words, and more importantly emoji, with a few simple steps. Here's how to use Scribble to send an emoji on your best Apple Watch.

How to turn a word into an emoji using Scribble on Apple Watch

  1. Launch an app that you wish to send a communication from, like Mail or Messages.
  2. Select the conversation you would like to reply to, or press firmly on the screen to start a new message.
  3. Within the conversation, tap Scribble.

Send Emoji With Scribble On Apple Watch: Launch an app you can write in, select the conversation your want, and then tap the Scribble button. (Image credit: IMore)
  1. Write a word that relates to an emoji, like "LOL," "Angry," or "Poop."
  2. Rotate the Digital Crown to call up word predictions.
  3. Select the emoji you want to use in the sentence.
  4. Tap Send to send the communication.

Send Emoji With Scribble On Apple Watch: Type an emoji word, then rotate the Digital Crown, then tap Send (Image credit: iMore)

Sure, you could just tap the emoji button instead of Scribble, but if you are trying to send a sentence and want to include an emoji, this method makes it possible to do so all in one step.

Communication station on your wrist!

Scribble is just one way to communicate on your Apple Watch, but watchOS allows you to answer calls, quick reply to texts, dictate messages, and so much more. Once you learn how to communicate with your Apple Watch, you'll have to touch your iPhone a lot less!

Updated April 2022: Updated for the latest version of watchOS 8.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.