You won't believe what this Apple Watch expert just discovered after nearly a decade of daily use! As someone who reviews smartwatches for a living, you'd think I'd have every trick in the book for the Apple Watch, right? It's my go-to device, not just because I'm obsessed with hitting my activity goals (those rings!), but because it's such a seamless extension of my iPhone. I can take calls, reply to emails, and even use helpful apps like Workout Buddy while I'm out for a run.
But here's the kicker: even after years of wearing an Apple Watch, I stumbled upon a brilliant, little-known feature just today. It's a reminder that there's always something new to learn, no matter how familiar you are with a device.
And this is the part most people miss...
So, how do you unlock this hidden gem? It's all about the Find My Phone feature. This is a button I use constantly because, let's be honest, who hasn't misplaced their iPhone around the house or had it slip into a stroller pocket? Normally, you'd tap the side button on your Apple Watch, then select the ringing phone icon to make your iPhone emit a sound.
But here's where it gets truly useful: If you press and hold that same phone icon, your iPhone's flash will also activate! This is an absolute game-changer for finding your phone in dimly lit environments or when it's buried under cushions.
Now, if you're rocking the latest tech, like an iPhone 15 (or newer) and an Apple Watch Series 9 (or newer), you'll also have access to the Precision Finding tool. This feature uses ultra-wideband technology to give you precise distance and directional guidance to your device. Pretty neat, right?
But for those of us who might be a bit forgetful (like me!), the flashing light trick is an incredibly valuable addition to the Find My Phone functionality. I'm genuinely curious – am I the only one who was late to discover this? Let me know in the comments if you've been using this trick all along or if it's a new revelation for you too!
If you're in the market for a new Apple Watch, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch SE 3 right here on Tom's Guide.
What do you think? Is the flashing light feature a must-have for finding your phone, or is Precision Finding the ultimate solution? Share your thoughts below!
