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The Apple Watch Ultra has a customizable action button on the left side of the case that can perform a variety of functions. Below I'll show you how to configure it.
Aside from activating the siren, the Apple Watch Ultra's Action button can be customized to perform a number of functions that you can quickly access without having to tap through different screens. When you first set up your Apple Watch Ultra, you'll be asked to assign it one of the following functions:
- workout
- stopwatch
- waypoint
- backtracking
- Dive
- flashlight
- shortcut
- No
Depending on the app or feature you're using, you can further customize your selection. For example, if you've selected the Workout app, pressing the action button once will open the Workout app. You can also assign it a "first press" function within the app to start a specific workout. But that's not all. Once you've started the activity, you can press the button again to perform a secondary function, such as marking segments or laps during a track workout, or switching from cycling to running during a triathlon. This function, again, depends on the current activity.
Apple Watch Ultra: How to assign functions to the action button
Once your Apple Watch Ultra is set up, you can assign functions to the Action button from a new menu right on your wrist. To do so, follow these steps:
- On Apple Watch Ultra, open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Action button.
- Tap the menu under “Action” and select one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Retrace, Dive, Flashlight and Shortcut.
- Tap the arrow in the left corner to return to the Action Button settings.
- Tap the menu under "App" when it appears, then select an app to perform the action. For some actions, such as the flashlight, the "App" option won't appear.
- Tap the arrow to go back.
- Tap the menu under "First Press" when it appears, then select an action. For some features, different actions can be performed on the first and second presses of the button.
On the screen, under "Gestures," you'll see tips explaining how the Action button works with the settings you've assigned to it. For example, the tips for taking a walk outside show you that pressing the Action button once starts a workout, and pressing both the Action button and the Side button at the same time pauses the workout.
Configuring the Action Button on the iPhone
You can also use the Apple Watch app for iOS to configure what the Action button does on Apple Watch Ultra.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap “My Watch” if it isn’t already selected.
- Tap Action button.
- Under “Action,” tap the currently selected action to change it.
- Select one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight and Shortcut.
- Tap the Action button to return to the previous menu.
- Tap the menu under "App" when it appears, then select an app to perform the action. For some actions, such as the flashlight, the "App" option won't appear.
- Tap the arrow to go back.
- Tap the menu under "First Press" when it appears, then select an action. For some features, different actions can be performed on the first and second presses of the button.
By the way, if you want to pause the current action, you can press and hold the action button and the side button at the same time. Try to avoid accidentally pressing the side button or the digital crown when you press the action button. Looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront Stop by – there you'll find numerous products from leading providers, including those for HomeKit and more! (Image: Apple)
