{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-10-18T16:01:24+00:00"},"categoryId":33568,"data":{"title":"Wearables","slug":"wearables","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33543,"title":"Electronics","slug":"electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":32,"bookCount":2},{"categoryId":33570,"title":"Fitbit","slug":"fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":12,"bookCount":1}],"description":"The only thing cooler than a new gadget is one that you can wear on your wrist. Check out our articles on the different kinds of wearables.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33568&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":44,"bookCount":3},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":44,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-10-22T22:37:00+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-29T13:31:34+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:49+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"},"slug":"fitbit","categoryId":33570}],"title":"How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit","strippedTitle":"how to send a friend request from your fitbit","slug":"how-to-send-a-friend-request-from-your-fitbit","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to send friend requests from your Fitbit so your health and fitness goals can benefit from social media.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The folks at Fitbit are well aware of the significant benefits that accrue when you make your self-tracking public, so they’ve built tons of social features, like making friends, into the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/technology/electronics/wearables/fitbit/8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties-265363/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fitbit app</a>. You might be leery of letting Fitbit rummage around in your contacts, but the company promises not to send anything to a contact without your permission.\r\n\r\nIf that seems reasonable, you need to give the Fitbit app permission to access your contacts and then send your request:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Friends tab is where the Fitbit app will eventually list all your friends, ranked in descending order of total steps taken over the past week. For now, it’s either empty or you see just yourself, as shown in the Android version in the following figure.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265374\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"327\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265374\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-friends-tab.jpg\" alt=\"Fitbit Friends tab\" width=\"327\" height=\"400\" /> The Android version of the Friends tab[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Contacts tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Give Fitbit permission to access your contacts:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Enable, and when your Android asks you to confirm, tap Allow.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap Connect Contacts, and when iOS asks you to confirm, tap OK.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>Windows 10:</em> Select Open Settings to run the Settings app, which automatically displays the Contacts tab of the Privacy page. Select Change, turn on the Contacts Access for This Device switch, and then turn on the Fitbit switch. Restart the Fitbit app, repeat Steps 1 through 4, and then skip to Step 6. (Note that the switch is green when it’s on.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app’s Contacts tab now displays two lists. At the top you see <em>X</em> Contacts with Fitbit, where <em>X</em> is the number of people the Fitbit app found in your contacts who have a Fitbit account. Below that list you see the Contacts without Fitbit list.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the contact you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — horrors! — reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679327\"></a>How to send a friend request to your Facebook friends</h2>\r\nIf you know some people on Facebook who have a Fitbit, it might be easier to add them as Fitbit friends by letting the Fitbit app scour your Facebook connections. Fitbit claims that they won’t reach out to any Facebook friend without asking you first, so why not? Before this can happen, you have to give the Fitbit app permission to access your Facebook account.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">In the sections that follow, you give Fitbit permission to access your Facebook account. If, down the road, you want to revoke that permission, you have to do it on the Facebook site. Log in to your Facebook account, select Settings→Apps and Websites, select the Fitbit check box, and then select Remove.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679328\"></a>Using the Fitbit app to send a Facebook friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to ship out a request to a Facebook friend by using the Fitbit app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Facebook tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Select Connect Facebook.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The app prompts you to log in to your Facebook account.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app.</p>\r\n<strong> 7. Select Continue as <em>Name</em>, where <em>Name</em> is your first name.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app connects to your Facebook account and examines your friends to see which of them have Fitbit accounts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app’s Facebook tab now displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 8. Select the Add Friend icon beside the Facebook friend you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or summarily reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679329\"></a>Using Fitbit.com to send a Facebook friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send a request to a Facebook friend by using Fitbit.com:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Go to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Fitbit app</strong></a><strong> and log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the Friends tile, select Connect Facebook.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Facebook account.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Select Continue as <em>Name</em>, where <em>Name</em> is your first name.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit connects to your Facebook account. After a few moments, the Friends tile displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Select the Add Friend button beside the person you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">By default, Fitbit displays only a few Facebook friends in the Friends tile. To see the rest of your Fitbit-connected Facebook friends, hover the mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select See More and then select the Show All link that appears above your Facebook friends list (which Fitbit labels May We Suggest).</p>\r\nThe Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that Fitbit is waiting for the other person to accept (or — say it isn’t so — reject) your friend request.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679330\"></a>How to send a friend request by email</h2>\r\nIf you know the email address of a person’s Fitbit account, you can send a friend request to that email address.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679331\"></a>Using the Fitbit app to send an email friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send an email friend request by using the Fitbit app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Email tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Enter the person’s email address.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When the address is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — boo! — reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679332\"></a>Using Fitbit.com to send an email friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send one or more email friend requests using Fitbit.com:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Go to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Fitbit</strong></a><strong> and log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the Friends tile, select Invite Friends.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you’ve already connected your Facebook account to Fitbit, you won’t see the Invite Friends link. Instead, hover your mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select Find Friends and then select Invite by Email.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays the Invite Friends by Email window.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. In the Email Addresses text box, enter an email address for each person you want to invite.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you complete an address, type a space or a comma or press tab to complete the address and move to the next one.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays a sneak peek of your friend request in the Message Preview pane.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. When you’ve entered all your addresses, select Send Invitation.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit ships out your friend requests.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679333\"></a>How to send a friend request by using a Fitbit username</h2>\r\nIf you know a person’s Fitbit username, follow these steps to send a friend request to that person:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Username tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Enter the person’s username.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When the username is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or ungratefully reject) your friend request.</p>","description":"The folks at Fitbit are well aware of the significant benefits that accrue when you make your self-tracking public, so they’ve built tons of social features, like making friends, into the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/technology/electronics/wearables/fitbit/8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties-265363/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fitbit app</a>. You might be leery of letting Fitbit rummage around in your contacts, but the company promises not to send anything to a contact without your permission.\r\n\r\nIf that seems reasonable, you need to give the Fitbit app permission to access your contacts and then send your request:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Friends tab is where the Fitbit app will eventually list all your friends, ranked in descending order of total steps taken over the past week. For now, it’s either empty or you see just yourself, as shown in the Android version in the following figure.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265374\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"327\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265374\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-friends-tab.jpg\" alt=\"Fitbit Friends tab\" width=\"327\" height=\"400\" /> The Android version of the Friends tab[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Contacts tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Give Fitbit permission to access your contacts:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Enable, and when your Android asks you to confirm, tap Allow.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap Connect Contacts, and when iOS asks you to confirm, tap OK.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>Windows 10:</em> Select Open Settings to run the Settings app, which automatically displays the Contacts tab of the Privacy page. Select Change, turn on the Contacts Access for This Device switch, and then turn on the Fitbit switch. Restart the Fitbit app, repeat Steps 1 through 4, and then skip to Step 6. (Note that the switch is green when it’s on.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app’s Contacts tab now displays two lists. At the top you see <em>X</em> Contacts with Fitbit, where <em>X</em> is the number of people the Fitbit app found in your contacts who have a Fitbit account. Below that list you see the Contacts without Fitbit list.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the contact you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — horrors! — reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679327\"></a>How to send a friend request to your Facebook friends</h2>\r\nIf you know some people on Facebook who have a Fitbit, it might be easier to add them as Fitbit friends by letting the Fitbit app scour your Facebook connections. Fitbit claims that they won’t reach out to any Facebook friend without asking you first, so why not? Before this can happen, you have to give the Fitbit app permission to access your Facebook account.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">In the sections that follow, you give Fitbit permission to access your Facebook account. If, down the road, you want to revoke that permission, you have to do it on the Facebook site. Log in to your Facebook account, select Settings→Apps and Websites, select the Fitbit check box, and then select Remove.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679328\"></a>Using the Fitbit app to send a Facebook friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to ship out a request to a Facebook friend by using the Fitbit app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Facebook tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Select Connect Facebook.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The app prompts you to log in to your Facebook account.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app.</p>\r\n<strong> 7. Select Continue as <em>Name</em>, where <em>Name</em> is your first name.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app connects to your Facebook account and examines your friends to see which of them have Fitbit accounts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Fitbit app’s Facebook tab now displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 8. Select the Add Friend icon beside the Facebook friend you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or summarily reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679329\"></a>Using Fitbit.com to send a Facebook friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send a request to a Facebook friend by using Fitbit.com:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Go to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Fitbit app</strong></a><strong> and log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the Friends tile, select Connect Facebook.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Facebook account.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Select Continue as <em>Name</em>, where <em>Name</em> is your first name.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit connects to your Facebook account. After a few moments, the Friends tile displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Select the Add Friend button beside the person you want to add.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">By default, Fitbit displays only a few Facebook friends in the Friends tile. To see the rest of your Fitbit-connected Facebook friends, hover the mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select See More and then select the Show All link that appears above your Facebook friends list (which Fitbit labels May We Suggest).</p>\r\nThe Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that Fitbit is waiting for the other person to accept (or — say it isn’t so — reject) your friend request.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679330\"></a>How to send a friend request by email</h2>\r\nIf you know the email address of a person’s Fitbit account, you can send a friend request to that email address.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679331\"></a>Using the Fitbit app to send an email friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send an email friend request by using the Fitbit app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Email tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Enter the person’s email address.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When the address is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — boo! — reject) your friend request.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc535679332\"></a>Using Fitbit.com to send an email friend request</h3>\r\nHere are the steps to follow to send one or more email friend requests using Fitbit.com:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Go to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Fitbit</strong></a><strong> and log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the Friends tile, select Invite Friends.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you’ve already connected your Facebook account to Fitbit, you won’t see the Invite Friends link. Instead, hover your mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select Find Friends and then select Invite by Email.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays the Invite Friends by Email window.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. In the Email Addresses text box, enter an email address for each person you want to invite.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you complete an address, type a space or a comma or press tab to complete the address and move to the next one.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays a sneak peek of your friend request in the Message Preview pane.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. When you’ve entered all your addresses, select Send Invitation.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit ships out your friend requests.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc535679333\"></a>How to send a friend request by using a Fitbit username</h2>\r\nIf you know a person’s Fitbit username, follow these steps to send a friend request to that person:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Friends tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure).</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Select the Username tab.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Enter the person’s username.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When the username is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or ungratefully reject) your friend request.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33570,"title":"Fitbit","slug":"fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to send a friend request to your Facebook friends","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"How to send a friend request by email","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"How to send a friend request by using a Fitbit username","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265363,"title":"8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties","slug":"8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265363"}},{"articleId":265357,"title":"How to Customize Your Fitbit Account","slug":"how-to-customize-your-fitbit-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265357"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265363,"title":"8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties","slug":"8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265363"}},{"articleId":265357,"title":"How to Customize Your Fitbit Account","slug":"how-to-customize-your-fitbit-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265357"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281722,"slug":"fitbit-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119592310","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119592313-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-for-dummies-cover-9781119592310-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Fitbit For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"11290\">Paul McFedries</b> is a lifelong runner, hiker, fitness nut, and self-tracker with a downright ridiculous collection of Fitbits, GPS watches, heart-rate monitors, fitness apps, and other health-related tracking gear. Paul has written nearly 100 books that have sold more than four million copies throughout the solar system. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b45b7d58\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b45b954b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-29T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":265373},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-06-25T17:19:10+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-15T22:09:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:27+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"},"slug":"fitbit","categoryId":33570}],"title":"Fitbit For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"fitbit for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"fitbit-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn all about the ten most useful Fitbit account settings and how to get and stay healthy and fit with your Fitbit by following some health advice.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Having a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/getting-started-with-your-fitbit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fitbit</a> is all about getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle by tracking what you do and what you eat each day. Sure, you can try keeping all your activities and meals in your head, but believe me that doesn’t work. It’s always better just to let your Fitbit handle the hard part, which leaves you free to focus on the bigger picture. This Cheat Sheet helps you with that broader view by telling you everything — yes, <em>everything</em> — you need to know to get and maintain health and fitness. You also learn the most useful Fitbit account settings.","description":"Having a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/getting-started-with-your-fitbit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fitbit</a> is all about getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle by tracking what you do and what you eat each day. Sure, you can try keeping all your activities and meals in your head, but believe me that doesn’t work. It’s always better just to let your Fitbit handle the hard part, which leaves you free to focus on the bigger picture. This Cheat Sheet helps you with that broader view by telling you everything — yes, <em>everything</em> — you need to know to get and maintain health and fitness. You also learn the most useful Fitbit account settings.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33570,"title":"Fitbit","slug":"fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265373,"title":"How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit","slug":"how-to-send-a-friend-request-from-your-fitbit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265373"}},{"articleId":265363,"title":"8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties","slug":"8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265363"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265373,"title":"How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit","slug":"how-to-send-a-friend-request-from-your-fitbit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265373"}},{"articleId":265363,"title":"8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties","slug":"8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265363"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281722,"slug":"fitbit-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119592310","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119592313-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-for-dummies-cover-9781119592310-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Fitbit For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"11290\">Paul McFedries</b> is a lifelong runner, hiker, fitness nut, and self-tracker with a downright ridiculous collection of Fitbits, GPS watches, heart-rate monitors, fitness apps, and other health-related tracking gear. Paul has written nearly 100 books that have sold more than four million copies throughout the solar system. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2fe1774\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2fe225b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":262482,"title":"The 10 Most Useful Fitbit Account Settings","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262482"}},{"articleId":262491,"title":"Get and Stay Healthy and Fit with Your Fitbit","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262491"}}],"content":[{"title":"The 10 most useful Fitbit account settings","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Fitbits seem like such simple devices, but they have a lot going on under the hood, whether that “hood” is the device itself or your Fitbit account. For the latter, the complexity comes from offering dozens of account settings. Many of these settings are obscure and rarely needed. You also have some Fitbit apps that can add even more to your Fitbit experience.</p>\n<div class=\"figure-container\"><figure id=\"attachment_262483\" aria-labelledby=\"figcaption_attachment_262483\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-262483\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-user.jpg\" alt=\"Fitbit user\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /><figcaption id=\"figcaption_attachment_262483\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">©By George Rudy/Shutterstock</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div>\n<p>Here are ten Fitbit settings that you should definitely tweak as needed:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Personal:</strong> This setting controls all the personal data that Fitbit stores about you, including your gender, age, height, and weight, all of which are crucial for getting accurate Fitbit metrics. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account, click your profile name, and then click Personal.</li>\n<li><strong>Wrist:</strong> It’s vital that Fitbit know on which wrist you’re wearing your tracker. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account, click your Fitbit device, and then click Wrist.</li>\n<li><strong>Reminders to Move:</strong> One of the most important fitness and health ideas to emerge in recent years is the notion that you need to move regularly throughout the day. To help with that goal, configure Fitbit’s Reminders to Move, which nudge you to achieve 250 steps each hour. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account, click your Fitbit device, and then click Reminders to Move.</li>\n<li><strong>Goals:</strong> Keep yourself motivated and progressing by using the commands in the Goals section to set your all-important goals. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account, and then click each goal-related command: Activity, Exercise, Nutrition &amp; Body, and Sleep.</li>\n<li><strong>Auto-Recognized Exercises:</strong> You can make your Fitbit life much easier if you set up the device to automatically recognize certain exercises, such as a walk of at least 15 minutes. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account→Exercise, and then click each exercise type in the Auto Recognized Exercises section.</li>\n<li><strong>Privacy:</strong> Your Fitbit account stores a ton of sensitive personal data, so it’s crucial that you control who can see what online. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account→Privacy, and then configure each type of info to one of the following: Private (seen by only you), Friends (seen by only your Fitbit friends), or Public (seen by anyone).</li>\n<li><strong>Notifications:</strong> The Fitbit app can send notifications both to your device and to your email account. To control this often-intrusive feature, you can turn off any notification you don’t want to receive. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account→Notifications, and then click the switch to Off beside any notification you don’t want to see.</li>\n<li><strong>Exercise Tracking:</strong> Cues are a handy way to receive feedback (such as current distance and pace) during exercises. In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account→Exercise Tracking.</li>\n<li><strong>Heart Rate Zones:</strong> If you’re serious about losing weight or getting fit, take advantage of Fitbit’s heart rate zones for training. You can set up either a custom maximum heart rate or a custom heart rate zone in the Fitbit app by clicking Dashboard→Account→Heart Rate Zones.</li>\n<li><strong>Stride Length:</strong> If you want more accurate pace and distance measurements during exercise, forget Fitbit’s default stride length calculations. Instead, determine your true stride length by walking a route of known length (such as a running track) and dividing that length by the number of steps you took. Then enter this value in your Fitbit account as follows: In the Fitbit app, click Dashboard→Account→Advanced Settings→Stride Length. Repeat by running the same route to get your running stride length.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Get and stay healthy and fit with your Fitbit","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you read the newspapers or blogs, you probably think that getting fit and healthy (and staying there) is a complex business that requires special equipment, arcane diets, and subscribing to the latest guru’s newsletter. Forget all that. With your Fitbit strapped to your wrist, getting and staying fit and healthy requires only the following techniques:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Do <em>something</em>.</strong> When it comes to getting fit and healthy, doing anything is always better than doing nothing. Even the slowest stroll is way better for you than sitting on the couch watching TV.</li>\n<li><strong>Get enough weekly exercise.</strong> Most people should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (or greater) activity each week. That’s just 22 minutes a day, or 25 minutes six days a week. You can do it!</li>\n<li><strong>Move throughout the day.</strong> Don’t stuff all your daily movement into a single exercise session. Instead, move at least a little every hour. Fortunately, your Fitbit will automatically remind you to do at least 250 steps each hour. That’s just a few minutes of walking, so no excuses!</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t sit too long.</strong> It’s a sad and unfair fact that long periods of inactivity can <em>negate</em> any benefits you accrue by moving. Therefore, try to get up from your chair and stretch (or, even better, move around) at least every half hour or so.</li>\n<li><strong>Get enough sleep.</strong> Our bodies and minds suffer when we don’t get enough slumber, so set up a sleep schedule to ensure that you get all the sleep you need.</li>\n<li><strong>Weigh yourself every day.</strong> Everybody’s weight fluctuates up and down a bit day-to-day. If you weigh yourself only, say, once a week, you might be weighing yourself on an “up” day, which could be discouraging. Instead, it’s better to just weight yourself every day to get a better sense of your true weight trend.</li>\n<li><strong>To achieve a weight goal, monitor your calories in and calories out.</strong> Losing or maintaining weight couldn’t be simpler, at least from a math point of view: Subtract the calories your burn each day from the calories you consume. If the result is negative (that is, you’re running a calorie deficit), you will lose weight; if the result is zero (give or take a few calories), you will maintain your current weight.</li>\n<li><strong>Eat well.</strong> Your body really wants nutritious food such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruit. If you’d like to feel great every day (and I know you do), give your body what it wants. You can still have junk food or red meat, if that’s what you crave. Just make sure you give yourself these treats in moderation.</li>\n<li><strong>Drink enough water.</strong> The benefits of being hydrated run from keeping your innards lubricated to keeping your energy levels high. So, if you feel thirsty, forget the soda pop: Drink a glass of refreshing water, instead.</li>\n<li><strong>Do something to reduce your stress.</strong> Do you want a guaranteed way of making sure that none of the previous techniques do you much good? Live a stressful life <em>and</em> don’t do anything to reduce or relieve that stress. Hey, I get it: Modern life is inherently nerve-wracking. But do yourself, your body, and your mind a favor and take up some kind of regular practice designed to reduce stress: exercise, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and tai chi can all help you chill.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":262494},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-10-22T14:06:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-15T21:03:01+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:07+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"apple watch for seniors for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Keep your Apple Watch running smoothly and learn how to troubleshoot issues with this handy guide by your side.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Apple Watches cost a pretty penny, especially if you have a Wi-Fi+Cellular model. This is why you should know how to get the most from your Apple Watch’s battery life, troubleshoot problems your watch might have, and get Apple support for Apple Watches.","description":"Apple Watches cost a pretty penny, especially if you have a Wi-Fi+Cellular model. This is why you should know how to get the most from your Apple Watch’s battery life, troubleshoot problems your watch might have, and get Apple support for Apple Watches.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9260,"name":"Dwight Spivey","slug":"dwight-spivey","description":" <p><b>Dwight Spivey</b> has been a technical author and editor for over a decade and is currently Educational Technology Administrator at Spring Hill College. His talent for explaining technology to ordinary humans is evident in <i>iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 12th Edition; Home Automation For Dummies</i>; and the previous edition of this book. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9260"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":275025,"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275025"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}},{"articleId":261342,"title":"Apple Watch’s Built-In Apps","slug":"apple-watchs-built-in-apps","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261342"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":289007,"slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119828396","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119828392/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119828392/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119828392-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119828392/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119828392/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119828396-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9260\">Dwight Spivey</b></b> has been a technical author and editor for over a decade and is currently Educational Technology Administrator at Spring Hill College. His talent for explaining technology to ordinary humans is evident in <i>iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 12th Edition; Home Automation For Dummies</i>; and the previous edition of this book.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9260,"name":"Dwight Spivey","slug":"dwight-spivey","description":" <p><b>Dwight Spivey</b> has been a technical author and editor for over a decade and is currently Educational Technology Administrator at Spring Hill College. His talent for explaining technology to ordinary humans is evident in <i>iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 12th Edition; Home Automation For Dummies</i>; and the previous edition of this book. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9260"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119828396&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1be4c40\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119828396&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1be5661\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Extend your Apple Watch's battery life","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The excellent battery life of Apple Watches is a wonderful feature, but you can extend it even further. Here are a few tips to consider. They can all help reduce the drain on your watch battery, and every bit of that precious juice is valuable when your battery is low and you can’t get to a charger for a while.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep watchOS updated. </strong>Something as simple as using the latest version of the watchOS software can help keep your battery working optimally. On your iPhone’s Watch app, go to General&#8211;&gt;Software Update to make sure you have the newest version.</li>\n<li><strong>Use Power Reserve mode. </strong>When it gets to crunch time (that point when your battery is at or less than ten percent), Power Reserve mode will shut down every function of your Apple Watch other than timekeeping. Open Control Center, tap the button displaying the battery percentage, slide the Power Reserve slider from left to right, and then tap the Proceed button.</li>\n<li><strong>Use a watch face with less or little color. </strong>The more color on your display, the more power your Apple Watch consumes. Change the watch face to something with very little color to save even a modicum of charge.</li>\n<li><strong>Keep Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone. </strong>It may sound strange, but turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone causes your Apple Watch to work harder, therefore draining its battery faster. Keep Bluetooth enabled on both devices, if possible.</li>\n<li><strong>Use standard accessories to charge your Apple Watch. </strong>The most effective way to charge your Apple Watch is to plug it into a wall outlet by using the charging cable that came with your watch, along with a USB power adapter. Some third-party chargers may not be as effective or efficient, and others may simply be lousy. Price might be a good indicator of the quality of charger you’re getting.</li>\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t keep your Apple Watch connected to a computer that&#8217;s sleeping or turned off. </strong>If you’re charging your Apple Watch using your computer via USB, be sure the computer is on and plugged into its own charger. Not doing so could result in your Apple Watch battery draining unexpectedly.</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Apple no longer provides power adapters with Apple Watch. You&#8217;ll need to use one from an Apple device you previously purchased, or you can order one from Apple. Most third-party adapters will work as well, but check with the manufacturer (if possible) before using one.</p>\n"},{"title":"What to do with an unresponsive Apple Watch","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Sometimes your Apple Watch refuses to respond. Before you throw it through the window and run to the Apple Store, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try. If your Apple Watch goes dead on you, do the following:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Charge the battery</strong>. The problem could be a power issue, so the first thing to do is plug the charger cable into a power adapter, plug the adapter into a wall outlet, connect the other end of the cable to your Apple Watch, and charge the battery.</li>\n<li><strong> Clean the display.</strong> If your display isn’t responsive to touch, be sure there’s no muck or grime on it. Use a clean lint-free cloth and, if you absolutely must, a lightly damp cloth to remove anything that may be stuck on. Do not use any chemicals to clean the display or you risk damaging it and voiding your warranty.</li>\n<li><strong>Allow your Apple Watch to cool down.</strong> If you operate or store your watch in temperatures higher than it was designed for, you could run into issues  such as diminished battery life, a dimmed display, or apps that simply won’t work. Apple Watch is not designed to be used in temps higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) or stored in temps above 113 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).</li>\n<li><strong>Force restart the Apple Watch.</strong> When all else fails and you’re unable to restart your Apple Watch normally (by holding down the side button until the Power Off slider appears), you need to force it to restart. Press and hold down both the side button and the digital crown for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears on the display, and then release both buttons. Don’t worry if you have to force your Apple Watch to restart; it doesn’t automatically mean that something is broken. Like their human counterparts, computers (and make no mistake, your Apple Watch is indeed a computer) can get the hiccups and need restarting (or, in our case, a glass of water and perhaps a good scare).</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Apple Support for Apple Watches","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Every new Apple Watch comes with a year&#8217;s coverage for the hardware and 90 days&#8217; worth of free technical support. Apple is known for its helpful customer support, so I recommend that you try it if you&#8217;re stuck. Here are a few options you can explore for getting help:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Apple Store: </strong>Go to your local Apple Store (if one is nearby) to see what the folks there can suggest for your problem. It&#8217;s best to make an appointment to avoid long lines.</li>\n<li><strong>Apple&#8217;s support website: </strong>Visit <u><a href=\"https://support.apple.com/watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch Support</a></u>. You can find online manuals, discussion forums, and downloads on this site, and you can use the Apple Expert feature to contact a support person by phone.</li>\n<li><em><strong>Apple Watch User Guide:</strong></em><em> View the </em><a href=\"https://support.apple.com/manuals/watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">manual</a> for your device.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-22T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":289084},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:47:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-07T01:28:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:51+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"Apple Watch For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"apple watch for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how Apple Watch can keep you in contact with friends; achieve your fitness and health goals; pay for items; and much more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your Apple Watch works with — or, depending on what version you have, independently of — your iPhone, and you can do myriad things with your Apple Watch, all by using your finger or voice. Apple Watch can help you keep in contact with close friends; achieve your fitness and health goals with the Activity app; pay for items at retail with the wave of your wrist; and find directions to any destination you choose. And don’t forget that Siri, your personal assistant, can help you with all of your Apple Watch tasks.","description":"Your Apple Watch works with — or, depending on what version you have, independently of — your iPhone, and you can do myriad things with your Apple Watch, all by using your finger or voice. Apple Watch can help you keep in contact with close friends; achieve your fitness and health goals with the Activity app; pay for items at retail with the wave of your wrist; and find directions to any destination you choose. And don’t forget that Siri, your personal assistant, can help you with all of your Apple Watch tasks.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":289084,"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/289084"}},{"articleId":275025,"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275025"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":289686,"slug":"apple-watch-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119846406","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119846404/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119846404/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119846404-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119846404/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119846404/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-fd-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Apple Watch For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9200\">Marc Saltzman</b></b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With <b data-author-id=\"9200\">Marc Saltzman</b>.&#8221;</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119846406&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0bad3a9\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119846406&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0badd89\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":143474,"title":"Using the Apple Watch Activity App to Meet Your Fitness Goals","slug":"using-the-apple-watch-activity-app-to-meet-your-fitness-goals","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/143474"}},{"articleId":143450,"title":"Getting Turn-by-Turn Directions on Your Apple Watch","slug":"getting-turn-by-turn-directions-on-your-apple-watch","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/143450"}}],"content":[{"title":"Using the Apple Watch Activity App to Meet Your Fitness Goals","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Fitness crazes never really go away. People are always looking for new ways to lose some weight and to get into better shape. Apple Watch will come in handy for health-conscious people who desire fast results but also quick feedback about how well they’re doing. Unlike many other smartwatches, Apple Watch goes above and beyond what others can do.</p>\n<p>For example, <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/how-to-use-the-workout-app-on-your-apple-watch/\">the built-in Workout app</a> lets you select from one of many exercises and a ton of real-time information is then calculated and presented for you.</p>\n<p>But the Apple Watch’s core fitness-related app is Activity. As the name suggests, the Activity app keeps track of everything physical you do throughout the day — and encourages you to keep moving with gentle reminders.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-274914\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Apple-watch-main.jpg\" alt=\"Apple watch main screen\" width=\"357\" height=\"400\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Activity app gives you a visual snapshot of your daily activity. It’s broken down into three colored rings:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Move:</strong> The reddish-pink ring shows how many calories you’ve burned from moving.</li>\n<li><strong>Exercise:</strong> The lime-green ring shows how many minutes of brisk activity you’ve completed that day.</li>\n<li><strong>Stand:</strong> The baby-blue ring gives you a visual indication of how often you’ve stood up after sitting or reclining.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Your goal is to complete each ring each day by reaching the suggested amount of exercise. The more solid each ring is, the better you’re doing — and the closer you are to reaching your fitness goals.</p>\n<p>Before you begin any activity, however, Apple Watch needs to know a few essentials about you — namely, your gender, age, height, and weight — so that its numbers, such as estimated calories burned, can be accurate. For example, an 8-year-old female burns calories at a different rate than a 65-year-old male.</p>\n<p>The following sections offer a closer look at each Activity ring.</p>\n<h3><strong>Move</strong></h3>\n<p>The Activity app’s Move ring tells you how well you’re doing based on your personal active calorie burn goal for the day. For example, the default goal is 600 calories per day, which is a couple of hours of walking around a shopping mall. If that’s too easy to reach or, on the flipside, too ambitious, you can easily make necessary adjustments to suit your needs.</p>\n<p>To access and use the Move tab in the Activity app, follow these steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Press the Digital Crown button to access your Home screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Tap the multicolored Activity app.</strong><br />\nOr raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri, Activity.” Either action launches the Activity app and you should see the Activity app’s main (summary) screen.</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe up for a deeper dive.</strong><br />\nMove tells you how much you’ve moved during the day. The red number is your current estimated calories burned. The smaller red number underneath is the percentage of your daily goal.<br />\nYou can change your caloric goal in the Activity app by pressing on the watch screen (Digital Touch) and selecting a new goal. Press + or – to set your desired goal. You can also change your Exercise and Stand goals in the same fashion.</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe down on the screen to see a History graph with each hour of the day presented and how well you’ve done per hour (highlighted by a vertical line).</strong><br />\nThe taller the pinkish bar, the more you moved that hour.</li>\n</ol>\n<h3><strong>Exercise</strong></h3>\n<p>Whether you want to do something active in one shot — such as jogging on the treadmill after work — or a little bit here and there, it’s recommended you do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. What constitutes “exercise,” you ask? How is this different from mere “moving?&#8221; Any activity at the level of a brisk walk or above is considered exercise, says Apple.</p>\n<p>To access and use the Exercise tab in the Activity app, follow these steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Press the Digital Crown button to access your Home screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Tap the Activity app.</strong><br />\nOr raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri, Activity.” Either action launches the Activity app and you should see the Activity app’s main (summary) screen.</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe up to see your exercise info.</strong><br />\nYou should see a green number in the middle of the screen. This is the total exercise time calculated for the day so far. Underneath this number is the total goal for the day (such as 30 minutes). You will also see a percentage of you how close you are to your overall daily goal. To change your goals, press firmly on the screen and tap + or – to set your desired goal.</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe down for your History graph, which shows your hourly activity level — measured in minutes — for when you were most active.</strong><br />\nAs you might expect, the higher the line on the graph, the better. Even if you exercise a little here and a little there, every bit helps and goes toward your daily time goal.</li>\n</ol>\n<h3><strong>Stand</strong></h3>\n<p>Many people have jobs where they sit for a good chunk of the day. Sound familiar? Apple’s Stand ring within the Activity app will remind you to move at least once per hour so you get up and walk around. By default, you’ll be notified about 50 minutes into each hour of sitting idle.</p>\n<p>To access and use the Stand tab in the Activity app, follow these steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Press the Digital Crown button to access your Home screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Tap the Activity app.</strong><br />\nOr raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri, Activity.” Either action launches the Activity app and you should see the Activity app’s main (summary) screen.</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe up to see your Stand data.</strong><br />\nIn blue, you’ll see how many hours you’ve stood up for (at least one minute per hour). There is also a percentage shown, in blue, of how you’re doing against your total goal hours for the day (such as 12).</li>\n<li><strong>Swipe down to access the History graph.</strong><br />\nYou should see the day laid out chronologically and a full vertical bar for any hour you stood (for at least a minute per hour).</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Getting Turn-by-Turn Directions on Your Apple Watch","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Apple Maps — or simply Maps — is one of the built-in Apple Watch apps. As you might expect, it allows you to get directions from your current location to a destination of your choosing, with the app calculating the best route.</p>\n<p>You should see — and feel — the turn-by-turn navigation instructions to guide you along the way, and you can always search for nearby businesses, such as a restaurant or a gas station, simply by asking Siri for it.</p>\n<p>To use the Maps app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Press the Digital Crown button to go to your Home screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Tap the Maps app.</strong><br />\nOr raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri, Maps.” Either action will open the Maps app.<br />\nWhen the app launches, an overhead map of your current location appears on the Apple Watch screen, and you can swipe in a given direction to move the map around, or you can twist the Digital Crown button if you want to zoom in and out to see nearby streets or businesses.<br />\n<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-266234\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-maps.png\" alt=\"Apple Watch Maps\" width=\"272\" height=\"340\" /></li>\n<li><strong>Tap the blue icon in the lower left of the screen to return to your current location.</strong><br />\nThis recenters the map to your specific location.</li>\n<li><strong>To find a location, tap the three buttons on the lower right of the map and select Search Here. Now you can either tap the microphone icon to say a place or address, tap the middle icon (Scribble) to write out the name, or tap the third (top right) icon to select someone from Contacts.</strong><br />\nYou can also browse through nearby establishments at the bottom of the screen, where it says Restaurants, Gas Stations, Pharmacy, and so on. This is the only way to “type in” an address or business name because Apple Watch doesn’t have a built-in keyboard.<br />\nAfter you select a business, contact or address, you see an estimate of how long it might take to get there by foot, by car or transit.</li>\n<li><strong>Tap Start to map your route.</strong><br />\nFollow the instructions as you make your way to your destination. If you need to turn right, you feel a steady series of a dozen taps on your wrist at the intersection you’re approaching. To turn left, you should feel three pairs of two taps. If you’re walking, you can also glance down at your screen for visual cues — if it’s safe to do so and not while walking across a street.</li>\n</ol>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207514},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:53:22+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-05T14:44:55+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"The Apple Watch Collections","strippedTitle":"the apple watch collections","slug":"the-apple-watch-collections","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Explore the basics of the five different Apple Watch options: Series 3, Series 6, SE, Nike+, and Hermès. You also can choose the material and band style.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Apple Watch comes in a few different sizes and configurations. For Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 watches, you have a choice of a screen that’s either 38 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) or 42 millimeters (roughly 1.65 inches).\r\n\r\nFor Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch SE (a less expensive model introduced in 2020), sizes measure 40 mm (1.57 inches) or 44 mm (1.73 inches), but they have narrower “bezels” (borders), therefore the watch face is virtually all screen (and it’s a beauty).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">You measure the size of your screen from the top of the Apple Watch screen to the bottom and not diagonally — similar to how most screens from consumer electronics are measured (such as smartphones and tablets).</p>\r\nAlthough you’ve likely already bought a watch before reading this article, note that there are a few different versions of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a> options available today — with the most popular version, Apple Watch Series 6, shown in the following figure — and a few accessories you can purchase to customize your watch. For a more extensive discussion about the Apple Watch collections, or for when you want to convince a friend or coworker that he or she needs an Apple Watch, visit <a href=\"https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-5/\">Apple.com</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275015\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275015\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-series-6.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch Series 6\" width=\"556\" height=\"479\" /> The most popular Series 6 Apple Watch has multiple band colors, styles, and material options, too.[/caption]\r\n\r\nExcluding the various bands you can buy from Apple, the five different Apple Watch options are:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 3:</strong> Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 6:</strong> At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch SE:</strong> Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Nike+:</strong> Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Hermès:</strong> A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive new watch face.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou also have a ton of choices when it comes to the material and wrist band styles you want in an Apple Watch. In fact, with Apple Watch Series 6, you can go with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or ceramic!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275014\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275014\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-bands.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch bands\" width=\"556\" height=\"534\" /> Wow! What a selection of different materials and bands to choose from with Apple Watch Series 6.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the fall of 2019, Apple also announced Apple Watch Studio, a website that lets you choose a case and pair any band. Try it out for yourself at apple.com/shop/studio.","description":"Apple Watch comes in a few different sizes and configurations. For Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 watches, you have a choice of a screen that’s either 38 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) or 42 millimeters (roughly 1.65 inches).\r\n\r\nFor Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch SE (a less expensive model introduced in 2020), sizes measure 40 mm (1.57 inches) or 44 mm (1.73 inches), but they have narrower “bezels” (borders), therefore the watch face is virtually all screen (and it’s a beauty).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">You measure the size of your screen from the top of the Apple Watch screen to the bottom and not diagonally — similar to how most screens from consumer electronics are measured (such as smartphones and tablets).</p>\r\nAlthough you’ve likely already bought a watch before reading this article, note that there are a few different versions of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a> options available today — with the most popular version, Apple Watch Series 6, shown in the following figure — and a few accessories you can purchase to customize your watch. For a more extensive discussion about the Apple Watch collections, or for when you want to convince a friend or coworker that he or she needs an Apple Watch, visit <a href=\"https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-5/\">Apple.com</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275015\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275015\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-series-6.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch Series 6\" width=\"556\" height=\"479\" /> The most popular Series 6 Apple Watch has multiple band colors, styles, and material options, too.[/caption]\r\n\r\nExcluding the various bands you can buy from Apple, the five different Apple Watch options are:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 3:</strong> Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 6:</strong> At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch SE:</strong> Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Nike+:</strong> Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Hermès:</strong> A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive new watch face.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou also have a ton of choices when it comes to the material and wrist band styles you want in an Apple Watch. In fact, with Apple Watch Series 6, you can go with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or ceramic!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275014\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275014\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-bands.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch bands\" width=\"556\" height=\"534\" /> Wow! What a selection of different materials and bands to choose from with Apple Watch Series 6.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the fall of 2019, Apple also announced Apple Watch Studio, a website that lets you choose a case and pair any band. Try it out for yourself at apple.com/shop/studio.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":143568,"title":"10 Cool Things to Do With Your Apple Watch","slug":"10-cool-things-to-do-with-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/143568"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":289084,"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/289084"}},{"articleId":275025,"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275025"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":{"default":null,"ca":null,"indigo_ca":null,"gb":null,"de":null},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"title":"","testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"","authors":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b055463a\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b05551b3\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-05T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":143360},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:55:30+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-15T15:17:37+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"10 Cool Things to Do With Your Apple Watch","strippedTitle":"10 cool things to do with your apple watch","slug":"10-cool-things-to-do-with-your-apple-watch","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Explore these 10 Apple Watch features—from the fun Walkie Talkie to the more practical Hotel Key and Maps—and make the most of your Apple Watch.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you’re like most people, you won’t have time to go over <i>everything</i> Apple Watch has to offer. It’s estimated that most people only use about 10 percent of what their gadgets can do — until someone shows them what they’re missing. You can be in the know by learning about these <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch</a> features.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Activity</h2>\r\nMany smartwatches and fitness bands can report on your performance while working out, but Apple Watch is always calculating what you’re doing — or not doing.\r\n\r\nThe innovative Activity app and its three rings — for Move, Exercise, and Stand — does a stellar job of giving you an idea of your overall physical activity.\r\n\r\nPress the Digital Crown button or lift your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Activity,” and then take a gander at your progress:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The reddish-pink <strong>Move</strong> ring shows how many calories you’ve burned by moving around during the day.</li>\r\n \t<li>The lime green <strong>Exercise</strong> ring is for minutes of brisk or intense activity you’ve completed that day.</li>\r\n \t<li>The baby blue <strong>Stand</strong> ring gives you a visual indication of how often you’ve stood up after sitting or reclining.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYour goal is to complete each ring each day. The more solid each ring is, the better you’re doing. Plus, you can swipe around inside the app for a numerical look at your performance.\r\n\r\nYou can also change your goals per day in case they’re too ambitious for your lifestyle, or you can bump them up for an added challenge. The companion Activity app for iPhone shows you additional information, including a historical look at your Activity levels. Plus, every Monday, you should receive a summary report on your Apple Watch about your activity and goals. And there’s the Trends feature, too, for an even deeper look at your activity history (synced with iPhone).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274959\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"540\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274959\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-goals.jpg\" alt=\"setting goals on Apple Watch\" width=\"540\" height=\"600\" /> You can change your daily goals depending on how ambitious you are.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Apple Pay</h2>\r\nUsing your watch to buy things at retail establishments is incredibly convenient. Even if you don’t have your iPhone around, you can wave your wrist over one of those contactless terminals at the checkout counter or at an Apple Pay-compatible vending machine and the transaction is completed — securely.\r\n\r\nTo buy something using Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Double-tap the side button on Apple Watch, which opens Apple Pay.\r\n</strong>Apple Pay uses your default card in the Wallet app, but you can change it to something else if you like.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Hold the watch up to the contactless terminal and you should hear a tone and feel a slight vibration — both of which confirm the payment has been made.\r\n</strong>That’s all there is to it. Apple Pay uses near field communication (NFC) technology inside of Apple Watch to make the <em>digital handshake</em> with the retailer’s contactless terminal.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nApple Pay is supported by many banks and financial institutions as well as many thousands of retailers. But remember, you need to set up Apple Pay first on your iPhone if you haven’t done so already.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hotel Key</h2>\r\nFree apps such as Marriott Bonvoy let you tap your watch on your hotel door to gain entrance. No more fumbling for the key card or having it demagnetized because you had it in your pocket with your smartphone.\r\n\r\nIf you’ve got the free app installed, tell someone at the check-in desk at a Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotel, Meridien, St. Regis, Element, or Aloft. Keep in mind that support for Apple Watch likely won’t be available at all of these hotels and resorts or rolled out at the same time.\r\n\r\nIn the near future, expect many similar apps to let you into your car — instead of needing a large key fob — or to enter public transit stations, including bus depots and train terminals. Perhaps soon, Apple Watch will let you walk through your front door at home (with Wi-Fi smart deadbolts) or into your office by tapping your wrist on a card reader.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Walkie-Talkie</h2>\r\nIn case you haven’t given it a shot yet, Walkie-Talkie is a fun way for two Apple Watch wearers to communicate between themselves. As you might expect, Walkie-Talkie lets you quickly chat with someone, wrist to wrist, using your voice.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274963\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274963\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-walkie-talkie.jpg\" alt=\"Walkie-Talkie\" width=\"556\" height=\"221\" /> Use the Walkie-Talkie feature to contact another Apple Watch wearer instantly. And it’s fun![/caption]\r\n\r\nTo get going, you and the person you’d like to talk with need to set up the FaceTime app on your iPhone. This app enables you to make and receive FaceTime audio calls.\r\n\r\nTo use the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Walkie-Talkie app (it’s yellow and black) on your Apple Watch.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press the yellow + sign and choose a contact.\r\n</strong>Wait for your friend to accept the invitation. The contact card remains gray and reads “invited” until your friend accepts.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> After your friend accepts, his or her contact card turns yellow.\r\n</strong>You and your friend can now talk instantly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Touch and hold the talk button, and then say something.\r\n</strong>Now your friend can hear your voice and talk with you instantly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> To talk over Walkie-Talkie, touch and hold the talk button, then say something; when you’re done, let go.\r\n</strong>Your friend instantly hears what you said. To change the volume, turn the Digital Crown.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Apple Watch has Wi-Fi or cellular support on some models, but that doesn’t mean you can surf the web; Apple Watch doesn’t come with a web browser; it uses Wi-Fi only to move or sync data between it and your iPhone. That’s probably not a bad thing, given the fact Wi-Fi eats up valuable battery life pretty quickly. Also remember that Walkie-Talkie requires that both people be running watchOS 5 or greater.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Music playback</h2>\r\nMany people who exercise rely on music to help keep them entertained and motivated. You might not want to bring a large iPhone with you on a jog or run, but thankfully, Apple lets you sync some music to Apple Watch — up to 2 gigabytes, or about 500 songs.\r\n\r\nTo sync music to your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Connect your Apple Watch to your PC or Mac via its USB charger.\r\n</strong>Use the magnetic charger that shipped with your Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Under My Watch, scroll down and tap Music, followed by Synced Playlist.\r\n</strong>Decide what you’d like to transfer over to your watch: My Top Rated, Recently Added, Recently Played, Top 25 Most Played, or Purchased tracks.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap to select one of these options.\r\n</strong>Unplug the Apple Watch from the computer when the sync is complete.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have songs stored on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Music app and press and hold the screen (Force Touch) to launch a couple options.\r\n</strong>You see options for Shuffle, Repeat, AirPlay, and Device.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Device and then select Apple Watch rather than iPhone.\r\n</strong>You’re prompted to pair a Bluetooth-enabled headset or headphones to hear the music. The Apple Watch screen shows you what’s playing on your watch or iPhone.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nApple Watch also acts as a remote control for an Apple TV connected to a TV or for playing music on an iPhone or iPad.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Maps</h2>\r\nBecause Apple Watch is always on your wrist, it’s a conveniently placed screen for getting directions. Apple Watch can give you turn-by-turn directions by tapping into your nearby iPhone’s GPS chip, and you should see the overhead map on your watch, including a blue dot for your location, a red pushpin for the destination, and the path to take to get there quickly. Apple Watch gently vibrates to tell you when it’s time to turn left or right. Some Apple Watch models have an integrated compass, too, for even more accurate directions.\r\n\r\nTo use the Maps app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press the Digital Crown button to go to the Home screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Maps app.\r\n</strong>You can also raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Maps.” Either action opens the Maps app. An overhead map of your current location appears on the Apple Watch screen, and you can swipe in any given direction to move the map around, or you can twist the Digital Crown button if you want to see nearby streets or businesses.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press and hold the screen and then speak an address or business name.\r\n</strong>If you make a mistake, tap Clear. If you’re happy with what you requested, continue to the next step.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Start to begin the turn-by-turn directions.\r\n</strong>You now see and feel when it’s time to turn left or right when nearing an intersection — whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle. Your iPhone also shows you information if you want to peek at a bigger screen (safely) or hand it to a passenger.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Digital Touch</h2>\r\nMany smartwatches on the market offer similar features, such as seeing who’s calling or texting, calculating fitness information, or getting directions to a destination. But Apple Watch offers a few unique watch-to-watch communication options — collectively referred to as Digital Touch. Here are three examples of them:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sketch:</strong> Draw something with your finger, and the person you’re sending it to sees it animate on his or her Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap:</strong> Send gentle (and even customizable) taps to someone to let that person know you’re thinking about him or her.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Heartbeat:</strong> Your built-in heart rate monitor is captured and sent to someone special so that person can feel it on his or her wrist.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nTo send a heartbeat with your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Messages app and tap someone.\r\n</strong>Start a new message or reply to an existing conversation.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the blue and white icon that looks like two fingers on a heart.\r\n</strong>You see a black screen, ready for your fingers. And you can tap the top-right corner to change colors.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press and hold your fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it pulse.\r\n</strong>When you feel the pulsations stop, you can lift your fingers up and your heartbeat is sent to the recipient.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274961\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274961\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-heartbeat.jpg\" alt=\"heartbeat on Apple Watch\" width=\"556\" height=\"253\" /> Want to tell a special someone you’re thinking about them? A romantic way to do it is to send your heartbeat (left) — but they’ll need an Apple Watch to feel it! Also, here’s what a sketch looks like on an Apple Watch (right). Okay, so no one will mistake you for Leonardo da Vinci, but it's fun nonetheless.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Siri</h2>\r\nBecause Apple Watch was designed for quick interactions and to get information wherever and whenever you need it most, the best way to interact with your watch is by your voice. Providing you’re in a place where you can talk freely, speaking into your watch’s microphone is a fast, accurate, and convenient method for getting what you want when you want it.\r\n\r\nIf you recall, you can use Siri in two ways on Apple Watch:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Digital Crown:</strong> Press the Digital Crown button and wait to see the little bars jumping up and down near the bottom of your screen. This confirms Siri is “listening” to you.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Voice activation:</strong> Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri,” followed by your command or question. Or you can go into and change the Settings of Apple Watch to enable simply raising your wrist to activate your personal assistant.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nFor both of these options, you should get what you need within a second or two, but remember, you need your iPhone nearby because your request is quickly sent to Apple’s servers to process it.\r\n\r\nSiri can help you with virtually any task, including some of the following, which are tied to various apps and online content:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>“What time is it in Milan?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Read me my messages.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Text Susan that I’ll be five minutes late.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Call Dad.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Show me my email.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“When is my next appointment?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Open the Activity app” or “Open the Workout app.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Where is the closest gas station?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“What song is playing?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Play jazz.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“How are the Cubs doing?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Set an alarm for 6 a.m.”</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Watches and watch faces</h2>\r\nMost companies that release a smartwatch have one or two models, but Apple Watch is available in multiple sizes, several materials (aluminum, stainless steel, and 18-karat gold), in multiple case colors, and with various band colors, materials, and styles to choose from.\r\n\r\nClearly, Apple has thought this through!\r\n\r\nEven with all the options, the user experience will be similar between all the versions because features, interfaces, and apps are the same for all of them.\r\n\r\nThe following is a quick summary of the five current options (at the time of writing):\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 3:</strong> Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 6:</strong> At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch SE:</strong> Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Nike+:</strong> Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Hermès:</strong> A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive watch face.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nCheck out more information on the <a href=\"http://www.apple.com/watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch</a> collections and some accessories.\r\n\r\nAnd once you’ve got an Apple Watch on your wrist, you’ve got several watch faces to choose from, all of which can be personalized to your liking. Here are just a few choices:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Astronomy:</strong> An out-of-this-world view of our solar system</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Chronograph:</strong> Like an analog stopwatch</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Color:</strong> Classic analog face with customizable colors</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Gradient:</strong> Bright and bold colors that change throughout the day</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Mickey or Minnie Mouse:</strong> A classic returns — and in animation</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Modular Compact:</strong> Bold digital watch face with lots of options</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Motion:</strong> Animated objects, such as butterflies and flowers</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Numerals Mono:</strong> A stylish hybrid of digital and analog time</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Simple:</strong> A minimalistic but stylish analog watch</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Solar Dial:</strong> Based on your location and time of day, you can see the sun’s position</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Utility:</strong> Analog watch with optional calendar reminders and more</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>X-Large:</strong> Large digital font for viewing at a distance</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274958\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274958\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-faces.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch faces\" width=\"556\" height=\"335\" /> Choose from Astronomy, Mickey Mouse, or several other watch faces to personalize your Apple Watch.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Gaming</h2>\r\nIt’s a huge understatement to say Apple Watch is an unproven video game platform. But given Apple’s track record with iOS devices — not to mention a passionate app development community eager to take advantage of this new real estate on the wrist — gaming might be the secret “killer app” of Apple Watch.\r\n\r\nYou’re in line at the supermarket and you want to kill some time by dunking a few virtual baskets by tapping your watch screen. Or you’re on the train to work and you want to use your fingertip to slide letter tiles on a board to create a word. Or perhaps you’re walking down the street and you feel a tap on your wrist — an alert that someone is invading your virtual village and you’ve got to decide what to do.\r\n\r\nJust as the smartphone and tablet have become viable gaming platforms in a very short period of time — even pumping out such iconic games as Angry Birds and Flappy Bird — Apple Watch could introduce fresh gaming experiences on a device we always have strapped to our wrists.\r\n\r\nThe App Store — accessible on the companion Apple Watch app on iPhone — has thousands of apps to choose from. This figure shows what Rules! — a popular iOS game — looks like on the Apple Watch (and, yes, it’s available for both platforms).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274962\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"337\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274962\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-rules.jpg\" alt=\"Rules! for Apple Watch\" width=\"337\" height=\"600\" /> A look at Rules! for Apple Watch — based on the popular iOS version.[/caption]","description":"If you’re like most people, you won’t have time to go over <i>everything</i> Apple Watch has to offer. It’s estimated that most people only use about 10 percent of what their gadgets can do — until someone shows them what they’re missing. You can be in the know by learning about these <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch</a> features.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Activity</h2>\r\nMany smartwatches and fitness bands can report on your performance while working out, but Apple Watch is always calculating what you’re doing — or not doing.\r\n\r\nThe innovative Activity app and its three rings — for Move, Exercise, and Stand — does a stellar job of giving you an idea of your overall physical activity.\r\n\r\nPress the Digital Crown button or lift your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Activity,” and then take a gander at your progress:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The reddish-pink <strong>Move</strong> ring shows how many calories you’ve burned by moving around during the day.</li>\r\n \t<li>The lime green <strong>Exercise</strong> ring is for minutes of brisk or intense activity you’ve completed that day.</li>\r\n \t<li>The baby blue <strong>Stand</strong> ring gives you a visual indication of how often you’ve stood up after sitting or reclining.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYour goal is to complete each ring each day. The more solid each ring is, the better you’re doing. Plus, you can swipe around inside the app for a numerical look at your performance.\r\n\r\nYou can also change your goals per day in case they’re too ambitious for your lifestyle, or you can bump them up for an added challenge. The companion Activity app for iPhone shows you additional information, including a historical look at your Activity levels. Plus, every Monday, you should receive a summary report on your Apple Watch about your activity and goals. And there’s the Trends feature, too, for an even deeper look at your activity history (synced with iPhone).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274959\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"540\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274959\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-goals.jpg\" alt=\"setting goals on Apple Watch\" width=\"540\" height=\"600\" /> You can change your daily goals depending on how ambitious you are.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Apple Pay</h2>\r\nUsing your watch to buy things at retail establishments is incredibly convenient. Even if you don’t have your iPhone around, you can wave your wrist over one of those contactless terminals at the checkout counter or at an Apple Pay-compatible vending machine and the transaction is completed — securely.\r\n\r\nTo buy something using Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Double-tap the side button on Apple Watch, which opens Apple Pay.\r\n</strong>Apple Pay uses your default card in the Wallet app, but you can change it to something else if you like.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Hold the watch up to the contactless terminal and you should hear a tone and feel a slight vibration — both of which confirm the payment has been made.\r\n</strong>That’s all there is to it. Apple Pay uses near field communication (NFC) technology inside of Apple Watch to make the <em>digital handshake</em> with the retailer’s contactless terminal.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nApple Pay is supported by many banks and financial institutions as well as many thousands of retailers. But remember, you need to set up Apple Pay first on your iPhone if you haven’t done so already.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hotel Key</h2>\r\nFree apps such as Marriott Bonvoy let you tap your watch on your hotel door to gain entrance. No more fumbling for the key card or having it demagnetized because you had it in your pocket with your smartphone.\r\n\r\nIf you’ve got the free app installed, tell someone at the check-in desk at a Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotel, Meridien, St. Regis, Element, or Aloft. Keep in mind that support for Apple Watch likely won’t be available at all of these hotels and resorts or rolled out at the same time.\r\n\r\nIn the near future, expect many similar apps to let you into your car — instead of needing a large key fob — or to enter public transit stations, including bus depots and train terminals. Perhaps soon, Apple Watch will let you walk through your front door at home (with Wi-Fi smart deadbolts) or into your office by tapping your wrist on a card reader.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Walkie-Talkie</h2>\r\nIn case you haven’t given it a shot yet, Walkie-Talkie is a fun way for two Apple Watch wearers to communicate between themselves. As you might expect, Walkie-Talkie lets you quickly chat with someone, wrist to wrist, using your voice.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274963\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274963\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-walkie-talkie.jpg\" alt=\"Walkie-Talkie\" width=\"556\" height=\"221\" /> Use the Walkie-Talkie feature to contact another Apple Watch wearer instantly. And it’s fun![/caption]\r\n\r\nTo get going, you and the person you’d like to talk with need to set up the FaceTime app on your iPhone. This app enables you to make and receive FaceTime audio calls.\r\n\r\nTo use the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Walkie-Talkie app (it’s yellow and black) on your Apple Watch.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press the yellow + sign and choose a contact.\r\n</strong>Wait for your friend to accept the invitation. The contact card remains gray and reads “invited” until your friend accepts.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> After your friend accepts, his or her contact card turns yellow.\r\n</strong>You and your friend can now talk instantly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Touch and hold the talk button, and then say something.\r\n</strong>Now your friend can hear your voice and talk with you instantly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> To talk over Walkie-Talkie, touch and hold the talk button, then say something; when you’re done, let go.\r\n</strong>Your friend instantly hears what you said. To change the volume, turn the Digital Crown.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Apple Watch has Wi-Fi or cellular support on some models, but that doesn’t mean you can surf the web; Apple Watch doesn’t come with a web browser; it uses Wi-Fi only to move or sync data between it and your iPhone. That’s probably not a bad thing, given the fact Wi-Fi eats up valuable battery life pretty quickly. Also remember that Walkie-Talkie requires that both people be running watchOS 5 or greater.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Music playback</h2>\r\nMany people who exercise rely on music to help keep them entertained and motivated. You might not want to bring a large iPhone with you on a jog or run, but thankfully, Apple lets you sync some music to Apple Watch — up to 2 gigabytes, or about 500 songs.\r\n\r\nTo sync music to your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Connect your Apple Watch to your PC or Mac via its USB charger.\r\n</strong>Use the magnetic charger that shipped with your Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Under My Watch, scroll down and tap Music, followed by Synced Playlist.\r\n</strong>Decide what you’d like to transfer over to your watch: My Top Rated, Recently Added, Recently Played, Top 25 Most Played, or Purchased tracks.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap to select one of these options.\r\n</strong>Unplug the Apple Watch from the computer when the sync is complete.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have songs stored on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Music app and press and hold the screen (Force Touch) to launch a couple options.\r\n</strong>You see options for Shuffle, Repeat, AirPlay, and Device.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Device and then select Apple Watch rather than iPhone.\r\n</strong>You’re prompted to pair a Bluetooth-enabled headset or headphones to hear the music. The Apple Watch screen shows you what’s playing on your watch or iPhone.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nApple Watch also acts as a remote control for an Apple TV connected to a TV or for playing music on an iPhone or iPad.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Maps</h2>\r\nBecause Apple Watch is always on your wrist, it’s a conveniently placed screen for getting directions. Apple Watch can give you turn-by-turn directions by tapping into your nearby iPhone’s GPS chip, and you should see the overhead map on your watch, including a blue dot for your location, a red pushpin for the destination, and the path to take to get there quickly. Apple Watch gently vibrates to tell you when it’s time to turn left or right. Some Apple Watch models have an integrated compass, too, for even more accurate directions.\r\n\r\nTo use the Maps app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press the Digital Crown button to go to the Home screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Maps app.\r\n</strong>You can also raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Maps.” Either action opens the Maps app. An overhead map of your current location appears on the Apple Watch screen, and you can swipe in any given direction to move the map around, or you can twist the Digital Crown button if you want to see nearby streets or businesses.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press and hold the screen and then speak an address or business name.\r\n</strong>If you make a mistake, tap Clear. If you’re happy with what you requested, continue to the next step.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Start to begin the turn-by-turn directions.\r\n</strong>You now see and feel when it’s time to turn left or right when nearing an intersection — whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle. Your iPhone also shows you information if you want to peek at a bigger screen (safely) or hand it to a passenger.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Digital Touch</h2>\r\nMany smartwatches on the market offer similar features, such as seeing who’s calling or texting, calculating fitness information, or getting directions to a destination. But Apple Watch offers a few unique watch-to-watch communication options — collectively referred to as Digital Touch. Here are three examples of them:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sketch:</strong> Draw something with your finger, and the person you’re sending it to sees it animate on his or her Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap:</strong> Send gentle (and even customizable) taps to someone to let that person know you’re thinking about him or her.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Heartbeat:</strong> Your built-in heart rate monitor is captured and sent to someone special so that person can feel it on his or her wrist.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nTo send a heartbeat with your Apple Watch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Messages app and tap someone.\r\n</strong>Start a new message or reply to an existing conversation.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the blue and white icon that looks like two fingers on a heart.\r\n</strong>You see a black screen, ready for your fingers. And you can tap the top-right corner to change colors.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Press and hold your fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it pulse.\r\n</strong>When you feel the pulsations stop, you can lift your fingers up and your heartbeat is sent to the recipient.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274961\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274961\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-heartbeat.jpg\" alt=\"heartbeat on Apple Watch\" width=\"556\" height=\"253\" /> Want to tell a special someone you’re thinking about them? A romantic way to do it is to send your heartbeat (left) — but they’ll need an Apple Watch to feel it! Also, here’s what a sketch looks like on an Apple Watch (right). Okay, so no one will mistake you for Leonardo da Vinci, but it's fun nonetheless.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Siri</h2>\r\nBecause Apple Watch was designed for quick interactions and to get information wherever and whenever you need it most, the best way to interact with your watch is by your voice. Providing you’re in a place where you can talk freely, speaking into your watch’s microphone is a fast, accurate, and convenient method for getting what you want when you want it.\r\n\r\nIf you recall, you can use Siri in two ways on Apple Watch:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Digital Crown:</strong> Press the Digital Crown button and wait to see the little bars jumping up and down near the bottom of your screen. This confirms Siri is “listening” to you.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Voice activation:</strong> Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri,” followed by your command or question. Or you can go into and change the Settings of Apple Watch to enable simply raising your wrist to activate your personal assistant.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nFor both of these options, you should get what you need within a second or two, but remember, you need your iPhone nearby because your request is quickly sent to Apple’s servers to process it.\r\n\r\nSiri can help you with virtually any task, including some of the following, which are tied to various apps and online content:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>“What time is it in Milan?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Read me my messages.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Text Susan that I’ll be five minutes late.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Call Dad.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Show me my email.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“When is my next appointment?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Open the Activity app” or “Open the Workout app.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Where is the closest gas station?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“What song is playing?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Play jazz.”</li>\r\n \t<li>“What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“How are the Cubs doing?”</li>\r\n \t<li>“Set an alarm for 6 a.m.”</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Watches and watch faces</h2>\r\nMost companies that release a smartwatch have one or two models, but Apple Watch is available in multiple sizes, several materials (aluminum, stainless steel, and 18-karat gold), in multiple case colors, and with various band colors, materials, and styles to choose from.\r\n\r\nClearly, Apple has thought this through!\r\n\r\nEven with all the options, the user experience will be similar between all the versions because features, interfaces, and apps are the same for all of them.\r\n\r\nThe following is a quick summary of the five current options (at the time of writing):\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 3:</strong> Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Series 6:</strong> At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch SE:</strong> Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Nike+:</strong> Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Apple Watch Hermès:</strong> A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive watch face.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nCheck out more information on the <a href=\"http://www.apple.com/watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Watch</a> collections and some accessories.\r\n\r\nAnd once you’ve got an Apple Watch on your wrist, you’ve got several watch faces to choose from, all of which can be personalized to your liking. Here are just a few choices:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Astronomy:</strong> An out-of-this-world view of our solar system</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Chronograph:</strong> Like an analog stopwatch</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Color:</strong> Classic analog face with customizable colors</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Gradient:</strong> Bright and bold colors that change throughout the day</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Mickey or Minnie Mouse:</strong> A classic returns — and in animation</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Modular Compact:</strong> Bold digital watch face with lots of options</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Motion:</strong> Animated objects, such as butterflies and flowers</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Numerals Mono:</strong> A stylish hybrid of digital and analog time</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Simple:</strong> A minimalistic but stylish analog watch</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Solar Dial:</strong> Based on your location and time of day, you can see the sun’s position</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Utility:</strong> Analog watch with optional calendar reminders and more</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>X-Large:</strong> Large digital font for viewing at a distance</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274958\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274958\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-faces.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch faces\" width=\"556\" height=\"335\" /> Choose from Astronomy, Mickey Mouse, or several other watch faces to personalize your Apple Watch.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Gaming</h2>\r\nIt’s a huge understatement to say Apple Watch is an unproven video game platform. But given Apple’s track record with iOS devices — not to mention a passionate app development community eager to take advantage of this new real estate on the wrist — gaming might be the secret “killer app” of Apple Watch.\r\n\r\nYou’re in line at the supermarket and you want to kill some time by dunking a few virtual baskets by tapping your watch screen. Or you’re on the train to work and you want to use your fingertip to slide letter tiles on a board to create a word. Or perhaps you’re walking down the street and you feel a tap on your wrist — an alert that someone is invading your virtual village and you’ve got to decide what to do.\r\n\r\nJust as the smartphone and tablet have become viable gaming platforms in a very short period of time — even pumping out such iconic games as Angry Birds and Flappy Bird — Apple Watch could introduce fresh gaming experiences on a device we always have strapped to our wrists.\r\n\r\nThe App Store — accessible on the companion Apple Watch app on iPhone — has thousands of apps to choose from. This figure shows what Rules! — a popular iOS game — looks like on the Apple Watch (and, yes, it’s available for both platforms).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274962\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"337\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-274962\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-rules.jpg\" alt=\"Rules! for Apple Watch\" width=\"337\" height=\"600\" /> A look at Rules! for Apple Watch — based on the popular iOS version.[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Activity","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Apple Pay","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Hotel Key","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Walkie-Talkie","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Music playback","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Maps","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Digital Touch","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Siri","target":"#tab8"},{"label":"Watches and watch faces","target":"#tab9"},{"label":"Gaming","target":"#tab10"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":143360,"title":"The Apple Watch Collections","slug":"the-apple-watch-collections","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/143360"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":289084,"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/289084"}},{"articleId":275025,"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275025"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":{"default":null,"ca":null,"indigo_ca":null,"gb":null,"de":null},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"title":"","testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"","authors":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":143568},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-12-19T01:06:04+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-03-12T21:45:43+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:56+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","strippedTitle":"apple watch's family setup and schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about two new Apple Watch features: Family Setup and Schooltime, designed to limit the use of Apple Watch during specific hours of the day.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Apple Watch previously required you to have an iPhone to set up and use the wristwatch (even with the cellular model). This isn’t the case any longer, with the introduction of watchOS 7, the operating system that debuted in the fall of 2020. Also new with watchOS 7 are a couple of features specific for families.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Family Setup: Setting up Apple Watch for family members</h2>\r\nWith a new feature called Family Setup, it’s now possible for family members to use <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a>’s features — such as sending and receiving messages and calls, and sharing their location with you — even if they don’t own an iPhone.\r\n\r\nAfter you set up a watch for a family member, such as a child, you can use your iPhone to manage some of the watch’s capabilities.\r\n\r\nTo get going with Family Setup, you need:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>An Apple Watch Series 4 or later, GPS + Cellular model, or Apple Watch SE with cellular. Apple says a cellular plan (typically $10/month) isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but it’s necessary for some features.</li>\r\n \t<li>Apple Watch watchOS 7 or later.</li>\r\n \t<li>An iPhone 6S or later with iOS 14 (or later) for the setup process.</li>\r\n \t<li>Your Apple ID and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch. Note two-factor authentication must be turned on. (This is when you not only need a password to log in but also a one-time code sent to one of your Apple devices, which you also need to type, to confirm it’s really you.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nReady to get going? Here are the steps to using Family Setup as the parent/guardian:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Put the Apple Watch on your wrist and turn it on by pressing and holding the side button. </strong>The Apple logo appears. If your Apple Watch isn’t new, perform a factory reset on the watch (Settings→General→Reset→Erase All Content and Settings).</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Hold the watch close to your iPhone. </strong>Your phone’s screen has a message that reads: “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch.”</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Continue.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pair the watch with your iPhone by following the prompts to hold the iPhone over the Apple Watch screen (so that your iPhone’s camera can see the animation). </strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong> Tap Set Up Apple Watch and after you agree to the terms and conditions, choose a text size for the Apple Watch and a passcode.</strong></strong> \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275027\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275027\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-family-setup.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch's Family Setup\" width=\"556\" height=\"452\" /> Apple Watch now lets you set up a watch for someone in the family that doesn’t have an iPhone. But a parent or guardian first needs an iPhone to initiate Family Setup in the Watch app.[/caption]</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pick a family member who will use this Apple Watch.\r\n</strong>You should see the family member’s name, face, and age. If not, tap Add New Family Member and enter their Apple ID and password. If you like, enable “Ask to Buy” if you want to give permission for any app downloads or purchases made on the Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Set up cellular and Wi-Fi.\r\n</strong>This is where you can add your Apple Watch to your mobile phone plan if your cellular provider supports it or you might be able to use a different carrier altogether. If that’s the case, leave this part for later. But be sure to choose whether to share your current Wi-Fi network with the Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Evaluate other features.\r\n</strong>On the next few screens you can enable or disable various Apple Watch features. This includes Location Services (for the Find People app), Siri, Apple Cash Family, Messages in iCloud, Health Data, Emergency SOS, Emergency Contacts, Medical ID, Activity, Workout Route Tracking, and Photos.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Set up shared contacts and Schooltime.\r\n</strong>You’re asked to set up the approved contacts available on Apple Watch to call or message (such as family, friends, or a trusted neighbor.) For this, enable Contacts in iCloud (on iPhone, go to Settings→[your name]→iCloud and double-check Contacts is turned on. Select people here.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Apple has set some restrictions to kids using Apple Watch. For one, high and low heart rate notifications are only available for users 13 and older, and fall detection is available for users 18 and older.</p>\r\nOther health and wellness features not supported in Family Setup: irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts.\r\n\r\nApple Cash Family is available to users under the age of 18, allowing them to make purchases (and send and receive money) in the Messages app via Apple Pay (United States only). But Apple Pay using a credit, debit, or transit card in the Wallet app isn’t available with Family Setup.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Enabling Schooltime on a family member’s Apple Watch</h2>\r\nIntroduced in watchOS 7, Schooltime—as the name suggests—was designed to limit the use of Apple Watch during specific hours of the day. See the following figure on what setting up Schooltime looks like on the iPhone’s Watch app (and watch itself).\r\n\r\nTo set a Schooltime schedule:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Watch app on iPhone. Tap All Watches, and then select the name of your child’s watch.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Done, select Schooltime, and tap Edit Schedule.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be activated (such as weekdays between 8am and 3pm).</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275026\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275026\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-schooltime.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch's Schooltime\" width=\"556\" height=\"344\" /> Introduced in watchOS 7 and the Family Setup option, the Schooltime features lets you set specific dates you don’t want the child to access Apple Watch.[/caption]\r\n\r\nAdditional notes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If you want to set up more than one schedule in a day (such as a morning routine and an afternoon one), open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the information (“i”) button, Schooltime, and Edit Schedule.</li>\r\n \t<li>If needed, the student could exit Schooltime anytime by turning the Digital Crown, and then tapping Exit to confirm. The starting and ending times of all temporary Schooltime exits are reported in the Watch app on iPhone. Parents can see this by opening the Watch app, tap the child’s Apple Watch (under All Watches), and then select Schooltime.</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Apple Watch previously required you to have an iPhone to set up and use the wristwatch (even with the cellular model). This isn’t the case any longer, with the introduction of watchOS 7, the operating system that debuted in the fall of 2020. Also new with watchOS 7 are a couple of features specific for families.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Family Setup: Setting up Apple Watch for family members</h2>\r\nWith a new feature called Family Setup, it’s now possible for family members to use <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a>’s features — such as sending and receiving messages and calls, and sharing their location with you — even if they don’t own an iPhone.\r\n\r\nAfter you set up a watch for a family member, such as a child, you can use your iPhone to manage some of the watch’s capabilities.\r\n\r\nTo get going with Family Setup, you need:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>An Apple Watch Series 4 or later, GPS + Cellular model, or Apple Watch SE with cellular. Apple says a cellular plan (typically $10/month) isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but it’s necessary for some features.</li>\r\n \t<li>Apple Watch watchOS 7 or later.</li>\r\n \t<li>An iPhone 6S or later with iOS 14 (or later) for the setup process.</li>\r\n \t<li>Your Apple ID and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch. Note two-factor authentication must be turned on. (This is when you not only need a password to log in but also a one-time code sent to one of your Apple devices, which you also need to type, to confirm it’s really you.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nReady to get going? Here are the steps to using Family Setup as the parent/guardian:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Put the Apple Watch on your wrist and turn it on by pressing and holding the side button. </strong>The Apple logo appears. If your Apple Watch isn’t new, perform a factory reset on the watch (Settings→General→Reset→Erase All Content and Settings).</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Hold the watch close to your iPhone. </strong>Your phone’s screen has a message that reads: “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch.”</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Continue.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pair the watch with your iPhone by following the prompts to hold the iPhone over the Apple Watch screen (so that your iPhone’s camera can see the animation). </strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong> Tap Set Up Apple Watch and after you agree to the terms and conditions, choose a text size for the Apple Watch and a passcode.</strong></strong> \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275027\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275027\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-family-setup.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch's Family Setup\" width=\"556\" height=\"452\" /> Apple Watch now lets you set up a watch for someone in the family that doesn’t have an iPhone. But a parent or guardian first needs an iPhone to initiate Family Setup in the Watch app.[/caption]</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pick a family member who will use this Apple Watch.\r\n</strong>You should see the family member’s name, face, and age. If not, tap Add New Family Member and enter their Apple ID and password. If you like, enable “Ask to Buy” if you want to give permission for any app downloads or purchases made on the Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Set up cellular and Wi-Fi.\r\n</strong>This is where you can add your Apple Watch to your mobile phone plan if your cellular provider supports it or you might be able to use a different carrier altogether. If that’s the case, leave this part for later. But be sure to choose whether to share your current Wi-Fi network with the Apple Watch.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Evaluate other features.\r\n</strong>On the next few screens you can enable or disable various Apple Watch features. This includes Location Services (for the Find People app), Siri, Apple Cash Family, Messages in iCloud, Health Data, Emergency SOS, Emergency Contacts, Medical ID, Activity, Workout Route Tracking, and Photos.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Set up shared contacts and Schooltime.\r\n</strong>You’re asked to set up the approved contacts available on Apple Watch to call or message (such as family, friends, or a trusted neighbor.) For this, enable Contacts in iCloud (on iPhone, go to Settings→[your name]→iCloud and double-check Contacts is turned on. Select people here.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Apple has set some restrictions to kids using Apple Watch. For one, high and low heart rate notifications are only available for users 13 and older, and fall detection is available for users 18 and older.</p>\r\nOther health and wellness features not supported in Family Setup: irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts.\r\n\r\nApple Cash Family is available to users under the age of 18, allowing them to make purchases (and send and receive money) in the Messages app via Apple Pay (United States only). But Apple Pay using a credit, debit, or transit card in the Wallet app isn’t available with Family Setup.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Enabling Schooltime on a family member’s Apple Watch</h2>\r\nIntroduced in watchOS 7, Schooltime—as the name suggests—was designed to limit the use of Apple Watch during specific hours of the day. See the following figure on what setting up Schooltime looks like on the iPhone’s Watch app (and watch itself).\r\n\r\nTo set a Schooltime schedule:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Watch app on iPhone. Tap All Watches, and then select the name of your child’s watch.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Done, select Schooltime, and tap Edit Schedule.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be activated (such as weekdays between 8am and 3pm).</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275026\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275026\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-schooltime.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch's Schooltime\" width=\"556\" height=\"344\" /> Introduced in watchOS 7 and the Family Setup option, the Schooltime features lets you set specific dates you don’t want the child to access Apple Watch.[/caption]\r\n\r\nAdditional notes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If you want to set up more than one schedule in a day (such as a morning routine and an afternoon one), open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the information (“i”) button, Schooltime, and Edit Schedule.</li>\r\n \t<li>If needed, the student could exit Schooltime anytime by turning the Digital Crown, and then tapping Exit to confirm. The starting and ending times of all temporary Schooltime exits are reported in the Watch app on iPhone. Parents can see this by opening the Watch app, tap the child’s Apple Watch (under All Watches), and then select Schooltime.</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Family Setup: Setting up Apple Watch for family members","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Enabling Schooltime on a family member’s Apple Watch","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":289084,"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/289084"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}},{"articleId":261342,"title":"Apple Watch’s Built-In Apps","slug":"apple-watchs-built-in-apps","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261342"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad4b6a67\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad4b7318\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":275025},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:56:22+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-03-12T21:09:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:56+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"How to Pair Apple Watch with Your iPhone","strippedTitle":"how to pair apple watch with your iphone","slug":"how-to-pair-apple-watch-with-your-iphone","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to pair Apple Watch to a new iPhone. Then adjust the My Watch, Face Gallery, and Discover Apple Watch app settings.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Like many consumer electronics you buy today, the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a> might be already charged when you first get it, but it’s always a good idea to plug it into a computer or the wall to give it a full boost before using it for the first time. After you ensure your smartwatch is charged, follow these steps to pair it with your iPhone:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button.\r\n</strong>This is the one flush with the watch and not the Digital Crown that’s sticking out. You will see the Apple logo appear in the center of the screen. This is a good sign!</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.\r\n</strong>It’s a black icon that simply says Watch. If you don’t see the app on your phone’s Home screen, swipe left or right to look for it.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">You need an iPhone 5 or newer and the 8.2 iOS (or newer) operating system installed to use Apple Watch for Series 1 and 2, and an iPhone 6 and iOS 12 or later for Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5. For Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, you need to have iOS 14 or later. To double-check what you have, tap Settings→General→About and look where it says Version. Your phone also notifies you about any available updates.</p>\r\nAfter you bring the Apple Watch close to your iPhone, you should see the words “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch” appear on your iPhone screen. If you don’t, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and then tap Start Pairing.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Continue. </strong>Now, keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together until you complete these next steps.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Follow the prompts. </strong>They ask you to hold Apple Watch up to the iPhone’s camera. You can then align the watch’s face within the viewfinder in the center of the screen. This should do the trick. See the following figures for a look at setting up Apple Watch for the first time.\r\n<strong>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275022\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"406\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275022\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-pairing.jpg\" alt=\"pair Apple Watch with iPhone\" width=\"406\" height=\"600\" /> The Apple Watch app asks you to pair your Apple Watch. Easy peasy.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275021\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"406\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275021\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-matching-outline.jpg\" alt=\"match up the Apple Watch \" width=\"406\" height=\"600\" /> Match up the Apple Watch inside the outline on your iPhone screen.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf that doesn’t work, tap the Pair Apple Watch Manually option, in orange, at the bottom of the app. You’re prompted to tap the “i” (“information”) app on your Apple Watch to view its name and then tap the corresponding name listed in the app. If it’s not listed, be sure your wireless connection is enabled; then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the icons for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so they’re highlighted and not grayed out.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> If this is your first Apple Watch, tap Set Up Apple Watch.\r\n</strong>Otherwise, choose a backup. If prompted, update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS, the name of Apple’s operating system that powers this wearable.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree (twice).\r\n</strong>If asked, enter your Apple ID password. If you aren’t asked, you can sign in later from the Apple Watch app (General→Apple ID). Some features that require a cellular phone number won’t work on cellular models of Apple Watch unless you sign in to iCloud.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose a text size for the Apple Watch. </strong>You may want the font larger, for example, to be easier to read. Who needs the crow’s feet (am I right?!).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYour Apple Watch shows you which settings it shares with your iPhone. For example, if you’ve enabled Find my iPhone, Location Services, Wi-Fi Calling, and Diagnostics on your iPhone, these settings automatically turn on for your Apple Watch. You can select other settings, too, such as Siri (your personal voice-activated assistant) and Route Tracking.\r\n\r\nOnce the pairing is successful, you can adjust additional watch settings from within the app by tapping My Watch at the bottom left of the screen (see the following figure). Take some time to familiarize yourself with this great app.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275020\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"277\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275020\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-app.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch app\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" /> While you might be anxious to play around with your new Apple Watch, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the Apple Watch app on iPhone as well.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn fact, the three main sections to the Apple Watch app are all listed at the bottom of the screen:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>My Watch: </strong>This is your main section, which lets you customize your watch face (complications), enable or disable features, tweak settings, and enable notifications per app. There is also a Search window if you want to type a keyword.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Face Gallery:</strong> Tap this to view and change your Apple Watch clock faces.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Discover:</strong> This section offers information on using your Apple Watch (such as customizing it), as well as an Explore Watch Apps area at the bottom of the screen to download and install third-party apps to your device (yes, an app store).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nKeep in mind that you don’t need to turn Apple Watch on or off. Simply raise your wrist and the screen turns on — thanks to its internal accelerometer (motion sensor) — and lower your arm to turn it off. It’s that easy. Or with the latest Apple Watch Series 6, the screen never goes dark — it stays on but dims itself until you look at it!\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">How does Apple Watch’s beautiful Retina display stay on all the time without killing the battery? At the risk of geeking out, it uses a LTPO display — a “low temperature poly-silicon and oxide” display — that drops the screen’s refresh rate from 60 Hz down to a “power-sipping” 1 Hz when the watch is inactive (that is, when you’re not looking at it). A low-power driver, ambient light sensor and efficient power management software also work together to keep your watch going up to 18 hours between charges. Just touch the screen or point it towards your face for full brightness. Cool, eh? Apple made several improvements with Apple Watch Series 6, too, making the always-on display even brighter without impacting battery life.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275019\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"517\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275019\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-dim-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch dim screen\" width=\"517\" height=\"600\" /> Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6 use a new kind of screen that never turns off 100 percent like previous models do. Instead, it dims right down when you’re not looking at it.[/caption]","description":"Like many consumer electronics you buy today, the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/wearables/apple-watch/apple-watch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Apple Watch</a> might be already charged when you first get it, but it’s always a good idea to plug it into a computer or the wall to give it a full boost before using it for the first time. After you ensure your smartwatch is charged, follow these steps to pair it with your iPhone:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button.\r\n</strong>This is the one flush with the watch and not the Digital Crown that’s sticking out. You will see the Apple logo appear in the center of the screen. This is a good sign!</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.\r\n</strong>It’s a black icon that simply says Watch. If you don’t see the app on your phone’s Home screen, swipe left or right to look for it.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">You need an iPhone 5 or newer and the 8.2 iOS (or newer) operating system installed to use Apple Watch for Series 1 and 2, and an iPhone 6 and iOS 12 or later for Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5. For Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, you need to have iOS 14 or later. To double-check what you have, tap Settings→General→About and look where it says Version. Your phone also notifies you about any available updates.</p>\r\nAfter you bring the Apple Watch close to your iPhone, you should see the words “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch” appear on your iPhone screen. If you don’t, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and then tap Start Pairing.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Continue. </strong>Now, keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together until you complete these next steps.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Follow the prompts. </strong>They ask you to hold Apple Watch up to the iPhone’s camera. You can then align the watch’s face within the viewfinder in the center of the screen. This should do the trick. See the following figures for a look at setting up Apple Watch for the first time.\r\n<strong>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275022\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"406\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275022\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-pairing.jpg\" alt=\"pair Apple Watch with iPhone\" width=\"406\" height=\"600\" /> The Apple Watch app asks you to pair your Apple Watch. Easy peasy.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275021\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"406\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275021\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-matching-outline.jpg\" alt=\"match up the Apple Watch \" width=\"406\" height=\"600\" /> Match up the Apple Watch inside the outline on your iPhone screen.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf that doesn’t work, tap the Pair Apple Watch Manually option, in orange, at the bottom of the app. You’re prompted to tap the “i” (“information”) app on your Apple Watch to view its name and then tap the corresponding name listed in the app. If it’s not listed, be sure your wireless connection is enabled; then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the icons for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so they’re highlighted and not grayed out.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> If this is your first Apple Watch, tap Set Up Apple Watch.\r\n</strong>Otherwise, choose a backup. If prompted, update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS, the name of Apple’s operating system that powers this wearable.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree (twice).\r\n</strong>If asked, enter your Apple ID password. If you aren’t asked, you can sign in later from the Apple Watch app (General→Apple ID). Some features that require a cellular phone number won’t work on cellular models of Apple Watch unless you sign in to iCloud.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose a text size for the Apple Watch. </strong>You may want the font larger, for example, to be easier to read. Who needs the crow’s feet (am I right?!).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYour Apple Watch shows you which settings it shares with your iPhone. For example, if you’ve enabled Find my iPhone, Location Services, Wi-Fi Calling, and Diagnostics on your iPhone, these settings automatically turn on for your Apple Watch. You can select other settings, too, such as Siri (your personal voice-activated assistant) and Route Tracking.\r\n\r\nOnce the pairing is successful, you can adjust additional watch settings from within the app by tapping My Watch at the bottom left of the screen (see the following figure). Take some time to familiarize yourself with this great app.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275020\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"277\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275020\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-app.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch app\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" /> While you might be anxious to play around with your new Apple Watch, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the Apple Watch app on iPhone as well.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn fact, the three main sections to the Apple Watch app are all listed at the bottom of the screen:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>My Watch: </strong>This is your main section, which lets you customize your watch face (complications), enable or disable features, tweak settings, and enable notifications per app. There is also a Search window if you want to type a keyword.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Face Gallery:</strong> Tap this to view and change your Apple Watch clock faces.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Discover:</strong> This section offers information on using your Apple Watch (such as customizing it), as well as an Explore Watch Apps area at the bottom of the screen to download and install third-party apps to your device (yes, an app store).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nKeep in mind that you don’t need to turn Apple Watch on or off. Simply raise your wrist and the screen turns on — thanks to its internal accelerometer (motion sensor) — and lower your arm to turn it off. It’s that easy. Or with the latest Apple Watch Series 6, the screen never goes dark — it stays on but dims itself until you look at it!\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">How does Apple Watch’s beautiful Retina display stay on all the time without killing the battery? At the risk of geeking out, it uses a LTPO display — a “low temperature poly-silicon and oxide” display — that drops the screen’s refresh rate from 60 Hz down to a “power-sipping” 1 Hz when the watch is inactive (that is, when you’re not looking at it). A low-power driver, ambient light sensor and efficient power management software also work together to keep your watch going up to 18 hours between charges. Just touch the screen or point it towards your face for full brightness. Cool, eh? Apple made several improvements with Apple Watch Series 6, too, making the always-on display even brighter without impacting battery life.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275019\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"517\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275019\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-dim-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch dim screen\" width=\"517\" height=\"600\" /> Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6 use a new kind of screen that never turns off 100 percent like previous models do. Instead, it dims right down when you’re not looking at it.[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple Watches","slug":"apple-watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":289084,"title":"Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apple-watch-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/289084"}},{"articleId":275025,"title":"Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime","slug":"apple-watchs-family-setup-and-schooltime","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275025"}},{"articleId":267045,"title":"How to Enable and Use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Feature","slug":"how-to-enable-and-use-the-apple-watch-walkie-talkie-feature","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267045"}},{"articleId":267037,"title":"How to Stream Apple Music to Your Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-stream-apple-music-to-your-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267037"}},{"articleId":267028,"title":"How to Use Apple Pay Cash on Apple Watch","slug":"how-to-use-apple-pay-cash-on-apple-watch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","apple-watches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267028"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad4afa85\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;apple-watches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad4b0378\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":143641},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-10-22T22:23:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-02-20T14:47:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:33+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"},"slug":"fitbit","categoryId":33570}],"title":"8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties","strippedTitle":"8 ways to connect your fitbit to third parties","slug":"8-ways-to-connect-your-fitbit-to-third-parties","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Explore the myriad ways that you can connect your Fitbit to third-party apps like Strava and Weight Watchers, devices, and content.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you monitor your personal stats throughout the day by using your Fitbit device, the Fitbit app, and the Fitbit.com online Dashboard, it’s easy to fall into a Fitbit-only mindset. It’s a big world out there, and Fitbit isn’t the only fitness and health game in town.\r\n\r\nOther fitness and health apps include as Strava and Weight Watchers; other fitness devices include Alexa and Cortana; and other types of content for your Fitbit include <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/how-to-listen-to-audio-on-your-fitbit-watch/\">music and podcasts</a>.\r\n\r\nFortunately, because Fitbit is by far the most popular activity tracking company, many third parties have been eager to set up ways to connect their products to the Fitbit ecosystem. Here, you explore the myriad ways that you can connect your Fitbit to these third-party apps, devices, and content.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514799\"></a>Share Fitbit data on Strava</h2>\r\nIt’s easy to connect with friends and groups to share your latest and greatest achievements. But if you’re a dedicated exerciser or athlete, chances are you already have an account on Strava, which means it probably makes more sense to share data between your Fitbit account and your Strava account.\r\n\r\nAfter you connect Fitbit and Strava, two things happen:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>All GPS-related activities that you track with your Fitbit are synced to your Strava account.</li>\r\n \t<li>All the activities that you track via Strava are added to your daily and weekly Fitbit stats.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNote that none of the preceding includes activities prior to making the connection between your two accounts. If you want to get your historical Fitbit data into Strava, you need to export the data.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you have a Fitbit watch, open the Strava app to see your ten most recent runs or rides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514800\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Strava by using the Strava app</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Strava accounts by using the Strava app, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the Strava app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Menu→Settings→Link Other Services. Then tap Connect a Device to Strava.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap More→Settings→Applications, Services, and Devices. Then tap Connect a New Device to Strava.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. Tap Fitbit.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Connect Fitbit.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to log in to your Strava account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Strava email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. Tap Authorize.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access, as shown.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265368\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"332\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265368\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-strava.jpg\" alt=\"Strava access to Fitbit data\" width=\"332\" height=\"400\" /> Choose which Fitbit data you want to allow Strava to access.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 7. Tap the Allow All check box.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Note that you don’t have to share everything with Strava. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your weight or your Fitbit profile with Strava.</p>\r\n<strong> 8. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 9. Tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava displays an overview of the sharing process.</p>\r\n<strong> 10</strong><strong>. Tap OK, Got It.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 11. Tap Done.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514801\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Strava on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect Fitbit and Strava online by using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://strava.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Strava online</strong></a><strong>.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click Connect.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to authorize Fitbit to connect to Strava.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Click Authorize.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava displays an overview of the sharing process.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click OK, Got It.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514802\"></a>Share Fitbit data on Weight Watchers</h2>\r\nIf you’re a member of Weight Watchers, wouldn’t it be great if you could convert your Fitbit activities into Weight Watchers activity points, or FitPoints in Weight Watchers lingo? Why, yes, it would — and you can. Just connect your Fitbit account with your Weight Watchers account and your Fitbit activities will be automatically synced to your Weight Watchers profile. Sweet!\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514803\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers by using the Weight Watchers app</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts by using the Weight Watchers app, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the Weight Watchers app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Activity Sync.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Device.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. To connect a Fitbit activity tracker, tap Device.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">To connect a Fitbit Aria 2 smart scale, tap Wireless Scale.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Fitbit.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Weight Watchers prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Tap the Allow All check box.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Note that you don’t have to share everything with Weight Watchers. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your sleep, your friends, or your Fitbit profile with Weight Watchers.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 7. Tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit shares the data you selected with your Weight Watchers account.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514804\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts online by using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://weightwatchers.com/\"><strong>Weight Watchers website</strong></a><strong>. (in <a href=\"https://weightwatchers.ca/\">Canada</a>; in the <a href=\"https://weightwatchers.co.uk/\">UK</a>)</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Account→Settings.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click Device.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you’ve previously connected a device with your Weight Watchers account, you need to remove it because Weight Watchers allows only one connected device at a time. To remove the device, click the Device logo or click Disconnect.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap Allow.</strong>\r\n\r\nFitbit shares the data you selected in Step 6 with your Weight Watchers account.\r\n\r\nTo get your Fitbit data synced to your Weight Watchers profile right away (and any time you feel like it), click Menu→My Day. Next, click the Activity tab, and then click the Sync with Your Fitbit App link, which appears at the bottom of the Activity tab.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265367\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265367\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-weight-watchers.jpg\" alt=\"Weight Watchers and Fitbit\" width=\"535\" height=\"238\" /> On the My Day page’s Activity tab, click Sync with Your Fitbit App to get the latest Fitbit data.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514805\"></a>Share Fitbit data with MyFitnessPal</h2>\r\n<em>MyFitnessPal i</em>s a calorie-counting app that enables you to track food (calories in) and exercises (calories out) to achieve a goal weight. It’s one of the most popular health and fitness apps, and you can connect it to your Fitbit for easier tracking.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514806\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal by using the MyFitnessPal app</h3>\r\nFollow these steps to connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts by using the MyFitnessPal app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the MyFitnessPal app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Menu→Apps and Devices.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap More→Apps and Devices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. Tap Fitbit Tracker.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Connect.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your MyFitnessPal account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your MyFitnessPal email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Tap Allow All.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Unfortunately, MyFitnessPal insists that you share all your Fitbit data. If you try to share only some data, the connection with fail. Boo, MyFitnessPal!</p>\r\n<strong> 7. Tap Allow.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit will now share your data with your MyFitnessPal account.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514807\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts online using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to https://myfitnesspal.com/ and then log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click Apps.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Fitbit Tracker.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click Connect.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. If prompted, type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click the Allow All check box and then click the Allow button.</strong>\r\n\r\nFitbit now shares your data with your MyFitnessPal account.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514808\"></a>Share Fitbit data with other apps</h2>\r\nIn the previous three sections I talk about the specific steps to take to connect your Fitbit device and account with three apps: Strava, Weight Watchers, and MyFitnessPal. However, Fitbit trackers are so popular that just about every fitness, health, diet, and weight loss app offers a way to connect to a Fitbit device. To give you an idea, the table offers a list of the apps that have official ties to Fitbit (current as of this writing).\r\n<table width=\"388\"><caption><strong>Apps That Work with Fitbit</strong></caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><strong>App</strong></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\"><strong>Category</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/\">Dick's Sporting Goods</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.endomondo.com/\">Endomondo</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://www.fitabase.com/\">Fitabase</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://geekutils.com/\">Fitline</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.fittap.it/\">FitTap</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.fitwatchr.com/\">Fitwatchr</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://habit.com/\">Habit</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://lifefitness.com/\">LFconnect</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.loseit.com/\">Lose It!</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mapmyrun.com/\">MapMyRun</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mindbodyonline.com/\">MINDBODY</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mynetdiary.com/\">MyNetDiary</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://nudgecoach.com/nudgeapp/\">Nudge Health Tracking</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.onepeloton.ca/\">Peloton</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://runkeeper.com/\">RunKeeper</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\">Running for Weight Loss*</td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.sparkpeople.com/\">SparkPeople</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://stridekick.com/\">Stridekick</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.tactiohealth.com/\">Tactio Health</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.thermos.com/smartlid\">Thermos Hydration Bottle with Smart Lid</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.trainerize.com/\">Trainerize</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.trainingpeaks.com/\">TrainingPeaks</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://trendweight.com/\">Trendweight</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.virzoom.com/\">VirZOOM</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.walgreens.com/balancerewards/balance-rewards.jsp\">Walgreens Balance Rewards</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://walkadoo.meyouhealth.com/\">Walkadoo</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.waterlogged.com/\">Waterlogged</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.wokamon.com/\">Wokamon</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n*Search your device app store\r\n\r\nYep: that’s a lot of apps! Unfortunately, I can’t offer a one-size-fits-all method that enables you to connect any one of these apps to your Fitbit device and account. However, I can do the next best thing and offer a general procedure to try for any app:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Using the third-party’s app:</strong> Open the app’s Settings or main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Using the third party’s website:</strong> Log in to your app account. Open the site’s main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514809\"></a>Export your Fitbit data</h2>\r\nFitbits are so popular that almost all major fitness- and health-related apps and services have an option to connect to your Fitbit account. However, you might be using an app or service that doesn’t offer such a connection. Are you out of luck? Perhaps not. Fitbit offers a couple of ways to export your data to a file. If your app or service has a method for importing files, you might be able to import your Fitbit data.\r\n\r\nFitbit offers two types of file exports:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Single activity TCX file:</strong> This Training Center XML (TCX) file includes the GPS data for a run or other activity, as well as data related to the activity such as average heart rate and calories burned.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>All activities ZIP file:</strong> This archive (ZIP) file contains all your Fitbit data. Most of the data comes as either a JavaScript object notation (JSON) file or a comma separated values (CSV) file.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn practice, you’ll almost always want a TCX file to import into a service. However, I also include the instructions for exporting all your data, just in case you want a record of what Fitbit has stored for you.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514810\"></a>Export an activity as a TCX file</h3>\r\nTo export a GPS-tracked activity as a TCX file, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>www.fitbit.com</strong></a><strong> and log in to open your Dashboard.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the navigation bar, click Log.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Activities.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Locate the GPS-tracked activity you want to export, and then click the activity’s View Details button.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Click the More icon, labeled in the figure, and then click Export as TCX file.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit gathers the activity’s data into a TCX file and then downloads that file to your PC.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265366\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265366\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-export-tcx.jpg\" alt=\"Export as TCX file\" width=\"535\" height=\"330\" /> Open the activity, click More, and then click Export as TCX File.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to your Activities log by going to <a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/activities\">Fitbit Activities</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Export all your Fitbit activities</h3>\r\nTo export all your Fitbit data, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Point your web browser to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>www.fitbit.com</strong></a><strong> and log in to open your Dashboard.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click View Settings→Settings.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Data Export.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit opens the Export My Fitbit Data page.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to this page by going to <a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/settings/data/export\">Fitbit Settings</a>.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Click Request My Data.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit sends an email to your Fitbit address asking you to confirm your data request.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. In the Fitbit email, click Confirm Export Request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit begins the process of exporting your data. In the Export My Fitbit Data page, you see a Current Export item with a percentage that tells you how far along things have progressed. Click the Refresh icon to see the latest percentage.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265365\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265365\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-current-export.jpg\" alt=\"Fitbit Current Export\" width=\"535\" height=\"296\" /> The percentage in the Current Export item tells you the progress of your export.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. When the export preparation is complete (that is, when the percentage in the Current Export item reaches 100), click the Download button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Your web browser downloads the file, which is usually named MyFitBitData.zip.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514812\"></a>Connect Fitbit to Alexa</h2>\r\nIf you have an Alexa-enabled device at home — such as an Amazon Echo or a third-party speaker that includes Alexa — you can ask Alexa for your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To make Alexa Fitbit-aware, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Alexa device.\r\n\r\nTo enable the Fitbit skill with your voice, use either of the following commands:\r\n<blockquote>“Alexa, enable Fitbit.”\r\n\r\n“Alexa, open Fitbit.”</blockquote>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If Alexa tells you it can’t find the Fitbit skill, it likely means the skill is not available in your country. Fitbit adds new countries every so often, so keep trying to enable the skill once a month or so.</p>\r\nYou can also enable the Fitbit skill using the Alexa app, as shown in the following steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Alexa app, choose Menu→Skills & Games.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click the Search icon (magnifying glass), and then type </strong>fitbit<strong> in the Search screen.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap the Fitbit skill to open its information page.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Tap Enable.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Alexa enables the skill.</p>\r\nWith the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Alexa, ask Fitbit <em>something</em>”, where <em>something</em> can be any of the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>How many steps I’ve taken today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many flights I’ve climbed today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many active minutes I have today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many calories I’ve burned today</li>\r\n \t<li>How far I’ve walked today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I’m doing today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I slept last night</li>\r\n \t<li>If I’ve exercised today</li>\r\n \t<li>How much water I’ve had today</li>\r\n \t<li>What my resting heart rate is</li>\r\n \t<li>How much I weigh</li>\r\n \t<li>About my battery</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514813\"></a>Connect Fitbit to Window 10’s Cortana</h2>\r\nIf you a Cortana-enabled Windows 10 device, you can ask Cortana to tell you your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To get Cortana connected to Fitbit, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Windows 10 device.\r\n\r\nTo enable the Fitbit skill, issue the following command:\r\n<blockquote>“Cortana, ask Fitbit.”</blockquote>\r\nWith the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Cortana, ask Fitbit <em>something</em>”, where <em>something</em> can be any of the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>How many steps I’ve taken today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many flights I’ve climbed today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many active minutes I have today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many calories I’ve burned today</li>\r\n \t<li>How far I’ve walked today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I’m doing today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I slept last night</li>\r\n \t<li>If I’ve exercised today</li>\r\n \t<li>How much water I’ve had today</li>\r\n \t<li>What my resting heart rate is</li>\r\n \t<li>How much I weigh</li>\r\n \t<li>About my battery</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514814\"></a>Get the weather on your Fitbit</h2>\r\nIf your Fitbit supports apps, one of those apps is called Weather, which can put the current conditions right there on your wrist. Nice. First, though, you need to follow these steps to configure your weather settings:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Click Dashboard→Account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click your Fitbit device.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Apps.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you don’t see the Apps icon, your Fitbit doesn’t support running apps.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Click the Settings icon (gear) next to the Weather app.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays the Weather app’s Settings screen, shown here.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265364\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"436\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265364\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-weather.jpg\" alt=\"weather on Fitbit\" width=\"436\" height=\"400\" /> The Settings screen for the Weather app.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. To change the temperature unit, click Unit and then click either Fahrenheit or Celsius.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. To add a city to the Weather app:</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Click Add City.</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Start typing the name of the city.</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Click the full name of the city when it appears in Fitbit’s list of cities that match what you’ve typed so far.</em></p>\r\n<strong> 7. Click the Back icon (<) until you return to the Account screen.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit syncs the new settings to the Weather app.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you add multiple cities to the Weather app, you can switch between cities in the app by swiping left or right.</p>","description":"When you monitor your personal stats throughout the day by using your Fitbit device, the Fitbit app, and the Fitbit.com online Dashboard, it’s easy to fall into a Fitbit-only mindset. It’s a big world out there, and Fitbit isn’t the only fitness and health game in town.\r\n\r\nOther fitness and health apps include as Strava and Weight Watchers; other fitness devices include Alexa and Cortana; and other types of content for your Fitbit include <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/how-to-listen-to-audio-on-your-fitbit-watch/\">music and podcasts</a>.\r\n\r\nFortunately, because Fitbit is by far the most popular activity tracking company, many third parties have been eager to set up ways to connect their products to the Fitbit ecosystem. Here, you explore the myriad ways that you can connect your Fitbit to these third-party apps, devices, and content.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514799\"></a>Share Fitbit data on Strava</h2>\r\nIt’s easy to connect with friends and groups to share your latest and greatest achievements. But if you’re a dedicated exerciser or athlete, chances are you already have an account on Strava, which means it probably makes more sense to share data between your Fitbit account and your Strava account.\r\n\r\nAfter you connect Fitbit and Strava, two things happen:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>All GPS-related activities that you track with your Fitbit are synced to your Strava account.</li>\r\n \t<li>All the activities that you track via Strava are added to your daily and weekly Fitbit stats.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNote that none of the preceding includes activities prior to making the connection between your two accounts. If you want to get your historical Fitbit data into Strava, you need to export the data.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you have a Fitbit watch, open the Strava app to see your ten most recent runs or rides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514800\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Strava by using the Strava app</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Strava accounts by using the Strava app, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the Strava app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Menu→Settings→Link Other Services. Then tap Connect a Device to Strava.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap More→Settings→Applications, Services, and Devices. Then tap Connect a New Device to Strava.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. Tap Fitbit.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Connect Fitbit.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to log in to your Strava account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Strava email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. Tap Authorize.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access, as shown.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265368\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"332\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265368\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-strava.jpg\" alt=\"Strava access to Fitbit data\" width=\"332\" height=\"400\" /> Choose which Fitbit data you want to allow Strava to access.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 7. Tap the Allow All check box.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Note that you don’t have to share everything with Strava. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your weight or your Fitbit profile with Strava.</p>\r\n<strong> 8. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 9. Tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava displays an overview of the sharing process.</p>\r\n<strong> 10</strong><strong>. Tap OK, Got It.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 11. Tap Done.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514801\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Strava on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect Fitbit and Strava online by using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://strava.fitbit.com/\"><strong>Strava online</strong></a><strong>.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click Connect.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava prompts you to authorize Fitbit to connect to Strava.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Click Authorize.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Strava displays an overview of the sharing process.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click OK, Got It.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514802\"></a>Share Fitbit data on Weight Watchers</h2>\r\nIf you’re a member of Weight Watchers, wouldn’t it be great if you could convert your Fitbit activities into Weight Watchers activity points, or FitPoints in Weight Watchers lingo? Why, yes, it would — and you can. Just connect your Fitbit account with your Weight Watchers account and your Fitbit activities will be automatically synced to your Weight Watchers profile. Sweet!\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514803\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers by using the Weight Watchers app</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts by using the Weight Watchers app, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the Weight Watchers app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Activity Sync.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Device.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. To connect a Fitbit activity tracker, tap Device.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">To connect a Fitbit Aria 2 smart scale, tap Wireless Scale.</p>\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Fitbit.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Weight Watchers prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Tap the Allow All check box.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Note that you don’t have to share everything with Weight Watchers. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your sleep, your friends, or your Fitbit profile with Weight Watchers.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 7. Tap the Allow button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit shares the data you selected with your Weight Watchers account.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514804\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts online by using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://weightwatchers.com/\"><strong>Weight Watchers website</strong></a><strong>. (in <a href=\"https://weightwatchers.ca/\">Canada</a>; in the <a href=\"https://weightwatchers.co.uk/\">UK</a>)</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Account→Settings.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click Device.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you’ve previously connected a device with your Weight Watchers account, you need to remove it because Weight Watchers allows only one connected device at a time. To remove the device, click the Device logo or click Disconnect.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap Allow.</strong>\r\n\r\nFitbit shares the data you selected in Step 6 with your Weight Watchers account.\r\n\r\nTo get your Fitbit data synced to your Weight Watchers profile right away (and any time you feel like it), click Menu→My Day. Next, click the Activity tab, and then click the Sync with Your Fitbit App link, which appears at the bottom of the Activity tab.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265367\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265367\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-weight-watchers.jpg\" alt=\"Weight Watchers and Fitbit\" width=\"535\" height=\"238\" /> On the My Day page’s Activity tab, click Sync with Your Fitbit App to get the latest Fitbit data.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514805\"></a>Share Fitbit data with MyFitnessPal</h2>\r\n<em>MyFitnessPal i</em>s a calorie-counting app that enables you to track food (calories in) and exercises (calories out) to achieve a goal weight. It’s one of the most popular health and fitness apps, and you can connect it to your Fitbit for easier tracking.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514806\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal by using the MyFitnessPal app</h3>\r\nFollow these steps to connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts by using the MyFitnessPal app:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Get started in the MyFitnessPal app:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>Android:</em> Tap Menu→Apps and Devices.</li>\r\n \t<li><em>iOS:</em> Tap More→Apps and Devices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 2. Tap Fitbit Tracker.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap Connect.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your MyFitnessPal account.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Type your MyFitnessPal email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access.</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Tap Allow All.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Unfortunately, MyFitnessPal insists that you share all your Fitbit data. If you try to share only some data, the connection with fail. Boo, MyFitnessPal!</p>\r\n<strong> 7. Tap Allow.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit will now share your data with your MyFitnessPal account.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514807\"></a>Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal on the web</h3>\r\nTo connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts online using a web browser, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to https://myfitnesspal.com/ and then log in to your account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click Apps.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Fitbit Tracker.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click Connect.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. If prompted, type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access</p>\r\n<strong> 6. Click the Allow All check box and then click the Allow button.</strong>\r\n\r\nFitbit now shares your data with your MyFitnessPal account.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514808\"></a>Share Fitbit data with other apps</h2>\r\nIn the previous three sections I talk about the specific steps to take to connect your Fitbit device and account with three apps: Strava, Weight Watchers, and MyFitnessPal. However, Fitbit trackers are so popular that just about every fitness, health, diet, and weight loss app offers a way to connect to a Fitbit device. To give you an idea, the table offers a list of the apps that have official ties to Fitbit (current as of this writing).\r\n<table width=\"388\"><caption><strong>Apps That Work with Fitbit</strong></caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><strong>App</strong></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\"><strong>Category</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/\">Dick's Sporting Goods</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.endomondo.com/\">Endomondo</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://www.fitabase.com/\">Fitabase</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://geekutils.com/\">Fitline</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.fittap.it/\">FitTap</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.fitwatchr.com/\">Fitwatchr</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://habit.com/\">Habit</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://lifefitness.com/\">LFconnect</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.loseit.com/\">Lose It!</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mapmyrun.com/\">MapMyRun</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mindbodyonline.com/\">MINDBODY</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.mynetdiary.com/\">MyNetDiary</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://nudgecoach.com/nudgeapp/\">Nudge Health Tracking</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.onepeloton.ca/\">Peloton</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://runkeeper.com/\">RunKeeper</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\">Running for Weight Loss*</td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.sparkpeople.com/\">SparkPeople</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://stridekick.com/\">Stridekick</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.tactiohealth.com/\">Tactio Health</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.thermos.com/smartlid\">Thermos Hydration Bottle with Smart Lid</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.trainerize.com/\">Trainerize</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.trainingpeaks.com/\">TrainingPeaks</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://trendweight.com/\">Trendweight</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.virzoom.com/\">VirZOOM</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.walgreens.com/balancerewards/balance-rewards.jsp\">Walgreens Balance Rewards</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Health</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"https://walkadoo.meyouhealth.com/\">Walkadoo</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.waterlogged.com/\">Waterlogged</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Diet and weight loss</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"226\"><a href=\"http://www.wokamon.com/\">Wokamon</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"162\">Fitness</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n*Search your device app store\r\n\r\nYep: that’s a lot of apps! Unfortunately, I can’t offer a one-size-fits-all method that enables you to connect any one of these apps to your Fitbit device and account. However, I can do the next best thing and offer a general procedure to try for any app:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Using the third-party’s app:</strong> Open the app’s Settings or main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Using the third party’s website:</strong> Log in to your app account. Open the site’s main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514809\"></a>Export your Fitbit data</h2>\r\nFitbits are so popular that almost all major fitness- and health-related apps and services have an option to connect to your Fitbit account. However, you might be using an app or service that doesn’t offer such a connection. Are you out of luck? Perhaps not. Fitbit offers a couple of ways to export your data to a file. If your app or service has a method for importing files, you might be able to import your Fitbit data.\r\n\r\nFitbit offers two types of file exports:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Single activity TCX file:</strong> This Training Center XML (TCX) file includes the GPS data for a run or other activity, as well as data related to the activity such as average heart rate and calories burned.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>All activities ZIP file:</strong> This archive (ZIP) file contains all your Fitbit data. Most of the data comes as either a JavaScript object notation (JSON) file or a comma separated values (CSV) file.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn practice, you’ll almost always want a TCX file to import into a service. However, I also include the instructions for exporting all your data, just in case you want a record of what Fitbit has stored for you.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc4514810\"></a>Export an activity as a TCX file</h3>\r\nTo export a GPS-tracked activity as a TCX file, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Surf to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>www.fitbit.com</strong></a><strong> and log in to open your Dashboard.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. In the navigation bar, click Log.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Activities.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Locate the GPS-tracked activity you want to export, and then click the activity’s View Details button.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Click the More icon, labeled in the figure, and then click Export as TCX file.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit gathers the activity’s data into a TCX file and then downloads that file to your PC.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265366\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265366\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-export-tcx.jpg\" alt=\"Export as TCX file\" width=\"535\" height=\"330\" /> Open the activity, click More, and then click Export as TCX File.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to your Activities log by going to <a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/activities\">Fitbit Activities</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Export all your Fitbit activities</h3>\r\nTo export all your Fitbit data, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Point your web browser to </strong><a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/\"><strong>www.fitbit.com</strong></a><strong> and log in to open your Dashboard.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click View Settings→Settings.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Data Export.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit opens the Export My Fitbit Data page.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to this page by going to <a href=\"https://www.fitbit.com/settings/data/export\">Fitbit Settings</a>.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Click Request My Data.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit sends an email to your Fitbit address asking you to confirm your data request.</p>\r\n<strong> 5. In the Fitbit email, click Confirm Export Request.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit begins the process of exporting your data. In the Export My Fitbit Data page, you see a Current Export item with a percentage that tells you how far along things have progressed. Click the Refresh icon to see the latest percentage.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265365\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265365\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-current-export.jpg\" alt=\"Fitbit Current Export\" width=\"535\" height=\"296\" /> The percentage in the Current Export item tells you the progress of your export.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. When the export preparation is complete (that is, when the percentage in the Current Export item reaches 100), click the Download button.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Your web browser downloads the file, which is usually named MyFitBitData.zip.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514812\"></a>Connect Fitbit to Alexa</h2>\r\nIf you have an Alexa-enabled device at home — such as an Amazon Echo or a third-party speaker that includes Alexa — you can ask Alexa for your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To make Alexa Fitbit-aware, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Alexa device.\r\n\r\nTo enable the Fitbit skill with your voice, use either of the following commands:\r\n<blockquote>“Alexa, enable Fitbit.”\r\n\r\n“Alexa, open Fitbit.”</blockquote>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If Alexa tells you it can’t find the Fitbit skill, it likely means the skill is not available in your country. Fitbit adds new countries every so often, so keep trying to enable the skill once a month or so.</p>\r\nYou can also enable the Fitbit skill using the Alexa app, as shown in the following steps:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. In the Alexa app, choose Menu→Skills & Games.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click the Search icon (magnifying glass), and then type </strong>fitbit<strong> in the Search screen.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Tap the Fitbit skill to open its information page.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Tap Enable.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Alexa enables the skill.</p>\r\nWith the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Alexa, ask Fitbit <em>something</em>”, where <em>something</em> can be any of the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>How many steps I’ve taken today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many flights I’ve climbed today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many active minutes I have today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many calories I’ve burned today</li>\r\n \t<li>How far I’ve walked today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I’m doing today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I slept last night</li>\r\n \t<li>If I’ve exercised today</li>\r\n \t<li>How much water I’ve had today</li>\r\n \t<li>What my resting heart rate is</li>\r\n \t<li>How much I weigh</li>\r\n \t<li>About my battery</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514813\"></a>Connect Fitbit to Window 10’s Cortana</h2>\r\nIf you a Cortana-enabled Windows 10 device, you can ask Cortana to tell you your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To get Cortana connected to Fitbit, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Windows 10 device.\r\n\r\nTo enable the Fitbit skill, issue the following command:\r\n<blockquote>“Cortana, ask Fitbit.”</blockquote>\r\nWith the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Cortana, ask Fitbit <em>something</em>”, where <em>something</em> can be any of the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>How many steps I’ve taken today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many flights I’ve climbed today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many active minutes I have today</li>\r\n \t<li>How many calories I’ve burned today</li>\r\n \t<li>How far I’ve walked today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I’m doing today</li>\r\n \t<li>How I slept last night</li>\r\n \t<li>If I’ve exercised today</li>\r\n \t<li>How much water I’ve had today</li>\r\n \t<li>What my resting heart rate is</li>\r\n \t<li>How much I weigh</li>\r\n \t<li>About my battery</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" ><a name=\"_Toc4514814\"></a>Get the weather on your Fitbit</h2>\r\nIf your Fitbit supports apps, one of those apps is called Weather, which can put the current conditions right there on your wrist. Nice. First, though, you need to follow these steps to configure your weather settings:\r\n\r\n<strong> 1. Click Dashboard→Account.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Click your Fitbit device.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Click Apps.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you don’t see the Apps icon, your Fitbit doesn’t support running apps.</p>\r\n<strong> 4. Click the Settings icon (gear) next to the Weather app.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit displays the Weather app’s Settings screen, shown here.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_265364\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"436\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-265364\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-weather.jpg\" alt=\"weather on Fitbit\" width=\"436\" height=\"400\" /> The Settings screen for the Weather app.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. To change the temperature unit, click Unit and then click either Fahrenheit or Celsius.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. To add a city to the Weather app:</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Click Add City.</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Start typing the name of the city.</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em> Click the full name of the city when it appears in Fitbit’s list of cities that match what you’ve typed so far.</em></p>\r\n<strong> 7. Click the Back icon (<) until you return to the Account screen.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Fitbit syncs the new settings to the Weather app.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you add multiple cities to the Weather app, you can switch between cities in the app by swiping left or right.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33570,"title":"Fitbit","slug":"fitbit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33570"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Share Fitbit data on Strava","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Share Fitbit data on Weight Watchers","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Share Fitbit data with MyFitnessPal","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Share Fitbit data with other apps","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Export your Fitbit data","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Connect Fitbit to Alexa","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Connect Fitbit to Window 10’s Cortana","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Get the weather on your Fitbit","target":"#tab8"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265373,"title":"How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit","slug":"how-to-send-a-friend-request-from-your-fitbit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265373"}},{"articleId":265357,"title":"How to Customize Your Fitbit Account","slug":"how-to-customize-your-fitbit-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265357"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265393,"title":"How to Use Your Fitbit to Lose Weight","slug":"how-to-use-your-fitbit-to-lose-weight","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265393"}},{"articleId":265385,"title":"General Fitbit Troubleshooting Techniques","slug":"general-fitbit-troubleshooting-techniques","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265385"}},{"articleId":265379,"title":"How to Set Up a Fitbit Family Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-family-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265379"}},{"articleId":265373,"title":"How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit","slug":"how-to-send-a-friend-request-from-your-fitbit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265373"}},{"articleId":265357,"title":"How to Customize Your Fitbit Account","slug":"how-to-customize-your-fitbit-account","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265357"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281722,"slug":"fitbit-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119592310","categoryList":["technology","electronics","wearables","fitbit"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119592313-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119592313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fitbit-for-dummies-cover-9781119592310-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Fitbit For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"11290\">Paul McFedries</b> is a lifelong runner, hiker, fitness nut, and self-tracker with a downright ridiculous collection of Fitbits, GPS watches, heart-rate monitors, fitness apps, and other health-related tracking gear. Paul has written nearly 100 books that have sold more than four million copies throughout the solar system. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":11290,"name":"Paul McFedries","slug":"paul-mcfedries","description":" <p><b>Paul McFedries</b> is a technical writer who has been authoring computer books since 1991 and has over 100 books to his credit. These books include <i>Alexa For Dummies, Amazon Fire TV For Dummies</i>, and <i>Cord Cutting For Dummies</i>. You can visit Paul on the web at www.mcfedries.com.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11290"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221abd7c60c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;wearables&quot;,&quot;fitbit&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119592310&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221abd7cec9\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":265363},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-04-29T05:08:28+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-02-19T00:28:34+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:33+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Wearables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33568"},"slug":"wearables","categoryId":33568},{"name":"Apple Watches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33569"},"slug":"apple-watches","categoryId":33569}],"title":"20 Recommended Third-Party Apple Watch Apps","strippedTitle":"20 recommended third-party apple watch apps","slug":"20-recommended-third-party-apple-watch-apps","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"A great number of apps can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store. Discover more about the apps preinstalled and some other recommended apps.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"This list looks at all the default apps preinstalled on Apple Watch — you know, the ones Apple put there and you can’t remove (which understandably frustrates a number of people) — but a number of optional but recommended and free third-party apps can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store.\r\n\r\nAll of them take advantage of Apple Watch’s features. These 20 apps are tied more to information, travel, automotive, productivity, social media, fitness, shopping, and some entertainment.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mint</h2>\r\nThe Apple Watch app for this popular finance tool lets you view your monthly spending goals at a glance as well as track your progress toward meeting them. And for those trying to stick to a budget, you can choose to receive weekly alerts with insight on how well you’re doing (or not).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >ESPN</h2>\r\nOne of the most popular <a href=\"https://watchaware.com/watch-apps/espn-apple-watch-app\">sports apps</a> for iPhone is now available for Apple Watch. Select which sports matter to you — such as baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, or tennis (or all the above) — and stay up to date with breaking sports news, real-time scores, and more, as shown.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261310\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261310\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-espn.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-espn\" width=\"535\" height=\"324\" /> The ESPN app should be a good fit for Apple Watch–wearing sports fans.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Target</h2>\r\nAs one of the first retailers to support Apple Watch, Target has an app that lets you build and view a shopping list on your watch so you can glance down to see what items you need — even if your phone is tucked away in your purse or pocket. When you enter a store, the Target app also tells you where to find the items you’re looking for.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >OneDrive</h2>\r\nAlthough once bitter rivals, Microsoft has embraced Apple’s iOS platform — and now the watchOS too. Based on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service, this Apple Watch app lets users see their stored photos on their wrist — even when an iPhone isn’t nearby.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >SPG</h2>\r\nAs shown, one of the cooler apps is from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which lets you unlock your hotel door by waving your Apple Watch at the sensor. A room key isn’t required. The official SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) app can also provide directions to your hotel, check you in, show your Starpoints balance, and more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261326\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"320\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261326\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-spg.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-spg\" width=\"320\" height=\"400\" /> The SPG app lets you open up hotel doors in select Starwood hotels, and much more.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Twitter</h2>\r\nSee your Twitter feeds right on your wrist. And because they’re only a couple of hundred characters, Tweets fit perfectly on Apple Watch’s small screen. Feel a gentle tap whenever new Tweets are posted; plus you can Retweet and favorite Tweets from your Apple Watch. If you want to say something to the Twitterverse, compose it via dictation. Just tap the square compose icon — in the center of the screen — and say what you’d like to Tweet.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >OpenTable</h2>\r\nHungry? The OpenTable app now supports Apple Watch, which lets you see information about your upcoming dinner reservations by simply looking down at your wrist. The app can also help guide you to the restaurant with turn-by-turn directions.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Evernote</h2>\r\nA popular productivity tool, Evernote for Apple Watch lets you view your stored notes, dictate a new one, set reminders, and search by keyword if you’re looking for something in particular. Because Evernote stores your notes in the cloud, you can view your dictated notes in other Evernote apps — perhaps on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >American Airlines</h2>\r\nHow do you know when it’s time to leave for the airport? Or if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or changed gates? American Airlines (AA) has an Apple Watch app that can alert you to any and all of these things. The AA app also lets you check in for your flight, view a map with your estimated time of arrival, view baggage claim and connection details, and more, as shown.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261301\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261301\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-american-airlines.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-american-airlines\" width=\"535\" height=\"324\" /> The American Airlines app notifies you of changes to your flight and more.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >BMW i Remote</h2>\r\nOwn an electric BMW i vehicle? The official Apple Watch app lets you remotely check on the charge status or notifies you when your car has been fully charged and is ready to go. This smartwatch app also lets you check your miles (to prevent “range anxiety”), see door-lock status, get service reminders, and view your cabin temperature.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab11\" >CNN</h2>\r\nNews junkies, rejoice! The official CNN app for Apple Watch gives you the information you need wherever life takes you. Select to receive breaking news and developing stories based on 12 categories of interest — such as Top Stories, U.S., World, Politics, Health, Entertainment, Sports, and Technology — plus your watch can even launch CNN TV live on your iPhone.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab12\" >eBay</h2>\r\nThe world’s largest marketplace is now a tap away. eBay on Apple Watch helps you keep up with the auctions you’re watching — whether you’re bidding on something or selling merchandise. The app conveniently lets you send and receive alerts without having to fumble through your phone, tablet, or personal computer.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab13\" >Citymapper</h2>\r\nIf you rely on public transit, the Citymapper app for Apple Watch always shows you the best bus and train routes based on your location and where you want to go. You should see step-by-step instructions, including a list of the next three arrival times for your mode of transportation so you can decide when to leave, and you should feel a vibration on your wrist when it’s time to get off at your stop. See the figure for a look at the Citymapper app.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261305\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"320\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261305\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-citymapper.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-citymapper\" width=\"320\" height=\"400\" /> Ideal for those who take public transit, the Citymapper app for Apple Watch shows you relevant information.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab14\" >TripAdvisor</h2>\r\nFind that hidden gem of a restaurant on your next trip. Unearth dozens of things to do while discovering a new town. Everything that makes TripAdvisor the perfect travel companion is now on your Apple Watch. Get instant information on hundreds of nearby restaurants, sights, and tourist destinations.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab15\" >NPR One</h2>\r\nFans of NPR can make their favorite station even more personal. The NPR One app shows you relevant news and curated stories based on your interests, along with access to your playlist (on your iPhone), and you can search for specific shows by using dictation and control basic playback functions with your fingertip.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab16\" >Fandango</h2>\r\nThe popular movie ticketing app is now on your wrist. After you’ve purchased tickets to a flick, the Apple Watch app can display the movie time and theater location, phone number, and other information you might need.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab17\" >Things</h2>\r\nIf you wear a watch — and a smartwatch, no less — it might not be a stretch to assume you like to be organized. But that doesn’t mean you’re good at it! If you need a little help, an app called Things is an excellent to-do manager for iPhone, and it supports Apple Watch too. Organize your life with daily tasks, which you can easily sort into sections like Today, Upcoming, and Anytime. Specifically, the Apple Watch app focuses on your current tasks, which can be displayed as a watch face complication or in the app itself, and lets you tick off items when completed.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab18\" >PayByPhone Parking</h2>\r\nYou can use the PayByPhone Parking app on Apple Watch to pay the meter, check on the time remaining, and deliver an alert ten minutes before the meter expires. If you’re not done with your errands, your watch lets you add more time to the meter without your having to go back to your car.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab19\" >Sky Guide</h2>\r\nWatch the skies! And your wrist. As shown, the Sky Guide app for Apple Watch is great for armchair astronomers. Receive alerts about upcoming celestial events — such as meteor shows and eclipses — and it even alerts you when the International Space Station is about to fly over your location.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261325\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"337\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261325\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-sky-guide.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-sky-guide\" width=\"337\" height=\"400\" /> The Sky Guide app is out of this world (badum bum!). Read about astronomical events and receive alerts about them too.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab20\" >Lutron Caséta</h2>\r\nYour smartwatch can control your smart home. The Lutron Caséta app for Apple Watch lets you control the lights in your home even when you’re not there so you can make it look like you’re home when you’re on vacation. Or on the flipside, if you accidentally leave the lights on when you leave, you can get an alert on your wrist to turn them off.","description":"This list looks at all the default apps preinstalled on Apple Watch — you know, the ones Apple put there and you can’t remove (which understandably frustrates a number of people) — but a number of optional but recommended and free third-party apps can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store.\r\n\r\nAll of them take advantage of Apple Watch’s features. These 20 apps are tied more to information, travel, automotive, productivity, social media, fitness, shopping, and some entertainment.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mint</h2>\r\nThe Apple Watch app for this popular finance tool lets you view your monthly spending goals at a glance as well as track your progress toward meeting them. And for those trying to stick to a budget, you can choose to receive weekly alerts with insight on how well you’re doing (or not).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >ESPN</h2>\r\nOne of the most popular <a href=\"https://watchaware.com/watch-apps/espn-apple-watch-app\">sports apps</a> for iPhone is now available for Apple Watch. Select which sports matter to you — such as baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, or tennis (or all the above) — and stay up to date with breaking sports news, real-time scores, and more, as shown.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261310\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261310\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-espn.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-espn\" width=\"535\" height=\"324\" /> The ESPN app should be a good fit for Apple Watch–wearing sports fans.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Target</h2>\r\nAs one of the first retailers to support Apple Watch, Target has an app that lets you build and view a shopping list on your watch so you can glance down to see what items you need — even if your phone is tucked away in your purse or pocket. When you enter a store, the Target app also tells you where to find the items you’re looking for.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >OneDrive</h2>\r\nAlthough once bitter rivals, Microsoft has embraced Apple’s iOS platform — and now the watchOS too. Based on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service, this Apple Watch app lets users see their stored photos on their wrist — even when an iPhone isn’t nearby.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >SPG</h2>\r\nAs shown, one of the cooler apps is from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which lets you unlock your hotel door by waving your Apple Watch at the sensor. A room key isn’t required. The official SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) app can also provide directions to your hotel, check you in, show your Starpoints balance, and more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261326\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"320\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261326\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-spg.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-spg\" width=\"320\" height=\"400\" /> The SPG app lets you open up hotel doors in select Starwood hotels, and much more.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Twitter</h2>\r\nSee your Twitter feeds right on your wrist. And because they’re only a couple of hundred characters, Tweets fit perfectly on Apple Watch’s small screen. Feel a gentle tap whenever new Tweets are posted; plus you can Retweet and favorite Tweets from your Apple Watch. If you want to say something to the Twitterverse, compose it via dictation. Just tap the square compose icon — in the center of the screen — and say what you’d like to Tweet.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >OpenTable</h2>\r\nHungry? The OpenTable app now supports Apple Watch, which lets you see information about your upcoming dinner reservations by simply looking down at your wrist. The app can also help guide you to the restaurant with turn-by-turn directions.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Evernote</h2>\r\nA popular productivity tool, Evernote for Apple Watch lets you view your stored notes, dictate a new one, set reminders, and search by keyword if you’re looking for something in particular. Because Evernote stores your notes in the cloud, you can view your dictated notes in other Evernote apps — perhaps on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >American Airlines</h2>\r\nHow do you know when it’s time to leave for the airport? Or if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or changed gates? American Airlines (AA) has an Apple Watch app that can alert you to any and all of these things. The AA app also lets you check in for your flight, view a map with your estimated time of arrival, view baggage claim and connection details, and more, as shown.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261301\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261301\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-american-airlines.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-american-airlines\" width=\"535\" height=\"324\" /> The American Airlines app notifies you of changes to your flight and more.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >BMW i Remote</h2>\r\nOwn an electric BMW i vehicle? The official Apple Watch app lets you remotely check on the charge status or notifies you when your car has been fully charged and is ready to go. This smartwatch app also lets you check your miles (to prevent “range anxiety”), see door-lock status, get service reminders, and view your cabin temperature.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab11\" >CNN</h2>\r\nNews junkies, rejoice! The official CNN app for Apple Watch gives you the information you need wherever life takes you. Select to receive breaking news and developing stories based on 12 categories of interest — such as Top Stories, U.S., World, Politics, Health, Entertainment, Sports, and Technology — plus your watch can even launch CNN TV live on your iPhone.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab12\" >eBay</h2>\r\nThe world’s largest marketplace is now a tap away. eBay on Apple Watch helps you keep up with the auctions you’re watching — whether you’re bidding on something or selling merchandise. The app conveniently lets you send and receive alerts without having to fumble through your phone, tablet, or personal computer.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab13\" >Citymapper</h2>\r\nIf you rely on public transit, the Citymapper app for Apple Watch always shows you the best bus and train routes based on your location and where you want to go. You should see step-by-step instructions, including a list of the next three arrival times for your mode of transportation so you can decide when to leave, and you should feel a vibration on your wrist when it’s time to get off at your stop. See the figure for a look at the Citymapper app.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261305\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"320\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261305\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-citymapper.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-citymapper\" width=\"320\" height=\"400\" /> Ideal for those who take public transit, the Citymapper app for Apple Watch shows you relevant information.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab14\" >TripAdvisor</h2>\r\nFind that hidden gem of a restaurant on your next trip. Unearth dozens of things to do while discovering a new town. Everything that makes TripAdvisor the perfect travel companion is now on your Apple Watch. Get instant information on hundreds of nearby restaurants, sights, and tourist destinations.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab15\" >NPR One</h2>\r\nFans of NPR can make their favorite station even more personal. The NPR One app shows you relevant news and curated stories based on your interests, along with access to your playlist (on your iPhone), and you can search for specific shows by using dictation and control basic playback functions with your fingertip.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab16\" >Fandango</h2>\r\nThe popular movie ticketing app is now on your wrist. After you’ve purchased tickets to a flick, the Apple Watch app can display the movie time and theater location, phone number, and other information you might need.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab17\" >Things</h2>\r\nIf you wear a watch — and a smartwatch, no less — it might not be a stretch to assume you like to be organized. But that doesn’t mean you’re good at it! If you need a little help, an app called Things is an excellent to-do manager for iPhone, and it supports Apple Watch too. Organize your life with daily tasks, which you can easily sort into sections like Today, Upcoming, and Anytime. Specifically, the Apple Watch app focuses on your current tasks, which can be displayed as a watch face complication or in the app itself, and lets you tick off items when completed.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab18\" >PayByPhone Parking</h2>\r\nYou can use the PayByPhone Parking app on Apple Watch to pay the meter, check on the time remaining, and deliver an alert ten minutes before the meter expires. If you’re not done with your errands, your watch lets you add more time to the meter without your having to go back to your car.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab19\" >Sky Guide</h2>\r\nWatch the skies! And your wrist. As shown, the Sky Guide app for Apple Watch is great for armchair astronomers. Receive alerts about upcoming celestial events — such as meteor shows and eclipses — and it even alerts you when the International Space Station is about to fly over your location.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261325\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"337\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261325\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-watch-sky-guide.jpg\" alt=\"apple-watch-sky-guide\" width=\"337\" height=\"400\" /> The Sky Guide app is out of this world (badum bum!). Read about astronomical events and receive alerts about them too.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab20\" >Lutron Caséta</h2>\r\nYour smartwatch can control your smart home. The Lutron Caséta app for Apple Watch lets you control the lights in your home even when you’re not there so you can make it look like you’re home when you’re on vacation. Or on the flipside, if you accidentally leave the lights on when you leave, you can get an alert on your wrist to turn them off.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9200,"name":"Marc Saltzman","slug":"marc-saltzman","description":" <p><b>Marc Saltzman</b> is a freelance journalist, author, lecturer, consultant, and radio and TV personality. He&#8217;s written for CNN.com and USAToday.com and appeared on &#8220;The Today Show,&#8221; &#8220;CBS Early Show,&#8221; &#8220;Access Hollywood,&#8221; and &#8220;Entertainment Tonight.&#8221; He is the host of &#8220;Tech Talk With Marc Saltzman.&#8221;</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9200"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33569,"title":"Apple 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Fitbit How to Send a Friend Request from Your Fitbit

Article / Updated 07-29-2022

The folks at Fitbit are well aware of the significant benefits that accrue when you make your self-tracking public, so they’ve built tons of social features, like making friends, into the Fitbit app. You might be leery of letting Fitbit rummage around in your contacts, but the company promises not to send anything to a contact without your permission. If that seems reasonable, you need to give the Fitbit app permission to access your contacts and then send your request: 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community. 2. Select the Friends tab. The Friends tab is where the Fitbit app will eventually list all your friends, ranked in descending order of total steps taken over the past week. For now, it’s either empty or you see just yourself, as shown in the Android version in the following figure. 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure). 4. Select the Contacts tab. 5. Give Fitbit permission to access your contacts: Android: Tap Enable, and when your Android asks you to confirm, tap Allow. iOS: Tap Connect Contacts, and when iOS asks you to confirm, tap OK. Windows 10: Select Open Settings to run the Settings app, which automatically displays the Contacts tab of the Privacy page. Select Change, turn on the Contacts Access for This Device switch, and then turn on the Fitbit switch. Restart the Fitbit app, repeat Steps 1 through 4, and then skip to Step 6. (Note that the switch is green when it’s on.) The Fitbit app’s Contacts tab now displays two lists. At the top you see X Contacts with Fitbit, where X is the number of people the Fitbit app found in your contacts who have a Fitbit account. Below that list you see the Contacts without Fitbit list. 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the contact you want to add. The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — horrors! — reject) your friend request. How to send a friend request to your Facebook friends If you know some people on Facebook who have a Fitbit, it might be easier to add them as Fitbit friends by letting the Fitbit app scour your Facebook connections. Fitbit claims that they won’t reach out to any Facebook friend without asking you first, so why not? Before this can happen, you have to give the Fitbit app permission to access your Facebook account. In the sections that follow, you give Fitbit permission to access your Facebook account. If, down the road, you want to revoke that permission, you have to do it on the Facebook site. Log in to your Facebook account, select Settings→Apps and Websites, select the Fitbit check box, and then select Remove. Using the Fitbit app to send a Facebook friend request Here are the steps to follow to ship out a request to a Facebook friend by using the Fitbit app: 1. Select Community. 2. Select the Friends tab. 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure). 4. Select the Facebook tab. 5. Select Connect Facebook. The app prompts you to log in to your Facebook account. 6. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In. A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app. 7. Select Continue as Name, where Name is your first name. The Fitbit app connects to your Facebook account and examines your friends to see which of them have Fitbit accounts. The Fitbit app’s Facebook tab now displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account. 8. Select the Add Friend icon beside the Facebook friend you want to add. The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or summarily reject) your friend request. Using Fitbit.com to send a Facebook friend request Here are the steps to follow to send a request to a Facebook friend by using Fitbit.com: 1. Go to Fitbit app and log in to your account. 2. In the Friends tile, select Connect Facebook. Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Facebook account. 3. Enter your Facebook login credentials, and then select Log In. A screen shows you what Facebook permissions you’re giving to the Fitbit app. 4. Select Continue as Name, where Name is your first name. Fitbit connects to your Facebook account. After a few moments, the Friends tile displays a list of your Facebook friends who have a Fitbit account. 5. Select the Add Friend button beside the person you want to add. By default, Fitbit displays only a few Facebook friends in the Friends tile. To see the rest of your Fitbit-connected Facebook friends, hover the mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select See More and then select the Show All link that appears above your Facebook friends list (which Fitbit labels May We Suggest). The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that Fitbit is waiting for the other person to accept (or — say it isn’t so — reject) your friend request. How to send a friend request by email If you know the email address of a person’s Fitbit account, you can send a friend request to that email address. Using the Fitbit app to send an email friend request Here are the steps to follow to send an email friend request by using the Fitbit app: 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community. 2. Select the Friends tab. 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure). 4. Select the Email tab. 5. Enter the person’s email address. When the address is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person. 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request. The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or — boo! — reject) your friend request. Using Fitbit.com to send an email friend request Here are the steps to follow to send one or more email friend requests using Fitbit.com: 1. Go to Fitbit and log in to your account. 2. In the Friends tile, select Invite Friends. If you’ve already connected your Facebook account to Fitbit, you won’t see the Invite Friends link. Instead, hover your mouse pointer over the Friends tile, select Find Friends and then select Invite by Email. Fitbit displays the Invite Friends by Email window. 3. In the Email Addresses text box, enter an email address for each person you want to invite. When you complete an address, type a space or a comma or press tab to complete the address and move to the next one. Fitbit displays a sneak peek of your friend request in the Message Preview pane. 4. When you’ve entered all your addresses, select Send Invitation. Fitbit ships out your friend requests. How to send a friend request by using a Fitbit username If you know a person’s Fitbit username, follow these steps to send a friend request to that person: 1. In the Fitbit app, select Community. 2. Select the Friends tab. 3. Select the Add Friend icon (labeled in the figure). 4. Select the Username tab. 5. Enter the person’s username. When the username is complete, the Fitbit app displays a friend request for that person. 6. Select the Add Friend icon beside the friend request. The Add Friend icon turns into a clock icon, indicating that the app is waiting for the other person to accept (or ungratefully reject) your friend request.

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Fitbit Fitbit For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

Having a Fitbit is all about getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle by tracking what you do and what you eat each day. Sure, you can try keeping all your activities and meals in your head, but believe me that doesn’t work. It’s always better just to let your Fitbit handle the hard part, which leaves you free to focus on the bigger picture. This Cheat Sheet helps you with that broader view by telling you everything — yes, everything — you need to know to get and maintain health and fitness. You also learn the most useful Fitbit account settings.

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Apple Watches Apple Watch For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-15-2022

Apple Watches cost a pretty penny, especially if you have a Wi-Fi+Cellular model. This is why you should know how to get the most from your Apple Watch’s battery life, troubleshoot problems your watch might have, and get Apple support for Apple Watches.

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Apple Watches Apple Watch For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-07-2021

Your Apple Watch works with — or, depending on what version you have, independently of — your iPhone, and you can do myriad things with your Apple Watch, all by using your finger or voice. Apple Watch can help you keep in contact with close friends; achieve your fitness and health goals with the Activity app; pay for items at retail with the wave of your wrist; and find directions to any destination you choose. And don’t forget that Siri, your personal assistant, can help you with all of your Apple Watch tasks.

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Apple Watches The Apple Watch Collections

Article / Updated 11-05-2021

Apple Watch comes in a few different sizes and configurations. For Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 watches, you have a choice of a screen that’s either 38 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) or 42 millimeters (roughly 1.65 inches). For Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch SE (a less expensive model introduced in 2020), sizes measure 40 mm (1.57 inches) or 44 mm (1.73 inches), but they have narrower “bezels” (borders), therefore the watch face is virtually all screen (and it’s a beauty). You measure the size of your screen from the top of the Apple Watch screen to the bottom and not diagonally — similar to how most screens from consumer electronics are measured (such as smartphones and tablets). Although you’ve likely already bought a watch before reading this article, note that there are a few different versions of Apple Watch options available today — with the most popular version, Apple Watch Series 6, shown in the following figure — and a few accessories you can purchase to customize your watch. For a more extensive discussion about the Apple Watch collections, or for when you want to convince a friend or coworker that he or she needs an Apple Watch, visit Apple.com. Excluding the various bands you can buy from Apple, the five different Apple Watch options are: Apple Watch Series 3: Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option. Apple Watch Series 6: At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more. Apple Watch SE: Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more. Apple Watch Nike+: Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app. Apple Watch Hermès: A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive new watch face. You also have a ton of choices when it comes to the material and wrist band styles you want in an Apple Watch. In fact, with Apple Watch Series 6, you can go with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or ceramic! In the fall of 2019, Apple also announced Apple Watch Studio, a website that lets you choose a case and pair any band. Try it out for yourself at apple.com/shop/studio.

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Apple Watches 10 Cool Things to Do With Your Apple Watch

Article / Updated 09-15-2021

If you’re like most people, you won’t have time to go over everything Apple Watch has to offer. It’s estimated that most people only use about 10 percent of what their gadgets can do — until someone shows them what they’re missing. You can be in the know by learning about these Apple Watch features. Activity Many smartwatches and fitness bands can report on your performance while working out, but Apple Watch is always calculating what you’re doing — or not doing. The innovative Activity app and its three rings — for Move, Exercise, and Stand — does a stellar job of giving you an idea of your overall physical activity. Press the Digital Crown button or lift your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Activity,” and then take a gander at your progress: The reddish-pink Move ring shows how many calories you’ve burned by moving around during the day. The lime green Exercise ring is for minutes of brisk or intense activity you’ve completed that day. The baby blue Stand ring gives you a visual indication of how often you’ve stood up after sitting or reclining. Your goal is to complete each ring each day. The more solid each ring is, the better you’re doing. Plus, you can swipe around inside the app for a numerical look at your performance. You can also change your goals per day in case they’re too ambitious for your lifestyle, or you can bump them up for an added challenge. The companion Activity app for iPhone shows you additional information, including a historical look at your Activity levels. Plus, every Monday, you should receive a summary report on your Apple Watch about your activity and goals. And there’s the Trends feature, too, for an even deeper look at your activity history (synced with iPhone). Apple Pay Using your watch to buy things at retail establishments is incredibly convenient. Even if you don’t have your iPhone around, you can wave your wrist over one of those contactless terminals at the checkout counter or at an Apple Pay-compatible vending machine and the transaction is completed — securely. To buy something using Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Double-tap the side button on Apple Watch, which opens Apple Pay. Apple Pay uses your default card in the Wallet app, but you can change it to something else if you like. Hold the watch up to the contactless terminal and you should hear a tone and feel a slight vibration — both of which confirm the payment has been made. That’s all there is to it. Apple Pay uses near field communication (NFC) technology inside of Apple Watch to make the digital handshake with the retailer’s contactless terminal. Apple Pay is supported by many banks and financial institutions as well as many thousands of retailers. But remember, you need to set up Apple Pay first on your iPhone if you haven’t done so already. Hotel Key Free apps such as Marriott Bonvoy let you tap your watch on your hotel door to gain entrance. No more fumbling for the key card or having it demagnetized because you had it in your pocket with your smartphone. If you’ve got the free app installed, tell someone at the check-in desk at a Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotel, Meridien, St. Regis, Element, or Aloft. Keep in mind that support for Apple Watch likely won’t be available at all of these hotels and resorts or rolled out at the same time. In the near future, expect many similar apps to let you into your car — instead of needing a large key fob — or to enter public transit stations, including bus depots and train terminals. Perhaps soon, Apple Watch will let you walk through your front door at home (with Wi-Fi smart deadbolts) or into your office by tapping your wrist on a card reader. Walkie-Talkie In case you haven’t given it a shot yet, Walkie-Talkie is a fun way for two Apple Watch wearers to communicate between themselves. As you might expect, Walkie-Talkie lets you quickly chat with someone, wrist to wrist, using your voice. To get going, you and the person you’d like to talk with need to set up the FaceTime app on your iPhone. This app enables you to make and receive FaceTime audio calls. To use the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Open the Walkie-Talkie app (it’s yellow and black) on your Apple Watch. Press the yellow + sign and choose a contact. Wait for your friend to accept the invitation. The contact card remains gray and reads “invited” until your friend accepts. After your friend accepts, his or her contact card turns yellow. You and your friend can now talk instantly. Touch and hold the talk button, and then say something. Now your friend can hear your voice and talk with you instantly. To talk over Walkie-Talkie, touch and hold the talk button, then say something; when you’re done, let go. Your friend instantly hears what you said. To change the volume, turn the Digital Crown. Apple Watch has Wi-Fi or cellular support on some models, but that doesn’t mean you can surf the web; Apple Watch doesn’t come with a web browser; it uses Wi-Fi only to move or sync data between it and your iPhone. That’s probably not a bad thing, given the fact Wi-Fi eats up valuable battery life pretty quickly. Also remember that Walkie-Talkie requires that both people be running watchOS 5 or greater. Music playback Many people who exercise rely on music to help keep them entertained and motivated. You might not want to bring a large iPhone with you on a jog or run, but thankfully, Apple lets you sync some music to Apple Watch — up to 2 gigabytes, or about 500 songs. To sync music to your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Connect your Apple Watch to your PC or Mac via its USB charger. Use the magnetic charger that shipped with your Apple Watch. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. Under My Watch, scroll down and tap Music, followed by Synced Playlist. Decide what you’d like to transfer over to your watch: My Top Rated, Recently Added, Recently Played, Top 25 Most Played, or Purchased tracks. Tap to select one of these options. Unplug the Apple Watch from the computer when the sync is complete. After you have songs stored on your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Open the Music app and press and hold the screen (Force Touch) to launch a couple options. You see options for Shuffle, Repeat, AirPlay, and Device. Tap Device and then select Apple Watch rather than iPhone. You’re prompted to pair a Bluetooth-enabled headset or headphones to hear the music. The Apple Watch screen shows you what’s playing on your watch or iPhone. Apple Watch also acts as a remote control for an Apple TV connected to a TV or for playing music on an iPhone or iPad. Maps Because Apple Watch is always on your wrist, it’s a conveniently placed screen for getting directions. Apple Watch can give you turn-by-turn directions by tapping into your nearby iPhone’s GPS chip, and you should see the overhead map on your watch, including a blue dot for your location, a red pushpin for the destination, and the path to take to get there quickly. Apple Watch gently vibrates to tell you when it’s time to turn left or right. Some Apple Watch models have an integrated compass, too, for even more accurate directions. To use the Maps app on your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Press the Digital Crown button to go to the Home screen. Tap the Maps app. You can also raise your wrist and say “Hey, Siri: Maps.” Either action opens the Maps app. An overhead map of your current location appears on the Apple Watch screen, and you can swipe in any given direction to move the map around, or you can twist the Digital Crown button if you want to see nearby streets or businesses. Press and hold the screen and then speak an address or business name. If you make a mistake, tap Clear. If you’re happy with what you requested, continue to the next step. Tap Start to begin the turn-by-turn directions. You now see and feel when it’s time to turn left or right when nearing an intersection — whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle. Your iPhone also shows you information if you want to peek at a bigger screen (safely) or hand it to a passenger. Digital Touch Many smartwatches on the market offer similar features, such as seeing who’s calling or texting, calculating fitness information, or getting directions to a destination. But Apple Watch offers a few unique watch-to-watch communication options — collectively referred to as Digital Touch. Here are three examples of them: Sketch: Draw something with your finger, and the person you’re sending it to sees it animate on his or her Apple Watch. Tap: Send gentle (and even customizable) taps to someone to let that person know you’re thinking about him or her. Heartbeat: Your built-in heart rate monitor is captured and sent to someone special so that person can feel it on his or her wrist. To send a heartbeat with your Apple Watch, follow these steps: Open the Messages app and tap someone. Start a new message or reply to an existing conversation. Tap the blue and white icon that looks like two fingers on a heart. You see a black screen, ready for your fingers. And you can tap the top-right corner to change colors. Press and hold your fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it pulse. When you feel the pulsations stop, you can lift your fingers up and your heartbeat is sent to the recipient. Siri Because Apple Watch was designed for quick interactions and to get information wherever and whenever you need it most, the best way to interact with your watch is by your voice. Providing you’re in a place where you can talk freely, speaking into your watch’s microphone is a fast, accurate, and convenient method for getting what you want when you want it. If you recall, you can use Siri in two ways on Apple Watch: Digital Crown: Press the Digital Crown button and wait to see the little bars jumping up and down near the bottom of your screen. This confirms Siri is “listening” to you. Voice activation: Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri,” followed by your command or question. Or you can go into and change the Settings of Apple Watch to enable simply raising your wrist to activate your personal assistant. For both of these options, you should get what you need within a second or two, but remember, you need your iPhone nearby because your request is quickly sent to Apple’s servers to process it. Siri can help you with virtually any task, including some of the following, which are tied to various apps and online content: “What time is it in Milan?” “Read me my messages.” “Text Susan that I’ll be five minutes late.” “Call Dad.” “Show me my email.” “When is my next appointment?” “Open the Activity app” or “Open the Workout app.” “Where is the closest gas station?” “What song is playing?” “Play jazz.” “What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow?” “How are the Cubs doing?” “Set an alarm for 6 a.m.” Watches and watch faces Most companies that release a smartwatch have one or two models, but Apple Watch is available in multiple sizes, several materials (aluminum, stainless steel, and 18-karat gold), in multiple case colors, and with various band colors, materials, and styles to choose from. Clearly, Apple has thought this through! Even with all the options, the user experience will be similar between all the versions because features, interfaces, and apps are the same for all of them. The following is a quick summary of the five current options (at the time of writing): Apple Watch Series 3: Although not the newest Apple Watch available, this model was the first to offer either a GPS chip — to accurately capture location information — or a GPS and cellular option. Apple Watch Series 6: At the time of writing, this is the latest Apple Watch, which debuted in the fall of 2020. Along with new band materials and styles, it added an even better “always on” screen, blood-oxygen monitor, always-on altimeter, and more. Apple Watch SE: Much like the less expensive iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE is meant to give you premium features at a more affordable price. It includes a great-looking Retina display, advanced sensors to track your movement and sleep, and more. Apple Watch Nike+: Ideal for fitness types who like the Nike brand, this special edition Apple Watch Series 4 (and special loop band) was designed to be your running partner and synchronizes with the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app. Apple Watch Hermès: A partnership between Apple and Hermès, this fashion-centric watch includes bold, colorful (and extra-long wraparound) leather bands and an exclusive watch face. Check out more information on the Apple Watch collections and some accessories. And once you’ve got an Apple Watch on your wrist, you’ve got several watch faces to choose from, all of which can be personalized to your liking. Here are just a few choices: Astronomy: An out-of-this-world view of our solar system Chronograph: Like an analog stopwatch Color: Classic analog face with customizable colors Gradient: Bright and bold colors that change throughout the day Mickey or Minnie Mouse: A classic returns — and in animation Modular Compact: Bold digital watch face with lots of options Motion: Animated objects, such as butterflies and flowers Numerals Mono: A stylish hybrid of digital and analog time Simple: A minimalistic but stylish analog watch Solar Dial: Based on your location and time of day, you can see the sun’s position Utility: Analog watch with optional calendar reminders and more X-Large: Large digital font for viewing at a distance Gaming It’s a huge understatement to say Apple Watch is an unproven video game platform. But given Apple’s track record with iOS devices — not to mention a passionate app development community eager to take advantage of this new real estate on the wrist — gaming might be the secret “killer app” of Apple Watch. You’re in line at the supermarket and you want to kill some time by dunking a few virtual baskets by tapping your watch screen. Or you’re on the train to work and you want to use your fingertip to slide letter tiles on a board to create a word. Or perhaps you’re walking down the street and you feel a tap on your wrist — an alert that someone is invading your virtual village and you’ve got to decide what to do. Just as the smartphone and tablet have become viable gaming platforms in a very short period of time — even pumping out such iconic games as Angry Birds and Flappy Bird — Apple Watch could introduce fresh gaming experiences on a device we always have strapped to our wrists. The App Store — accessible on the companion Apple Watch app on iPhone — has thousands of apps to choose from. This figure shows what Rules! — a popular iOS game — looks like on the Apple Watch (and, yes, it’s available for both platforms).

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Apple Watches Apple Watch's Family Setup and Schooltime

Article / Updated 03-12-2021

Apple Watch previously required you to have an iPhone to set up and use the wristwatch (even with the cellular model). This isn’t the case any longer, with the introduction of watchOS 7, the operating system that debuted in the fall of 2020. Also new with watchOS 7 are a couple of features specific for families. Family Setup: Setting up Apple Watch for family members With a new feature called Family Setup, it’s now possible for family members to use Apple Watch’s features — such as sending and receiving messages and calls, and sharing their location with you — even if they don’t own an iPhone. After you set up a watch for a family member, such as a child, you can use your iPhone to manage some of the watch’s capabilities. To get going with Family Setup, you need: An Apple Watch Series 4 or later, GPS + Cellular model, or Apple Watch SE with cellular. Apple says a cellular plan (typically $10/month) isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but it’s necessary for some features. Apple Watch watchOS 7 or later. An iPhone 6S or later with iOS 14 (or later) for the setup process. Your Apple ID and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch. Note two-factor authentication must be turned on. (This is when you not only need a password to log in but also a one-time code sent to one of your Apple devices, which you also need to type, to confirm it’s really you.) Ready to get going? Here are the steps to using Family Setup as the parent/guardian: Put the Apple Watch on your wrist and turn it on by pressing and holding the side button. The Apple logo appears. If your Apple Watch isn’t new, perform a factory reset on the watch (Settings→General→Reset→Erase All Content and Settings). Hold the watch close to your iPhone. Your phone’s screen has a message that reads: “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch.” Tap Continue. Pair the watch with your iPhone by following the prompts to hold the iPhone over the Apple Watch screen (so that your iPhone’s camera can see the animation). Tap Set Up Apple Watch and after you agree to the terms and conditions, choose a text size for the Apple Watch and a passcode. Pick a family member who will use this Apple Watch. You should see the family member’s name, face, and age. If not, tap Add New Family Member and enter their Apple ID and password. If you like, enable “Ask to Buy” if you want to give permission for any app downloads or purchases made on the Apple Watch. Set up cellular and Wi-Fi. This is where you can add your Apple Watch to your mobile phone plan if your cellular provider supports it or you might be able to use a different carrier altogether. If that’s the case, leave this part for later. But be sure to choose whether to share your current Wi-Fi network with the Apple Watch. Evaluate other features. On the next few screens you can enable or disable various Apple Watch features. This includes Location Services (for the Find People app), Siri, Apple Cash Family, Messages in iCloud, Health Data, Emergency SOS, Emergency Contacts, Medical ID, Activity, Workout Route Tracking, and Photos. Set up shared contacts and Schooltime. You’re asked to set up the approved contacts available on Apple Watch to call or message (such as family, friends, or a trusted neighbor.) For this, enable Contacts in iCloud (on iPhone, go to Settings→[your name]→iCloud and double-check Contacts is turned on. Select people here. Apple has set some restrictions to kids using Apple Watch. For one, high and low heart rate notifications are only available for users 13 and older, and fall detection is available for users 18 and older. Other health and wellness features not supported in Family Setup: irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts. Apple Cash Family is available to users under the age of 18, allowing them to make purchases (and send and receive money) in the Messages app via Apple Pay (United States only). But Apple Pay using a credit, debit, or transit card in the Wallet app isn’t available with Family Setup. Enabling Schooltime on a family member’s Apple Watch Introduced in watchOS 7, Schooltime—as the name suggests—was designed to limit the use of Apple Watch during specific hours of the day. See the following figure on what setting up Schooltime looks like on the iPhone’s Watch app (and watch itself). To set a Schooltime schedule: Open the Watch app on iPhone. Tap All Watches, and then select the name of your child’s watch. Tap Done, select Schooltime, and tap Edit Schedule. Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be activated (such as weekdays between 8am and 3pm). Additional notes: If you want to set up more than one schedule in a day (such as a morning routine and an afternoon one), open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the information (“i”) button, Schooltime, and Edit Schedule. If needed, the student could exit Schooltime anytime by turning the Digital Crown, and then tapping Exit to confirm. The starting and ending times of all temporary Schooltime exits are reported in the Watch app on iPhone. Parents can see this by opening the Watch app, tap the child’s Apple Watch (under All Watches), and then select Schooltime.

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Apple Watches How to Pair Apple Watch with Your iPhone

Article / Updated 03-12-2021

Like many consumer electronics you buy today, the Apple Watch might be already charged when you first get it, but it’s always a good idea to plug it into a computer or the wall to give it a full boost before using it for the first time. After you ensure your smartwatch is charged, follow these steps to pair it with your iPhone: Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button. This is the one flush with the watch and not the Digital Crown that’s sticking out. You will see the Apple logo appear in the center of the screen. This is a good sign! Tap the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. It’s a black icon that simply says Watch. If you don’t see the app on your phone’s Home screen, swipe left or right to look for it. You need an iPhone 5 or newer and the 8.2 iOS (or newer) operating system installed to use Apple Watch for Series 1 and 2, and an iPhone 6 and iOS 12 or later for Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5. For Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, you need to have iOS 14 or later. To double-check what you have, tap Settings→General→About and look where it says Version. Your phone also notifies you about any available updates. After you bring the Apple Watch close to your iPhone, you should see the words “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch” appear on your iPhone screen. If you don’t, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and then tap Start Pairing. Tap Continue. Now, keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together until you complete these next steps. Follow the prompts. They ask you to hold Apple Watch up to the iPhone’s camera. You can then align the watch’s face within the viewfinder in the center of the screen. This should do the trick. See the following figures for a look at setting up Apple Watch for the first time. If that doesn’t work, tap the Pair Apple Watch Manually option, in orange, at the bottom of the app. You’re prompted to tap the “i” (“information”) app on your Apple Watch to view its name and then tap the corresponding name listed in the app. If it’s not listed, be sure your wireless connection is enabled; then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the icons for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so they’re highlighted and not grayed out. If this is your first Apple Watch, tap Set Up Apple Watch. Otherwise, choose a backup. If prompted, update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS, the name of Apple’s operating system that powers this wearable. Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree (twice). If asked, enter your Apple ID password. If you aren’t asked, you can sign in later from the Apple Watch app (General→Apple ID). Some features that require a cellular phone number won’t work on cellular models of Apple Watch unless you sign in to iCloud. Choose a text size for the Apple Watch. You may want the font larger, for example, to be easier to read. Who needs the crow’s feet (am I right?!). Your Apple Watch shows you which settings it shares with your iPhone. For example, if you’ve enabled Find my iPhone, Location Services, Wi-Fi Calling, and Diagnostics on your iPhone, these settings automatically turn on for your Apple Watch. You can select other settings, too, such as Siri (your personal voice-activated assistant) and Route Tracking. Once the pairing is successful, you can adjust additional watch settings from within the app by tapping My Watch at the bottom left of the screen (see the following figure). Take some time to familiarize yourself with this great app. In fact, the three main sections to the Apple Watch app are all listed at the bottom of the screen: My Watch: This is your main section, which lets you customize your watch face (complications), enable or disable features, tweak settings, and enable notifications per app. There is also a Search window if you want to type a keyword. Face Gallery: Tap this to view and change your Apple Watch clock faces. Discover: This section offers information on using your Apple Watch (such as customizing it), as well as an Explore Watch Apps area at the bottom of the screen to download and install third-party apps to your device (yes, an app store). Keep in mind that you don’t need to turn Apple Watch on or off. Simply raise your wrist and the screen turns on — thanks to its internal accelerometer (motion sensor) — and lower your arm to turn it off. It’s that easy. Or with the latest Apple Watch Series 6, the screen never goes dark — it stays on but dims itself until you look at it! How does Apple Watch’s beautiful Retina display stay on all the time without killing the battery? At the risk of geeking out, it uses a LTPO display — a “low temperature poly-silicon and oxide” display — that drops the screen’s refresh rate from 60 Hz down to a “power-sipping” 1 Hz when the watch is inactive (that is, when you’re not looking at it). A low-power driver, ambient light sensor and efficient power management software also work together to keep your watch going up to 18 hours between charges. Just touch the screen or point it towards your face for full brightness. Cool, eh? Apple made several improvements with Apple Watch Series 6, too, making the always-on display even brighter without impacting battery life.

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Fitbit 8 Ways to Connect Your Fitbit to Third Parties

Article / Updated 02-20-2020

When you monitor your personal stats throughout the day by using your Fitbit device, the Fitbit app, and the Fitbit.com online Dashboard, it’s easy to fall into a Fitbit-only mindset. It’s a big world out there, and Fitbit isn’t the only fitness and health game in town. Other fitness and health apps include as Strava and Weight Watchers; other fitness devices include Alexa and Cortana; and other types of content for your Fitbit include music and podcasts. Fortunately, because Fitbit is by far the most popular activity tracking company, many third parties have been eager to set up ways to connect their products to the Fitbit ecosystem. Here, you explore the myriad ways that you can connect your Fitbit to these third-party apps, devices, and content. Share Fitbit data on Strava It’s easy to connect with friends and groups to share your latest and greatest achievements. But if you’re a dedicated exerciser or athlete, chances are you already have an account on Strava, which means it probably makes more sense to share data between your Fitbit account and your Strava account. After you connect Fitbit and Strava, two things happen: All GPS-related activities that you track with your Fitbit are synced to your Strava account. All the activities that you track via Strava are added to your daily and weekly Fitbit stats. Note that none of the preceding includes activities prior to making the connection between your two accounts. If you want to get your historical Fitbit data into Strava, you need to export the data. If you have a Fitbit watch, open the Strava app to see your ten most recent runs or rides. Connecting Fitbit and Strava by using the Strava app To connect your Fitbit and Strava accounts by using the Strava app, follow these steps: 1. Get started in the Strava app: Android: Tap Menu→Settings→Link Other Services. Then tap Connect a Device to Strava. iOS: Tap More→Settings→Applications, Services, and Devices. Then tap Connect a New Device to Strava. 2. Tap Fitbit. 3. Tap Connect Fitbit. Strava prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account. 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Strava prompts you to log in to your Strava account. 5. Type your Strava email address and password, and then tap Log In. 6. Tap Authorize. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access, as shown. 7. Tap the Allow All check box. Note that you don’t have to share everything with Strava. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your weight or your Fitbit profile with Strava. 8. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share. 9. Tap the Allow button. Strava displays an overview of the sharing process. 10. Tap OK, Got It. 11. Tap Done. Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other. Connecting Fitbit and Strava on the web To connect Fitbit and Strava online by using a web browser, follow these steps: 1. Surf to Strava online. 2. Click Connect. Strava prompts you to authorize Fitbit to connect to Strava. 3. Click Authorize. Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account. 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Strava to access. 5. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap the Allow button. Strava displays an overview of the sharing process. 6. Click OK, Got It. Fitbit and Strava share any GPS-based activities that you track with one or the other. Share Fitbit data on Weight Watchers If you’re a member of Weight Watchers, wouldn’t it be great if you could convert your Fitbit activities into Weight Watchers activity points, or FitPoints in Weight Watchers lingo? Why, yes, it would — and you can. Just connect your Fitbit account with your Weight Watchers account and your Fitbit activities will be automatically synced to your Weight Watchers profile. Sweet! Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers by using the Weight Watchers app To connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts by using the Weight Watchers app, follow these steps: 1. Get started in the Weight Watchers app: Android: Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Activity Sync. iOS: Tap Profile→Settings. Then tap Activity Settings→Device. 2. To connect a Fitbit activity tracker, tap Device. To connect a Fitbit Aria 2 smart scale, tap Wireless Scale. 3. Tap Fitbit. Weight Watchers prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account. 4. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access. 5. Tap the Allow All check box. Note that you don’t have to share everything with Weight Watchers. For example, there’s probably not much point sharing your sleep, your friends, or your Fitbit profile with Weight Watchers. 6. Tap to deselect the check box beside each item you don’t want to share. 7. Tap the Allow button. Fitbit shares the data you selected with your Weight Watchers account. Connecting Fitbit and Weight Watchers on the web To connect your Fitbit and Weight Watchers accounts online by using a web browser, follow these steps: 1. Surf to Weight Watchers website. (in Canada; in the UK) 2. Log in to your account. 3. Click Account→Settings. 4. Click Device. If you’ve previously connected a device with your Weight Watchers account, you need to remove it because Weight Watchers allows only one connected device at a time. To remove the device, click the Device logo or click Disconnect. Fitbit prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account. 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow Weight Watchers to access. 6. Click the Allow All check box (or select the check box beside only those items you want to share), and then tap Allow. Fitbit shares the data you selected in Step 6 with your Weight Watchers account. To get your Fitbit data synced to your Weight Watchers profile right away (and any time you feel like it), click Menu→My Day. Next, click the Activity tab, and then click the Sync with Your Fitbit App link, which appears at the bottom of the Activity tab. Share Fitbit data with MyFitnessPal MyFitnessPal is a calorie-counting app that enables you to track food (calories in) and exercises (calories out) to achieve a goal weight. It’s one of the most popular health and fitness apps, and you can connect it to your Fitbit for easier tracking. Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal by using the MyFitnessPal app Follow these steps to connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts by using the MyFitnessPal app: 1. Get started in the MyFitnessPal app: Android: Tap Menu→Apps and Devices. iOS: Tap More→Apps and Devices. 2. Tap Fitbit Tracker. 3. Tap Connect. MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your MyFitnessPal account. 4. Type your MyFitnessPal email address and password, and then tap Log In. MyFitnessPal prompts you to log in to your Fitbit account. 5. Type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access. 6. Tap Allow All. Unfortunately, MyFitnessPal insists that you share all your Fitbit data. If you try to share only some data, the connection with fail. Boo, MyFitnessPal! 7. Tap Allow. Fitbit will now share your data with your MyFitnessPal account. Connecting Fitbit and MyFitnessPal on the web To connect your Fitbit and MyFitnessPal accounts online using a web browser, follow these steps: 1. Surf to https://myfitnesspal.com/ and then log in to your account. 2. Click Apps. 3. Click Fitbit Tracker. 4. Click Connect. 5. If prompted, type your Fitbit email address and password, and then tap Log In. Fitbit asks you to choose which data you want to allow MyFitnessPal to access 6. Click the Allow All check box and then click the Allow button. Fitbit now shares your data with your MyFitnessPal account. Share Fitbit data with other apps In the previous three sections I talk about the specific steps to take to connect your Fitbit device and account with three apps: Strava, Weight Watchers, and MyFitnessPal. However, Fitbit trackers are so popular that just about every fitness, health, diet, and weight loss app offers a way to connect to a Fitbit device. To give you an idea, the table offers a list of the apps that have official ties to Fitbit (current as of this writing). Apps That Work with Fitbit App Category Dick's Sporting Goods Health Endomondo Fitness Fitabase Health Fitline Fitness FitTap Health Fitwatchr Diet and weight loss Habit Diet and weight loss LFconnect Fitness Lose It! Diet and weight loss MapMyRun Fitness MINDBODY Health MyNetDiary Diet and weight loss Nudge Health Tracking Fitness Peloton Fitness RunKeeper Fitness Running for Weight Loss* Diet and weight loss SparkPeople Fitness Stridekick Fitness Tactio Health Health Thermos Hydration Bottle with Smart Lid Diet and weight loss Trainerize Fitness TrainingPeaks Fitness Trendweight Diet and weight loss VirZOOM Fitness Walgreens Balance Rewards Health Walkadoo Fitness Waterlogged Diet and weight loss Wokamon Fitness *Search your device app store Yep: that’s a lot of apps! Unfortunately, I can’t offer a one-size-fits-all method that enables you to connect any one of these apps to your Fitbit device and account. However, I can do the next best thing and offer a general procedure to try for any app: Using the third-party’s app: Open the app’s Settings or main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously. Using the third party’s website: Log in to your app account. Open the site’s main menu, and then look for a command named something like Apps, Devices, or Connect. Click Fitbit, log in to your Fitbit account if asked, and then choose which data you want to share with the app by using the screen shown previously. Export your Fitbit data Fitbits are so popular that almost all major fitness- and health-related apps and services have an option to connect to your Fitbit account. However, you might be using an app or service that doesn’t offer such a connection. Are you out of luck? Perhaps not. Fitbit offers a couple of ways to export your data to a file. If your app or service has a method for importing files, you might be able to import your Fitbit data. Fitbit offers two types of file exports: Single activity TCX file: This Training Center XML (TCX) file includes the GPS data for a run or other activity, as well as data related to the activity such as average heart rate and calories burned. All activities ZIP file: This archive (ZIP) file contains all your Fitbit data. Most of the data comes as either a JavaScript object notation (JSON) file or a comma separated values (CSV) file. In practice, you’ll almost always want a TCX file to import into a service. However, I also include the instructions for exporting all your data, just in case you want a record of what Fitbit has stored for you. Export an activity as a TCX file To export a GPS-tracked activity as a TCX file, follow these steps: 1. Surf to www.fitbit.com and log in to open your Dashboard. 2. In the navigation bar, click Log. 3. Click Activities. 4. Locate the GPS-tracked activity you want to export, and then click the activity’s View Details button. 5. Click the More icon, labeled in the figure, and then click Export as TCX file. Fitbit gathers the activity’s data into a TCX file and then downloads that file to your PC. As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to your Activities log by going to Fitbit Activities. Export all your Fitbit activities To export all your Fitbit data, follow these steps: 1. Point your web browser to www.fitbit.com and log in to open your Dashboard. 2. Click View Settings→Settings. 3. Click Data Export. Fitbit opens the Export My Fitbit Data page. As an alternative to Steps 1 through 3, you can head directly to this page by going to Fitbit Settings. 4. Click Request My Data. Fitbit sends an email to your Fitbit address asking you to confirm your data request. 5. In the Fitbit email, click Confirm Export Request. Fitbit begins the process of exporting your data. In the Export My Fitbit Data page, you see a Current Export item with a percentage that tells you how far along things have progressed. Click the Refresh icon to see the latest percentage. 6. When the export preparation is complete (that is, when the percentage in the Current Export item reaches 100), click the Download button. Your web browser downloads the file, which is usually named MyFitBitData.zip. Connect Fitbit to Alexa If you have an Alexa-enabled device at home — such as an Amazon Echo or a third-party speaker that includes Alexa — you can ask Alexa for your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To make Alexa Fitbit-aware, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Alexa device. To enable the Fitbit skill with your voice, use either of the following commands: “Alexa, enable Fitbit.” “Alexa, open Fitbit.” If Alexa tells you it can’t find the Fitbit skill, it likely means the skill is not available in your country. Fitbit adds new countries every so often, so keep trying to enable the skill once a month or so. You can also enable the Fitbit skill using the Alexa app, as shown in the following steps: 1. In the Alexa app, choose Menu→Skills & Games. 2. Click the Search icon (magnifying glass), and then type fitbit in the Search screen. 3. Tap the Fitbit skill to open its information page. 4. Tap Enable. Alexa enables the skill. With the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Alexa, ask Fitbit something”, where something can be any of the following: How many steps I’ve taken today How many flights I’ve climbed today How many active minutes I have today How many calories I’ve burned today How far I’ve walked today How I’m doing today How I slept last night If I’ve exercised today How much water I’ve had today What my resting heart rate is How much I weigh About my battery Connect Fitbit to Window 10’s Cortana If you a Cortana-enabled Windows 10 device, you can ask Cortana to tell you your current Fitbit stats, including steps taken, flights climbed, and your resting heart rate. To get Cortana connected to Fitbit, you must first enable the Fitbit skill on your Windows 10 device. To enable the Fitbit skill, issue the following command: “Cortana, ask Fitbit.” With the Fitbit skill enabled, you invoke the skill by saying “Cortana, ask Fitbit something”, where something can be any of the following: How many steps I’ve taken today How many flights I’ve climbed today How many active minutes I have today How many calories I’ve burned today How far I’ve walked today How I’m doing today How I slept last night If I’ve exercised today How much water I’ve had today What my resting heart rate is How much I weigh About my battery Get the weather on your Fitbit If your Fitbit supports apps, one of those apps is called Weather, which can put the current conditions right there on your wrist. Nice. First, though, you need to follow these steps to configure your weather settings: 1. Click Dashboard→Account. 2. Click your Fitbit device. 3. Click Apps. If you don’t see the Apps icon, your Fitbit doesn’t support running apps. 4. Click the Settings icon (gear) next to the Weather app. Fitbit displays the Weather app’s Settings screen, shown here. 5. To change the temperature unit, click Unit and then click either Fahrenheit or Celsius. 6. To add a city to the Weather app: Click Add City. Start typing the name of the city. Click the full name of the city when it appears in Fitbit’s list of cities that match what you’ve typed so far. 7. Click the Back icon (<) until you return to the Account screen. Fitbit syncs the new settings to the Weather app. If you add multiple cities to the Weather app, you can switch between cities in the app by swiping left or right.

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Apple Watches 20 Recommended Third-Party Apple Watch Apps

Article / Updated 02-19-2020

This list looks at all the default apps preinstalled on Apple Watch — you know, the ones Apple put there and you can’t remove (which understandably frustrates a number of people) — but a number of optional but recommended and free third-party apps can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store. All of them take advantage of Apple Watch’s features. These 20 apps are tied more to information, travel, automotive, productivity, social media, fitness, shopping, and some entertainment. Mint The Apple Watch app for this popular finance tool lets you view your monthly spending goals at a glance as well as track your progress toward meeting them. And for those trying to stick to a budget, you can choose to receive weekly alerts with insight on how well you’re doing (or not). ESPN One of the most popular sports apps for iPhone is now available for Apple Watch. Select which sports matter to you — such as baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, or tennis (or all the above) — and stay up to date with breaking sports news, real-time scores, and more, as shown. Target As one of the first retailers to support Apple Watch, Target has an app that lets you build and view a shopping list on your watch so you can glance down to see what items you need — even if your phone is tucked away in your purse or pocket. When you enter a store, the Target app also tells you where to find the items you’re looking for. OneDrive Although once bitter rivals, Microsoft has embraced Apple’s iOS platform — and now the watchOS too. Based on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service, this Apple Watch app lets users see their stored photos on their wrist — even when an iPhone isn’t nearby. SPG As shown, one of the cooler apps is from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which lets you unlock your hotel door by waving your Apple Watch at the sensor. A room key isn’t required. The official SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) app can also provide directions to your hotel, check you in, show your Starpoints balance, and more. Twitter See your Twitter feeds right on your wrist. And because they’re only a couple of hundred characters, Tweets fit perfectly on Apple Watch’s small screen. Feel a gentle tap whenever new Tweets are posted; plus you can Retweet and favorite Tweets from your Apple Watch. If you want to say something to the Twitterverse, compose it via dictation. Just tap the square compose icon — in the center of the screen — and say what you’d like to Tweet. OpenTable Hungry? The OpenTable app now supports Apple Watch, which lets you see information about your upcoming dinner reservations by simply looking down at your wrist. The app can also help guide you to the restaurant with turn-by-turn directions. Evernote A popular productivity tool, Evernote for Apple Watch lets you view your stored notes, dictate a new one, set reminders, and search by keyword if you’re looking for something in particular. Because Evernote stores your notes in the cloud, you can view your dictated notes in other Evernote apps — perhaps on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. American Airlines How do you know when it’s time to leave for the airport? Or if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or changed gates? American Airlines (AA) has an Apple Watch app that can alert you to any and all of these things. The AA app also lets you check in for your flight, view a map with your estimated time of arrival, view baggage claim and connection details, and more, as shown. BMW i Remote Own an electric BMW i vehicle? The official Apple Watch app lets you remotely check on the charge status or notifies you when your car has been fully charged and is ready to go. This smartwatch app also lets you check your miles (to prevent “range anxiety”), see door-lock status, get service reminders, and view your cabin temperature. CNN News junkies, rejoice! The official CNN app for Apple Watch gives you the information you need wherever life takes you. Select to receive breaking news and developing stories based on 12 categories of interest — such as Top Stories, U.S., World, Politics, Health, Entertainment, Sports, and Technology — plus your watch can even launch CNN TV live on your iPhone. eBay The world’s largest marketplace is now a tap away. eBay on Apple Watch helps you keep up with the auctions you’re watching — whether you’re bidding on something or selling merchandise. The app conveniently lets you send and receive alerts without having to fumble through your phone, tablet, or personal computer. Citymapper If you rely on public transit, the Citymapper app for Apple Watch always shows you the best bus and train routes based on your location and where you want to go. You should see step-by-step instructions, including a list of the next three arrival times for your mode of transportation so you can decide when to leave, and you should feel a vibration on your wrist when it’s time to get off at your stop. See the figure for a look at the Citymapper app. TripAdvisor Find that hidden gem of a restaurant on your next trip. Unearth dozens of things to do while discovering a new town. Everything that makes TripAdvisor the perfect travel companion is now on your Apple Watch. Get instant information on hundreds of nearby restaurants, sights, and tourist destinations. NPR One Fans of NPR can make their favorite station even more personal. The NPR One app shows you relevant news and curated stories based on your interests, along with access to your playlist (on your iPhone), and you can search for specific shows by using dictation and control basic playback functions with your fingertip. Fandango The popular movie ticketing app is now on your wrist. After you’ve purchased tickets to a flick, the Apple Watch app can display the movie time and theater location, phone number, and other information you might need. Things If you wear a watch — and a smartwatch, no less — it might not be a stretch to assume you like to be organized. But that doesn’t mean you’re good at it! If you need a little help, an app called Things is an excellent to-do manager for iPhone, and it supports Apple Watch too. Organize your life with daily tasks, which you can easily sort into sections like Today, Upcoming, and Anytime. Specifically, the Apple Watch app focuses on your current tasks, which can be displayed as a watch face complication or in the app itself, and lets you tick off items when completed. PayByPhone Parking You can use the PayByPhone Parking app on Apple Watch to pay the meter, check on the time remaining, and deliver an alert ten minutes before the meter expires. If you’re not done with your errands, your watch lets you add more time to the meter without your having to go back to your car. Sky Guide Watch the skies! And your wrist. As shown, the Sky Guide app for Apple Watch is great for armchair astronomers. Receive alerts about upcoming celestial events — such as meteor shows and eclipses — and it even alerts you when the International Space Station is about to fly over your location. Lutron Caséta Your smartwatch can control your smart home. The Lutron Caséta app for Apple Watch lets you control the lights in your home even when you’re not there so you can make it look like you’re home when you’re on vacation. Or on the flipside, if you accidentally leave the lights on when you leave, you can get an alert on your wrist to turn them off.

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