Controlling music playback on an iPhone can be tricky, especially when you’re on the go or don’t have direct access to your phone. Luckily, if you own an Apple Watch, you can easily control your iPhone’s music playback right from your wrist. This feature allows you to play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and even browse through your music library without having to take out your iPhone. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods you can use to control iPhone music from your Apple Watch and how to make the most out of this convenient feature.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To control iPhone music from your Apple Watch, you will need the following:
1. An iPhone running on iOS 8.2 or later
2. An Apple Watch (Series 1 or later)
3. Both devices must be connected and paired via Bluetooth
If you meet these requirements, you are ready to start taking advantage of the music control feature on your Apple Watch.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we dive into the different methods of controlling iPhone music from your Apple Watch, it’s important to note that the music control feature only works when the Music app is playing audio on your iPhone. If you’re using a third-party music app, like Spotify or Pandora, make sure the audio is playing through the Music app on your iPhone for the Apple Watch controls to work.
Method 1: Using the Now Playing App
The easiest and most straightforward way to control iPhone music from your Apple Watch is by using the Now Playing app. The Now Playing app automatically appears on your Apple Watch when you start playing music on your iPhone. Here’s how to utilize this method:
1. Start playing music on your iPhone using the Music app or any other compatible app.
2. On your Apple Watch, swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center.
3. Look for the "Now Playing" complication, which displays the album art of the currently playing track, and tap on it.
Once you’re in the Now Playing app on your Apple Watch, you can perform various actions:
– Play/Pause: Tap the pause/play button in the center of the screen to pause or resume playback.
– Skip Tracks: Swipe left or right on the screen to change to the previous or next track.
– Adjust Volume: Rotate the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to increase or decrease the volume.
– Browse Music: Scroll down on the screen to access additional controls like shuffle, repeat, and the ability to browse your music library.
Pros:
1. Easy and convenient way to control iPhone music without having to take out your phone.
2. Provides access to basic playback controls right from your wrist.
3. Offers the ability to adjust volume and browse your music library.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality compared to directly using the Music app on your iPhone.
2. May not support advanced features offered by certain third-party music apps.
Method 2: Via Siri
Another way to control iPhone music from your Apple Watch is by using Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Siri allows you to perform various tasks hands-free, including controlling music playback. Here’s how to use this method:
1. Raise your wrist or press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to wake it up.
2. Activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" or by pressing and holding the Digital Crown.
3. Once Siri is activated, give the command to control your music. For example, you can say "Play music," "Pause music," "Play the next track," or "Increase the volume."
Siri will carry out your command and control the music playback on your iPhone accordingly.
Pros:
1. Hands-free control allows for a seamless music listening experience.
2. Allows for voice commands to quickly access music controls on your iPhone.
3. Provides access to advanced features and commands offered by Siri.
Cons:
1. Requires a stable internet connection for Siri to work properly.
2. Siri’s interpretation of voice commands may not always be accurate, leading to incorrect actions.
Method 3: Using Remote App
If you want more control over your iPhone music from your Apple Watch, you can consider using the Remote app. The Remote app allows you to access and control music playback, as well as other media, from your Apple Watch. However, this method requires some setup beforehand. Here’s how to set up and use the Remote app:
1. Make sure the Music app is installed and updated on both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
2. On your iPhone, open the Music app and go to "Now Playing."
3. Scroll down and tap on "Remote" at the bottom of the screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair and sync your Apple Watch with the Remote app on your iPhone.
Once the setup is complete, you can use the Remote app on your Apple Watch to control iPhone music by following these steps:
1. Open the Remote app on your Apple Watch.
2. Select your iPhone from the list of available devices.
3. Browse through your music library using the Digital Crown or touch screen on your Apple Watch.
4. Tap on a song, album, or playlist to start playing it on your iPhone.
You can also control playback, adjust volume, and access additional features like shuffle and repeat directly from the Remote app on your Apple Watch.
Pros:
1. Provides a comprehensive and customizable music control experience.
2. Offers access to your entire music library right from your wrist.
3. Allows for advanced playback controls, including shuffle and repeat options.
Cons:
1. Requires setting up and syncing the Remote app on both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
2. May be more complex and time-consuming to set up compared to other methods.
Method 4: Using Music Glance
If you prefer a quick and simplified way to control your iPhone music from your Apple Watch, you can use the Music Glance feature. Music Glance is a preinstalled watch face complication that displays basic music controls and information. Here’s how to use this method:
1. Go to the watch face screen on your Apple Watch.
2. Swipe from right to left until you find the Music Glance watch face.
3. Tap on the Music Glance to open the Now Playing screen.
4. Use the controls on the Now Playing screen to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and browse your music library.
The Music Glance is a convenient option if you frequently need to control your iPhone music and want a hassle-free way to do it. However, keep in mind that it offers limited functionality compared to other methods.
Pros:
1. Provides an easy and quick way to control iPhone music.
2. Offers basic music controls without the need to navigate through different apps.
3. Saves time by accessing music controls directly from the watch face.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality and features compared to other methods.
2. May not provide access to advanced playback controls or browsing options.
Why Can’t I Control Certain Music Apps?
1. Some music apps may not be compatible with the Apple Watch music control feature.
2. Certain third-party music apps have not implemented support for Apple Watch integration.
3. Developers might not have updated their apps to be compatible with the latest Apple Watch software.
Fixes:
1. Check if the music app you’re using is listed as a compatible app for Apple Watch music control.
2. Update both your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software versions.
3. Contact the music app’s developer and inquire about their plans for Apple Watch integration.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are three suggestions to enhance your experience while controlling iPhone music from your Apple Watch:
1. Explore third-party music apps that offer Apple Watch integration. Many popular music streaming apps, including Spotify and Pandora, provide their own Apple Watch apps with enhanced functionality.
2. Customize your Music Glance to include the features and controls you use the most. You can manage this in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone under "Clock" and then "Music."
3. Try using different methods based on your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with Siri, the Now Playing app, the Remote app, and the Music Glance to find the most convenient way to control your iPhone music.
5 FAQs About Controlling iPhone Music from Apple Watch
Q1: Can I control music on my iPhone using my Apple Watch if they are not connected?
A: No, both devices need to be connected and paired via Bluetooth for the music control feature to work.
Q2: Can I control music on my Apple Watch without having the Music app installed on my iPhone?
A: No, the Music app is required on your iPhone for the Apple Watch music control feature to function properly.
Q3: Can I control third-party music apps, like Spotify and Pandora, from my Apple Watch?
A: It depends on the app’s compatibility and integration with Apple Watch. Many popular third-party music apps have their own Apple Watch apps that allow for music control.
Q4: How can I adjust the volume of my iPhone music using my Apple Watch?
A: You can adjust the volume by rotating the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch while the Now Playing app or the Remote app is active.
Q5: Can I browse my entire music library on my Apple Watch?
A: Yes, you can browse your music library using the Music app or the Remote app on your Apple Watch, depending on the available options and features.
Final Words
Controlling iPhone music from your Apple Watch provides a convenient and accessible way to manage your music playback on the go. Whether you prefer using the Now Playing app, Siri commands, the Remote app, or the Music Glance, there’s a method that suits your needs. Experiment with different methods, explore third-party music apps, and customize your Apple Watch settings to enhance your music control experience. With the right approach, you’ll never miss a beat and have full control over your iPhone music right from your wrist.