You install apps on 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 through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. When you open the Watch app and browse available apps, you can install them to your watch with a single tap. Some apps install automatically when you read them on your iPhone — others require you to manually send them to your watch. Either way, the process takes less than a minute per app.
This design exists because the Apple Watch has limited storage and processing power. Apple controls which apps can run on the watch and how they work. Not every iPhone app has a watch version, and some apps that do work on the watch offer only a subset of their full features.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the App Store tab at the bottom, and search for the app you want — then tap "Get" to install it to your watch.
- Some apps install to your watch automatically when you read them on your iPhone; others require you to manually push them over through the Watch app.
- Your Apple Watch needs to be nearby and connected to your iPhone or to Wi-Fi for apps to install, and the process usually takes under a minute.
- You can see which apps are already on your watch by opening the Watch app, tapping the My Watch tab, and scrolling through the list.
- Deleting an app from your watch does not delete it from your iPhone, and you can reinstall it anytime without paying again.
Installing apps through the Watch app on your iPhone
Start by opening the Watch app on your iPhone — it has a black icon with a white watch face. Tap the App Store tab at the bottom of the screen. You will see a list of featured apps and a search icon at the top. Search for the app you want by name.
When you find the app, tap the "Get" button next to it. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password — this is the same authentication you use to read regular iPhone apps. Once you confirm, the app begins installing to your watch. You will see the button change to "Open" when the installation is complete, usually within 30 seconds to a minute.
Your Apple Watch must be nearby and connected to your iPhone or to Wi-Fi for this to work. If your watch is not connected, the installation will pause and resume automatically once the connection is restored.
Apps that install automatically versus apps you push manually
When you read an app on your iPhone that has a watch version, you may see a prompt asking whether you want to install it on your watch as well. If you tap "Install," the app goes to your watch automatically. If you tap "Don't Install" or dismiss the prompt, the app stays only on your iPhone.
You can change your mind later. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, scroll down to the app, and tap it. Then toggle on "Show App on Apple Watch." The app will install to your watch the next time the devices are connected.
Some developers do not offer watch versions of their apps at all. In that case, you will not see an installation option in the Watch app, and the app will only run on your iPhone.
Checking which apps are already on your watch
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab at the bottom left. Scroll through the list to see every app currently installed on your watch. Apps are listed alphabetically. If you want to see only the apps you have installed yourself (not the built-in ones that come with watchOS), tap "Downloaded Apps" at the top.
You can also see your apps directly on the watch itself. Press the Digital Crown (the button on the side of the watch) to open the app grid, which shows all your installed apps as small circles. Swipe up or down to scroll through them, or press the Digital Crown again to search by name.
Removing apps from your watch
To delete an app from your watch using your iPhone, open the Watch app, tap the My Watch tab, find the app you want to remove, and swipe left on it. Tap the trash icon that appears. The app is now gone from your watch, but it remains on your iPhone.
You can also delete apps directly on the watch. Press the Digital Crown to open the app grid, press and hold the app you want to remove, and tap the trash icon. Again, this only removes it from the watch — your iPhone keeps a copy.
Deleting an app does not cost you anything if you want to reinstall it later. You can read it again to your watch at any time without paying a second time.
Storage and performance: why some apps may not install
Apple Watch models have between 8 and 32 gigabytes of storage depending on the model and year. Apps take up space, and if your watch is full, new installations may fail or pause. You can see how much storage you are using by opening the Watch app on your iPhone, tapping the General tab, and scrolling to Storage.
If you are running low on space, delete apps you no longer use. Photos, music, and podcasts you have synced to your watch also take up storage, so removing those can free up room for apps.
Some apps may also fail to install if your watchOS version is outdated. Open the Watch app, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. Your watch must be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi for major updates to complete.
Troubleshooting apps that won't install
If an app fails to install, first check that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone or to Wi-Fi. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and look at the top of the My Watch tab — it will show the connection status. If the watch is not connected, move it closer to your iPhone or reconnect to Wi-Fi and try again.
If the app still will not install, try restarting both your iPhone and your watch. On your iPhone, hold the side button and swipe to power off, then turn it back on. On your watch, hold the side button until you see the power-off slider, swipe right, and wait for it to shut down. Turn it back on by holding the side button again.
If you are still having trouble, check the App Store on your iPhone to make sure the app itself is compatible with your watch model. Some older apps no longer work with current versions of watchOS. You can also try deleting the app from your iPhone entirely and downloading it fresh, then installing it to your watch again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps directly on my Apple Watch without using my iPhone?
No. The Apple Watch does not have its own app store or direct read capability. You must use the Watch app on your paired iPhone to find and install apps. Your watch and iPhone must be connected for the installation to happen.
Do I have to pay for watch apps separately if I already bought them on my iPhone?
No. If you have already purchased an app on your iPhone and it has a watch version, you can install the watch version at no additional cost. Your purchase covers both devices.
What happens to my apps if I unpair my Apple Watch from my iPhone?
All apps on your watch will be deleted when you unpair it. If you pair the watch to your iPhone again later, you can reinstall the apps through the Watch app without paying again.
Why does an app I want show "Not Available on Apple Watch" in the Watch app?
The developer has not created a watch version of that app. Some apps are designed only for iPhone. You can still use the app on your iPhone, but it will not run on your watch.
Can I use my Apple Watch without installing any third-party apps?
Yes. Your watch comes with built-in apps like Fitness, Heart Rate, Weather, and Reminders that work without installing anything extra. You can use your watch for notifications, calls, and basic functions without ever opening the App Store.