Believe it or not, the Apple Watch, like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, comes also uses a Dock to manage apps. It works a little bit differently, though, but it's still a useful feature that'll keep your favorite or recent apps available at any moment.
So if you're still fairly new to your Apple Watch, here's how to get started using the Dock on it.
What's the Dock on Your Apple Watch?
When you talk about the Dock, you probably think about the iPhone, Mac, or iPad. They both have a small section at the bottom of the screen that offers a list of your most useful apps and your most recent ones.
Related: How to Remove Recently Used Apps From the iPad Dock
What you may not know is that your Apple Watch also has a Dock, albeit it works a bit different from what you're probably used to. This Dock shows you a list of your favorite apps. However, it can also show you the most recent apps you used, like the app switcher on your iPhone. Don't worry, though, you can customize it so it shows you exactly what you want.
How to Open the Dock on Your Apple Watch
Unlike on a Mac, you can't see the Dock on an Apple Watch at all times. Instead, you'll need to press the Side button on your Apple Watch.
You can swipe up or down—or use the Digital Crown—to see all the apps available in the Dock. Likewise, if you want to exit the Dock, all you need to do is press the Side button or the Digital Crown.
Related: How to Stop Your Apple Watch Automatically Showing the Now Playing Screen
How to Change the Apps on Your Dock
As we mentioned before, the Dock on your Apple Watch can show you either your favorite apps or your most recently used apps. You can choose which one you want from the Watch app on your iPhone or your Apple Watch itself.
To change the apps shown on your Dock using an Apple Watch:
- Press the Digital Crown.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Dock.
- Tap Recents or Favorites.
To change the apps shown on your Dock using an iPhone:
- Open the Watch app.
- Make sure you're on the My Watch tab.
- Tap Dock.
- Select Recents or Favorites.
And that's it. Now you'll either see your most recent apps or your favorite ones. By default, your Apple Watch will show you a list of random favorite apps, but you can change this too.
How to Customize Your Favorite Apps for the Apple Watch Dock
If you choose to show your favorite apps on your Apple Watch Dock, you can also select which ones will appear and in what order. Unlike the previous step, you can only do this from your iPhone's Watch app, like this:
- Open the Watch app.
- On the My Watch tab, tap on Dock.
- If you haven't already, tap Favorites.
- Tap Edit.
- Tap the minus (–) button to remove apps from favorites. You can also tap the plus button (+) to add apps to favorites.
- Press and hold the reorder button—the three lines on the right side of the apps—and drag it up and down to rearrange the apps in any order you want.
- When you've finished, tap Done.
Keep in mind that you can have up to 10 favorite apps on the Dock. Your Apple Watch won't let you add more than that.
Related: Fun Ways to Personalize Your iPhone and Help It Stand Out
How to Remove Apps From the Apple Watch Dock
Whether you have your recent or favorite apps showing, you can remove apps from the Apple Watch Dock pretty quickly. Just follow these steps:
- Press the Side button on your Apple Watch to open the Dock.
- Scroll up or down to find the app you want to remove.
- Swipe the app you want to remove to the left.
- Tap the remove button.
If you have your favorite apps on the Dock, this will automatically remove the app from your list of favorites. You'll need to add it again, as we showed you before, if you want it back. If you have your recent apps, the app will appear again on the Dock when you open it again.
Master the Apple Watch Dock
Using the Dock on your Apple Watch will let you make up to 10 extra apps available. That's like having a different set of complications ready to use just by pressing one button.
