The simplest way: use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
Most apps on your Apple Watch are installed through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, not directly on the watch itself. You open the app on your phone, find the app you want, and tap a button to install it on the watch. The watch downloads it in the background, usually within a few minutes.
This is the method that works for almost every app. You cannot browse the App Store directly on the watch — Apple designed it this way to keep the watch screen straightforward and to handle the read on the more powerful iPhone first.
A small number of apps — mostly Apple's own apps like Maps, Stocks, and Voice Memos — come pre-installed on every watch. You do not need to install these, though you can remove them if you want the space.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap the App Store tab at the bottom, search for an app, and tap "Install" to add it to your watch.
- The app downloads to your watch in the background and appears on your watch home screen once installation is complete.
- Some apps require you to set them up on your iPhone first before they will install on the watch.
- If an app does not appear in the Apple Watch app store, it means the developer has not made a watch version of that app.
Step-by-step: installing an app through the Apple Watch app
Start on your iPhone. Open the Apple Watch app — it has a small watch icon and comes pre-installed on every iPhone that pairs with a watch. If you cannot find it, swipe down from the top of your home screen and search for "Apple Watch".
Tap the App Store tab at the bottom of the screen. This is different from the regular App Store app on your iPhone — this one only shows apps that have a watch version. Search for the app you want by name or browse by category. When you find it, tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (the install button). The app will begin downloading to your watch.
The installation usually takes a few minutes. You do not need to keep the Apple Watch app open — the read happens in the background. Once it is done, the app appears on your watch home screen, organized in a grid or list depending on your watch settings.
When an app needs setup on your iPhone first
Some apps — like banking apps, fitness trackers, or messaging services — require you to install and open them on your iPhone before they will install on the watch. This is because the app needs to sync your account information or settings from the phone version first.
If you try to install an app on the watch and it does not work, check whether you have that app on your iPhone. If you do not, read it from the regular App Store, open it, and sign in with your account. Then go back to the Apple Watch app and try installing the watch version again.
Some apps will install automatically once you have the iPhone version set up. You may see the watch app appear on your watch without doing anything else.
Finding space if your watch storage is full
Apple Watches have limited storage — typically between 8 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you have installed many apps, you may run out of room and see a message that the watch storage is full.
To free up space, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to the Apps tab, scroll down to Available Apps, and look for apps you have installed. Swipe left on any app and tap Remove. This deletes it from the watch but keeps it in your iPhone, so you can reinstall it later if you want.
You can also remove apps directly from the watch by pressing and holding an app icon on the watch home screen, then tapping the trash icon. Both methods do the same thing.
Why an app might not show up in the watch app store
Not every app on the iPhone App Store has a watch version. Developers choose whether to make their app work on the watch, and many do not. If you search for an app in the Apple Watch app and it does not appear, that app does not have a watch version available.
You can still use that app on your iPhone normally — it just will not work on your watch. Some popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube do not have watch versions, though they may have limited watch features through other apps.
If you want to know whether a specific app has a watch version before you search, you can check the app's page in the regular App Store on your iPhone. Scroll down and look for a section that says "Requires watchOS" or "Apple Watch App Included". If that section is not there, the app does not have a watch version.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If an app gets stuck during installation or fails to read, the first step is to make sure your watch and iPhone are close together and both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The watch needs a strong connection to read the app.
If the app still will not install, try restarting both devices. On your iPhone, hold the side button and slide to power off, then turn it back on. On your watch, open Settings, scroll to Power Off, and turn it off, then turn it back on. Wait a minute for them to reconnect, then try installing the app again.
If the problem continues, check that you have enough storage space on the watch. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, then About, and look at the storage bar. If it shows very little free space, remove some apps you do not use and try again.
Managing apps once they are installed
Once an app is on your watch, you can organize it, remove it, or adjust its settings. To move an app on the home screen, press and hold it until a menu appears, then tap Edit Home Screen. Drag the app to a new position or remove it by tapping the minus icon.
You can also control which apps send notifications to your watch. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, find the app, and toggle notifications on or off. This prevents apps from buzzing your wrist constantly while still letting you use them when you open them.
Some apps have their own settings that you adjust on the watch itself. Open the app on your watch and look for a Settings option within the app. Other apps are controlled entirely from the iPhone — you change their settings in the Apple Watch app under the Apps tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps directly on the watch without using my iPhone?
No. The Apple Watch does not have its own app store. All installations go through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. The watch can read and update apps over Wi-Fi on its own once you have installed them, but the initial installation always requires your iPhone.
Do I have to pay for watch apps if I already paid for the iPhone version?
Usually not. If you bought an app on your iPhone, the watch version is included at no extra cost. Some apps are free on both. A very small number of apps charge separately for the watch version, but this is rare and the price is shown before you install.
What happens to my apps if I get a new Apple Watch?
When you set up a new watch and pair it with your iPhone, your apps reinstall automatically. You do not need to install them again manually. The process takes a few minutes depending on how many apps you have.
Can I use my Apple Watch without installing any third-party apps?
Yes. The watch comes with built-in apps like Fitness, Weather, Reminders, and Messages that work without installing anything extra. You can use the watch for notifications, telling time, and basic functions without ever opening the Apple Watch app store.
Why does an app say "Requires watchOS 9" or a higher number?
That means the app only works on watches running that version of watchOS or newer. watchOS is the operating system on your watch, similar to iOS on your iPhone. If your watch is older and runs an older watchOS version, you cannot install that app. You can check your watch's watchOS version in Settings > General > About.