You can think of the side button as a humble gadget used to turn off your Apple Watch., but this unassuming button hides many functions, including a custom app launcher. Here's everything the side button does on Apple Watch.
The side button started with a friends function
When the Apple Watch first came out in 2015, the side button had an entirely different purpose. It was supposed to be a one-click method of sending heartbeats to your friends. No wonder this didn't work.
Pressing the side button on the Apple Watch, Friends screen appeared. This screen contained his contacts who also had the Apple Watch. Here, you can touch the screen to send hearts or doodles or to make a call.
Digital Touch function still exists, but now it's hidden deep inside the Messages app.
Side button acts as a spring
The watchOS update 3 on 2016 brought a new function: el Dock. It was similar to the dock you are used to on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, but with a new twist.
When you press the side button, will show you a list of your recently used apps, with the latest app at the top. Here, you can scroll down with your finger or Digital Crown to see other apps. Just tap an app to switch to it.
RELATED: How to add an app to the Dock on an iPad
You can turn it into a custom app launcher
There's a reason why you can't find yourself using the side button many times. It is because the default behavior of the Dock is not really that useful. Most of us aren't juggling three or four different recently used apps like we do on the iPhone or iPad..
Fortunately, there is a hidden function that enables you to turn the Dock into a custom application launcher (so that you can finally get rid of the default app launcher). Instead of showing recent apps, you can switch to your favorite apps.
To configure this, open the app “Watch” on your iPhone. In the tab “My watch”, choose option “Couple”.
Here, First, change the section “Dock order” to the option “Favorites”.
You will now see a list of preselected apps. Touch the button “Edit” to customize the Dock.
You can scroll down to see all the available apps installed on your Apple Watch. Touch the button “+” next to an app to add it to the list.
Later, use the three-line control icon to rearrange the order of the app. You can add apps and arrange the Dock layout as you like. Once i'm done, touch the button “Ready” to save the design.
Now, when you press the side button, the Dock will display your list of preselected apps with a preview of what's happening in the app.
Touch an app to switch to it. The Dock remembers where you left it, so it won't end up at the top of the list the next time you press the side button.
You can use it for Apple Pay
If you live in a country that supports Apple Pay, you can use the side button to quickly enter your cards and pay where NFC is available. Just press the side button twice to open the Apple Pay app.
RELATED: How to set up and use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch
How to turn off Apple Watch (or contact Emergency SOS)
By last, the side button also serves to turn off the Apple Watch and call emergency services. Press and hold the side button, then use the slider “Delete” to turn off your Apple Watch.
You can use the slider “sos emergency” to make a call to local emergency services. If you have the medical ID configured in the Health application, you will also see a medical ID slider here.
If you've been using your Apple Watch for a couple of years, it can be difficult to get through the day without pressing the charger. Here's how to extend the battery life of your Apple Watch.
RELATED: How to improve the battery life of your Apple Watch: 12 advice
