Apple Watch Series 10 Setup: Must-Change Settings & Hidden Features

Apple Watch Series 10: Best Features, Setup Tips, & Hacks

So, you’ve got your brand-new Apple Watch Series 10—now what? Whether it’s your first Apple Watch or you’re upgrading from an older model, setting it up the right way is key to getting the most out of it. From customizing watch faces to setting up health and emergency features, here are the first 19 things you NEED to do on your Series 10.

1. Customize Your Watch Face (Including the New Flux & Reflections)

Your watch face is the first thing you see, so make it yours! Apple introduced new Flux and Reflections watch faces that take advantage of the new 1Hz refresh rate, allowing the second hand to move smoothly even in Always-On mode.

How to customize:

• Tap and hold the watch face > Tap “Edit”
• Swipe through different colors, styles, and complications
• Swipe all the way left and hit “Add New” to explore more

2. Master the Double Tap Gesture

One of the coolest features from the Apple Watch Series 9 is back—Double Tap. But do you know everything it can do?

Here’s what Double Tap (index + thumb) can do:
✅ Open Smart Stack and scroll through widgets
✅ Navigate through apps without touching the screen
✅ Read & respond to messages hands-free
✅ Dismiss alarms & timers
✅ Control music playback

3. Play Music & Podcasts Directly from Your Watch

With Series 10’s new speakers, you can now play music and podcasts straight from your Apple Watch—no headphones needed!

How to enable it:

• Open Music or Podcasts app > Tap the three dots
• Go to AirPlay and select Apple Watch Speakers

Why? Maybe you’re just stepping out of the car and want to continue your song or finish a podcast before putting in your earbuds.

4. Enable Voice Isolation for Clearer Calls

Calls on your Apple Watch just got way clearer. With Voice Isolation, background noise is filtered out, making your voice sound crisper than ever.

It’s on by default, but just know that your calls will now sound way better—so no more excuses for muffled audio!

5. Add Your Cards to Apple Pay for Faster Checkout

Using Apple Pay on your watch is way faster than pulling out your phone or card.

To set it up:

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone
• Go to Wallet & Apple Pay
• Tap “Add Card” and select from available cards

Now, just double-press the side button to pay instantly at any terminal.

6. Unlock Your Mac with Your Apple Watch

No more typing passwords—use your Series 10 to unlock your Mac!

How to set it up:

• On your Mac, go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password
• Enable "Use Apple Watch to unlock Mac"

Next time you wake up your Mac, it’ll auto-unlock when your watch is nearby.

7. Stop Auto-Launching Music Controls

Hate when your watch auto-launches the Now Playing screen when playing music or videos? You can disable it!

• Open Watch Settings > Go to Smart Stack
• Tap Live Activities > Media Apps > Turn Off Auto-Launch

Now, you can control music only when YOU want to.

8. Set Up Silent Mode & Customize Haptics

Nobody likes annoying sounds from their watch. Switch to Silent Mode and customize vibration intensity instead!

• Open Watch app > Sounds & Haptics
• Enable Silent Mode
• Change Haptic Strength to Prominent for stronger vibrations

9. Adjust Display & Wake Settings

• Increase wake duration from 15 seconds to 70 seconds
• Increase text size for better readability
• Customize Always-On Display to hide sensitive info

Find these in Watch app > Display & Brightness.

10. Remove Unnecessary Apps

Your Apple Watch probably has tons of apps you don’t use—delete them to free up space!

• Open Watch app on iPhone
• Scroll down to Installed on Apple Watch
• Tap any app > Remove App

Also, disable Auto App Install in General Settings so new apps don’t auto-install on your watch.

11. Activate Sleep Tracking & Vitals App

Your Series 10 can now detect sleep apnea with its sensors, but you need to wear it to bed first.

• Open Watch app > Sleep > Enable Track Sleep with Apple Watch
• Turn on Vitals App to monitor heart rate, oxygen levels & more

After 7 nights, it’ll learn your normal ranges and alert you if something’s off.

12. Set Up Emergency SOS & Fall Detection

This could save your life. Enable Fall Detection and Crash Detection so your watch can call for help if you need it.

• Open Watch app > Emergency SOS
• Enable Fall Detection & Call After Severe Crash
• Add Emergency Contacts

Now, if anything happens, your watch will automatically notify your contacts.

13. Customize Smart Stack Widgets

Smart Stack lets you swipe through important widgets on your home screen.

To customize it:

• Tap and hold any widget
• Tap the + to add widgets
• Pin the ones you check often (like Weather or Activity)

14. Switch Between Apps Faster

You don’t need to go back to the home screen to switch apps—just double-tap the Digital Crown to toggle between your last two apps!

15. Enable Raise to Speak for Siri

You don’t need to say “Hey Siri” anymore. Just lift your wrist and start speaking.

• Go to Watch Settings > Siri > Turn on Raise to Speak

16. Set Up Focus Modes for Different Watch Faces

Want your watch face to change automatically based on what you're doing?

• Go to iPhone Settings > Focus
• Choose a Focus Mode (Work, Sleep, Gym, etc.)
• Link it to a specific Watch Face

Now, when you activate Work Mode, your watch face will switch automatically.

17. Store Offline Maps for Navigation Without Your iPhone

Your Series 10 can store maps offline, so you don’t need your iPhone for GPS.

• Open Apple Maps > Tap Download
• Select an area > Sync to Apple Watch

Now, even if your iPhone dies, you still have GPS navigation.

18. Enable Screenshot Feature

Want to capture what’s on your watch screen?

• Open Watch app > General
• Enable "Allow Screenshots"

Now, press Digital Crown + Side Button to take a screenshot.

19. Explore the New Water Features

The Series 10 now has a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge (for diving up to 20 feet).

• Open Depth App to see water depth
• Use the water temp sensor when swimming

The Apple Watch Series 10 is packed with new features, but customizing it properly is what makes it truly yours. Set it up right and you’ll get the most out of it from day one!

Stay tuned for more Apple Watch tips & tricks at Land of Geek Magazine.

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