The Apple Watch allows you to customize the faces of the watch to show all kinds of useful information. But did you know that you can remove those custom designs directly from someone's wrist?? Here's how to install someone else's Apple Watch face.
What is a .watchface file?
Custom Apple Watch faces can be shared via a .watchface file. This file contains a template with information like which base clock you are using, your choice of colors and what complications have been used throughout the design.
It is essential to emphasize that the generated .watchface files do not contain any personal information. Because, a watch face with an activity ring and date display will not include health data or calendar appointments. When the watch face is applied to your own watch, your personal activity data and your schedule will be used instead.
When you share your Apple Watch face with someone else, a .watchface file is generated and sent. You will likely only see this file if you share it outside of Apple services, like Messages or AirDrop. This file format is useful because it can be used to share your designs through other methods..
RELATED: How to share the face of your Apple Watch
Installing a .watchface file on your Apple Watch
You can install .watchface files on your watch using your iPhone. How you install these files depends on how the other party shares your design. Usually, you just need to touch the watch face in a Messages conversation or accept an AirDrop transfer, and the Watch app will open and ask you to “Add to my faces”.
If you have the .watchface file in an email, locate the email on your iPhone and tap the attached .watchface file. The Watch app should start up and ask you to add the face to your watch. The same goes for messaging applications like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger: tap on the file and follow the prompts in the Watch app.
If you have the .watchface file on your Mac, AirDrop is the fastest transfer method. Right click (o Control + click) in the file and choose Share> AirDrop. In the window that appears, choose your iPhone. If you don't see your iPhone, make sure AirDrop is enabled and visible.
When you receive the file on your iPhone, you will be asked to open it in the apps of your choice. Touch “Watch” at the top of the list to open it directly in the Watch app and follow the instructions to add it to your faces. You can also save the file in Apple Notes for Mac and later open the respective note on your iPhone.
For Windows users, AirDrop is not an alternative. We suggest placing the file on a cloud storage platform such as Google Drive, OneDrive o iCloud Drive para Windows. With the file loaded, open the respective app on your iPhone and open the file in the Watch app to add it to your faces.
If you don't use cloud storage, you can use a note-taking app that supports attachments like Evernote or OneNote. as a last resort, you can always send the file by email and then open the email on your iPhone.
How to remove the face of an Apple Watch
You can easily erase any watch faces that you have installed or created yourself, either through the Watch app on your iPhone or directly on your Apple Watch. On your iPhone, launch the Watch app and touch “Edit” in the section “My faces”. Touch the icon “Remove” followed by “Remove” to erase the face.
You can also do this on your Apple Watch. Press and hold the watch face until the button appears “Edit”. Swipe left and right to select the watch face you want to erase, then slide your finger up to remove it.
Give your watch a facelift
The ability to share your Apple Watch face was added to the Apple Watch as part of the watchOS update. 7 in september 2020. Apple's handheld continues to earn top design honors, activity tracking and general convenience. Regular wireless updates help even older devices feel fresh with new features and enhancements.
Haven't updated your wearable in a while? Learn how to install the latest version of watchOS on your Apple Watch.
