How to add or remove apps on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

On the iPhone, open the Watch app and scroll down on the My Watch tab. Under Available Apps, tap Install next to an app. To remove one, tap it under Installed on Apple Watch and switch off Show App on Apple Watch.

Many iPhone apps have a companion watch app. You decide which ones appear on your wrist, and you can also download watch-only apps from the App Store on the watch.

Step by step

  1. Open the Watch app on the iPhone

    Stay on the My Watch tab and scroll down.

  2. Install from Available Apps

    Apps on your phone that have a watch version are listed. Tap Install.

  3. Remove an app

    Under Installed on Apple Watch, tap the app and switch off Show App on Apple Watch.

  4. Delete directly on the watch

    Press the Digital Crown. In grid view, touch and hold an app, tap Edit Apps and tap the x. In list view, swipe left on the app and tap the bin.

  5. Get apps on the watch itself

    Open the App Store on the watch, search by dictating or scribbling, and tap Get.

Good to know

To stop every new iPhone app from installing its watch version, open the Watch app, tap General and switch off Automatic App Install.

Some built-in apps can be removed too. Reinstall them from the App Store on the watch.

Removing a watch app does not delete the app from the iPhone.

In short: Watch app on the iPhone, scroll down, Install, or switch off Show App on Apple Watch.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Get more apps on Apple Watch

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