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What is the digital crown on an Apple Watch
The signature control on your Apple Watch
The digital crown is a key feature on every Apple Watch. It looks like a small, round button on the side of the watch face. This crown is not just for looks—it’s the main way users interact with the watch, aside from the touchscreen. The digital crown lets you scroll, zoom, and adjust settings without blocking the screen with your finger. It’s a unique control that sets the Apple Watch apart from other smartwatches.
- Scroll and zoom: Turn the crown to scroll through lists or zoom in and out on maps and photos.
- Press and hold: Activate Siri by pressing and holding the crown, making it easy to use voice commands.
- Single press: Return to the watch face or open the app screen with a single click.
- Double click: Quickly access Apple Pay or switch between apps.
The digital crown works alongside the side button, which sits just below it. Together, they help users navigate watchOS, unlock the screen, and even eject water after a workout. The crown is especially useful for adjusting the screen, scrolling through notifications, or zooming in on details without smudging the display.
For those interested in how the Apple Watch has evolved, including changes to the digital crown, you can explore the evolution of Apple Watch models for a deeper look at its development.
Locating the digital crown on your Apple Watch
Spotting the Digital Crown on Your Apple Watch
The digital crown is a small, round button found on the side of your Apple Watch. It’s one of the most recognizable features of the device, sitting next to the elongated side button. If you’re looking at the watch face, the crown is usually located on the right side of the watch case for most users, though left-handed users can adjust settings to wear the watch on the opposite wrist. This placement makes it easy to reach with your thumb or index finger, whether you want to turn, press, or hold it.
- The crown sits at the top right edge of the watch case, above the side button.
- On some models, you’ll notice a red ring or dot on the crown, which indicates cellular capability.
- It’s designed to be easily accessible without blocking the screen, so you can scroll, zoom, or adjust settings without covering the display.
When you interact with the digital crown, you’ll notice it feels like a traditional watch crown, but with added digital features. You can turn the crown to scroll through apps or adjust the screen, press it to return to the watch face, or hold it to activate Siri. The crown side is also used for actions like double click for Apple Pay or unlocking the screen after a water workout. For more details on the latest design changes and features, check out this guide to what’s new and exciting in the latest Apple Watch.
Understanding where the digital crown is located and how it fits into the overall design of your Apple Watch is key to making the most of its features. The crown’s position and tactile feedback are central to the user experience, making it easy to interact with watchOS and your favorite apps.
How the digital crown works
How the Digital Crown Interacts with Your Apple Watch
The digital crown is more than just a button on the side of your Apple Watch. It’s a core part of how users interact with the device, offering a tactile way to control the watch without blocking the screen. When you turn the crown, you can scroll through lists, zoom in and out on maps or photos, and adjust settings with precision. This is especially helpful when your fingers might cover the display or when you need to make fine adjustments.
- Scrolling and Zooming: Turn the digital crown to scroll through messages, notifications, or apps. In apps like Maps or Photos, turning the crown lets you zoom in or out for a closer look.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold the crown to activate Siri. This allows you to use voice commands without touching the screen, which is useful during workouts or when your hands are full.
- Single and Double Click: A single press returns you to the watch face or opens the app screen. Double-clicking the crown can quickly switch between the two most recently used apps, making multitasking smoother.
- Water and Workout Features: During water workouts, turning the crown helps unlock the screen and eject water from the speaker. This is essential for keeping your watch in top shape after swimming or showering.
- Apple Pay: Double-clicking the side button (not the crown) brings up Apple Pay, but the crown can help you scroll and adjust payment options on the screen.
For users who want to compare how the digital crown experience stacks up against other smartwatches, you might find this in-depth look at Coros watch features useful.
The digital crown is designed to make navigation on your Apple Watch fast, precise, and intuitive. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, unlocking the screen after a swim, or using Siri, the crown side of your watch is central to the user experience. If you ever notice the crown feeling stuck or unresponsive, it’s important to address it quickly to keep your watch running smoothly.
Common uses for the digital crown
Everyday Actions Made Simple
The digital crown on your Apple Watch is more than just a button or a dial. It’s a versatile tool that lets users interact with their watch in intuitive ways. Here’s how the crown side of your Apple Watch can help you get things done quickly and efficiently:
- Scrolling and Adjusting: Turn the digital crown to scroll through lists, notifications, or messages. It’s especially handy when your fingers are wet or the screen is small. You can also use it to zoom in and out on maps or photos, making it easy to adjust screen content without blocking your view.
- Accessing the Home Screen: Press the digital crown once to return to the watch face or open the app grid. This single press is a quick way to navigate between apps and the main screen.
- Launching Siri: Hold the digital crown to activate Siri. This lets you use voice commands for tasks like setting reminders, sending messages, or starting a workout.
- App Switching and Multitasking: Double click the crown to switch between your most recently used apps. This feature is useful for multitasking, especially if you’re tracking a workout and checking messages at the same time.
- Apple Pay: Double click the side button (not the crown) to bring up Apple Pay. While the crown itself isn’t used for payment, it helps you scroll and select cards or passes on the screen.
- Water Lock and Workout Features: During a water workout, you can turn the digital crown to unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker. This is essential for swimmers or anyone using their watch in wet conditions.
Making the Most of Your WatchOS Experience
The digital crown is designed to make navigation on your Apple Watch smooth and efficient. Whether you’re using it to scroll adjust, zoom scroll, or hold unlock, it’s a central part of the user experience. The combination of press, hold, turn, and double click actions means you can control your watch without always relying on the touchscreen. This flexibility is especially valuable when you’re on the go or your hands are full.
Understanding these common uses will help you get the most out of your Apple Watch, making everyday tasks quicker and more convenient.
Troubleshooting digital crown issues
What to Do When the Digital Crown Isn’t Working
If your Apple Watch digital crown is not responding as expected, it can disrupt daily use. Here are practical steps to identify and resolve common issues:- Unresponsive Crown: If turning or pressing the crown doesn’t register, check if the screen or crown side is dirty. Dust or debris can block movement. Gently rinse the crown under lightly running water for about 10 seconds, turning and pressing it as you do. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Stuck or Hard-to-Turn Crown: This can happen after workouts, especially water workouts. Use the Water Lock feature by pressing and holding the side button, then turn the crown to unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker. This can help restore normal movement.
- Unexpected Actions: If a single press, double click, or press and hold triggers the wrong app or function, check your watchOS settings. Sometimes, accessibility features or customizations can change how the digital crown responds.
- Zoom or Scroll Issues: If zoom scroll or scroll adjust isn’t smooth, restart your watch. Hold the side button, then slide to power off. After a minute, press and hold the side button again to turn the watch back on.
- Apple Pay or Siri Not Launching: If you can’t activate Apple Pay with a double click or Siri with a press hold or turn, make sure your watchOS is up to date. Software updates often fix bugs related to crown and button functions.
When to Seek Further Help
If the digital crown still doesn’t work after these steps, it may be a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider. Avoid opening the watch yourself, as this can void warranties and cause further damage.Quick Reference Table: Troubleshooting Digital Crown
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Crown won’t turn | Dirt, debris, or water | Rinse and dry the crown |
| Screen not responding | Software glitch | Restart the watch |
| Wrong app opens | Settings misconfiguration | Check watchOS settings |
| Apple Pay/Siri not working | Outdated software | Update watchOS |
Tips for getting the most out of your digital crown
Make the Most of Your Digital Crown
- Master the basics: The digital crown is more than just a button. Try turning it to scroll through lists, zoom on maps, or adjust the screen brightness. A gentle press returns you to the watch face, while a double click quickly switches between your last used app and the watch face.
- Use shortcuts: Press and hold the crown to activate Siri. This is a fast way to set reminders, send messages, or get directions without touching the screen. For Apple Pay, double click the side button (next to the crown) and hold your watch near the payment terminal.
- Keep it clean: If you notice the crown feels sticky or is hard to turn, rinse it under lightly running water (as recommended by Apple). This is especially important after a water workout or exposure to dust. Turning and pressing the crown while rinsing helps keep it responsive.
- Unlock after water: When you finish a swim or water workout, turn the digital crown to unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker. You’ll see a water droplet icon—turning the crown ejects water and restores normal function.
- Customize your experience: In watchOS settings, you can adjust how the digital crown interacts with apps. For example, you can change how much the screen zooms or how lists scroll. Explore these settings to match your preferences.
- Stay efficient: Use the crown side for quick navigation. For example, in some apps, turning the crown lets you scroll adjust volume or move between options without blocking the screen with your finger.
By understanding how to press, hold, turn, and double click the digital crown, users can unlock more features and enjoy a smoother Apple Watch experience. Regular care and exploring settings will help you get the most out of this essential part of your watch.
