How to Use Apple Watch on iPhone: Simple Mirroring Guide

Many Apple users are unaware that their smartwatch can be controlled from an iPhone. Apple introduced a feature called Apple Watch Mirroring that makes this possible. With this feature, the watch screen appears directly on the iPhone display.

Users can interact with the watch through the iPhone touchscreen. The phone essentially becomes a remote interface for the smartwatch. Because the iPhone has a bigger display, navigation becomes more comfortable and easier to see.

Key Takeaways:

Apple Watch can be controlled using an iPhone.
The iPhone screen acts like the watch interface.
A larger screen helps with accessibility and navigation.

Requirements for Apple Watch Mirroring

Before enabling this function, both devices must meet certain conditions. If the software versions are outdated, the feature will not work correctly.

Your iPhone needs to run iOS 16 or a later version. Your Apple Watch must operate on watchOS 9 or newer. Older system versions do not support this mirroring function. Not every Apple Watch model is compatible with the feature.

Compatible Apple Watch Models

The following watches support the mirroring feature:

Apple Watch Series 6.
Apple Watch Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation).
Apple Watch Ultra.

Your Apple Watch must stay paired with the same iPhone. Mirroring cannot work if the devices are not connected. You also cannot mirror a watch that belongs to another user.

Both devices should remain turned on while using this function. The watch must stay active, and the iPhone should remain unlocked during setup.
Once these conditions are met, mirroring can be activated quickly.

Steps to Enable Apple Watch Mirroring

Apple placed this feature in the Accessibility section of the iPhone settings. The setup process is straightforward.

Enable Mirroring Using Settings

Follow these steps:

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and select Accessibility.
Find the option named Apple Watch Mirroring.
Tap the option to open its page.
Turn on the mirroring switch.

After activating the feature, wait a few seconds.

A small window will appear on the iPhone screen. This window shows the Apple Watch display in real time.

You will also notice a blue outline around the watch screen. This border indicates that mirroring is currently active.

Everything happening on the watch will now appear on the iPhone screen.

Using Control Center for Faster Access

There is also a quicker way to start mirroring.

Follow these steps:

Open the Control Center on your iPhone.
Look for the Apple Watch Mirroring icon.
Tap the icon to start mirroring immediately.
Your Apple Watch display will instantly appear on the phone screen.

To stop the feature, close the mirrored window and tap the X button.

Controlling Apple Watch Through iPhone

Once mirroring is active, the iPhone screen behaves like the Apple Watch display.

Users can perform normal gestures to navigate watch features.

Common Gestures

Swipe up or down to scroll pages.
Swipe sideways to change watch faces.
Tap the Digital Crown to open apps.
Double-press the Crown for App Switcher.
Hold the Crown to launch Siri.
Press the Side Button to open the Control Center.
Double-press the Side Button to access Apple Pay.

These actions allow users to open apps and explore watch menus normally.

Sometimes there may be a slight delay when responding to touches. This can happen if the connection between devices becomes weak.

Another limitation is that regular iPhone apps cannot be used during mirroring. Only notifications and the Control Center remain accessible.

If you need normal iPhone access, simply close the mirroring window.

Advantages of Apple Watch Mirroring

Apple mainly designed this feature to help users who need accessibility support.

The Apple Watch display is very small. Some users may find it difficult to interact with the tiny screen. Mirroring allows them to control the watch from the larger iPhone display.

The feature also works together with several accessibility tools.

Supported Accessibility Tools

Voice Control for spoken commands.
Switch Control with assistive switches.
Head tracking for alternative navigation.
Sound actions for command triggers.

These options help many people operate their devices independently.

Mirroring also becomes useful when the watch hardware has issues. For example, a cracked screen may stop normal touch interaction. Sometimes the Digital Crown may stop responding.

If the side buttons are damaged, controlling the watch becomes difficult.

With mirroring enabled, the watch can still be operated through the iPhone.

Another benefit appears when the watch is charging. Users can continue using the watch remotely from their phone.

The larger screen also improves visibility. Reading messages and notifications becomes easier.

Users can even show watch features to others more clearly. Fitness results, achievements, and watch faces look bigger on the iPhone display.

Apple may also improve this feature in future software updates as accessibility tools continue evolving.

The End Note

Apple Watch Mirroring creates a convenient connection between the smartwatch and iPhone. It allows users to see and control their watch using the larger phone display. The feature especially helps accessibility users and those who struggle with the small screen.

Even if the watch has hardware problems, mirroring keeps it usable. The setup process is simple and only takes a few steps. Once enabled, users can enjoy easier navigation and improved device control.

How to Use Apple Watch on iPhone: Simple Mirroring Guide