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How to use buttons and gestures to interact with Apple Watch

You can interact with Apple Watch using the Digital Crown, side button, Action button, and gestures. The Digital Crown lets you see the watch face or Home Screen, open the App Switcher, and use Siri, and the side button lets you use Control Center, use Emergency SOS, and use Apple Pay. Gestures include cover to mute, wrist flick, and double tap.

You can also practice these gestures in the Tips app. See Use the Tips app.

Press or turn the Digital Crown

Illustration of Apple Watch with an arrow pointing to the Digital Crown at upper right.

Press the side button

Illustration of Apple Watch with an arrow pointing to the side button at lower right.

Press the Action button (Apple Watch Ultra models)

Illustration of Apple Watch Ultra with an arrow pointing to the Action button on the left side.

Use gestures

See also

Tag: Setup