You add apps to your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone, not directly on the watch itself
The Apple Watch does not have its own app store. Instead, you manage everything from your paired iPhone using the Watch app — the companion software that came pre-installed when you first set up your watch. When you read an app on your iPhone, it may automatically install a matching app on your watch, or you may need to manually enable it. Some apps work only on the iPhone, some only on the watch, and some work on both.
This matters because it means you cannot browse and install apps while standing at the gym or on a run. You need your iPhone nearby, or you need to plan ahead and add apps before you leave home. If you are choosing a smartwatch partly for fitness tracking, understanding this limitation helps you decide whether an Apple Watch fits how you actually use devices.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the App Store tab, and search for the app you want — the watch version installs automatically if one exists.
- Apps you already own on your iPhone do not automatically appear on your watch; you must manually enable them in the Watch app under the Installed Apps section.
- Your Apple Watch needs at least 1 to 2 GB of free storage, and some apps take up more space than others, so you may need to remove apps you do not use regularly.
- Not every iPhone app has a watch version, and some watch apps require a paid subscription on your iPhone to work on the watch.
How to install a new app from the Watch app store
Open the Watch app on your iPhone. At the bottom of the screen, tap the App Store icon (it looks like a blue square with a white dot). Search for the app you want by name or browse by category. When you find it, tap the cloud icon with a read arrow to install it.
If a watch version of that app exists, it will install automatically to your watch within a few minutes. You do not need to do anything else. If no watch version exists, the app will only appear on your iPhone. You can check whether an app has a watch component before you read it — the app listing will say "Offers Apple Watch App" near the top if one is available.
How to enable an app you already own on your iPhone
If you already have an app on your iPhone and want to use it on your watch, open the Watch app and tap the My Watch tab at the bottom. Scroll down to the Installed Apps section. You will see a list of apps that have watch versions available. Tap the app name, then toggle the Show App on Apple Watch switch to on (it will turn green).
The app will appear on your watch within a few minutes. If an app you own does not appear in this list, it does not have a watch version. Some popular apps like Spotify, Strava, and Slack have watch apps, but many do not — check the app's description in the iPhone App Store to see if it mentions Apple Watch support.
Managing storage and removing apps you do not use
Your Apple Watch has limited storage. A Series 9 or Ultra has about 32 GB of total space, but the operating system takes up most of it, leaving roughly 1 to 2 GB for apps and data. If you install many apps, your watch may run slowly or refuse to install new ones until you remove something.
To remove an app from your watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch, find the app under Installed Apps, and tap it. Then tap Show App on Apple Watch to turn the toggle off. The app will disappear from your watch within a few minutes. You can always turn it back on later — removing it does not delete it from your iPhone.
If you use your watch mainly for fitness, you probably do not need every app installed at once. Keep the ones you use daily — your fitness app, a music app if you run with music, a messaging app — and remove the rest. You can reinstall them anytime.
Apps that require a paid subscription on your iPhone
Some apps, like Strava or Peloton, offer a free version on your iPhone but charge a monthly or yearly subscription to unlock features on your watch. The app will install on your watch, but certain functions will not work unless you pay. Check the app's description in the Watch app store before you read to see whether a subscription is required for the watch version.
If you subscribe on your iPhone, the subscription automatically carries over to your watch — you do not pay twice. But if you cancel the subscription, the app will stop working on your watch even if you keep it on your iPhone.
What to do if an app will not install or keeps crashing
If an app fails to install or crashes when you open it, first make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone are both updated to the latest software. Open the Watch app, go to General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. Do the same on your iPhone by going to Settings, General, Software Update.
If the app still will not work, try removing it and reinstalling it. Open the Watch app, go to My Watch, find the app, and toggle Show App on Apple Watch off. Wait a minute, then toggle it back on. If that does not work, restart your watch by holding the side button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds and press the side button again to turn it back on.
If the app still crashes after a restart, the problem may be with the app itself rather than your watch. Check the app's support page or contact the developer to see whether other users are reporting the same issue.
Why some apps work better on your iPhone than on your watch
Apps on your watch are stripped-down versions of their iPhone counterparts. They use less battery, take up less storage, and show only the most essential information because the watch screen is small. A fitness app on your watch might show your current heart rate and distance, but the full workout history lives on your iPhone.
This is a trade-off worth understanding if you are deciding whether an Apple Watch is right for you. If you want to see detailed stats, adjust settings, or do anything complex, you will usually need to pull out your iPhone. The watch is best for quick checks and notifications while your hands are full or you are in motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps directly on my Apple Watch without an iPhone?
No. You must have an iPhone to set up your watch and manage apps. You cannot browse the app store or install anything on the watch itself. If you do not have an iPhone, an Apple Watch will not work for you.
Do apps on my watch use the same password as my iPhone?
Usually yes, but it depends on the app. Most apps that work on both devices share your login information, so you sign in once on your iPhone and the app remembers you on your watch. Some apps require you to sign in separately on the watch. Check the app's instructions if you are unsure.
What happens to my apps if I unpair my watch from my iPhone?
All apps on your watch will be deleted when you unpair. If you pair the watch to a different iPhone, you will need to reinstall them. Your app data on your iPhone is not affected — only the watch versions are removed.
Can I use my Apple Watch with an Android phone?
No. Apple Watch only works with iPhone. If you use an Android phone, you need a different smartwatch — look for one that runs Wear OS or another Android-compatible system.
Why does an app I want say "Not Available in Your Country"?
Some apps are restricted by the developer or by law in certain regions. You cannot install them no matter what. If you travel or move, the app may become available in your new location, but there is no way around regional restrictions from your current location.