Okay, confession time: I'm a smartwatch reviewer, meaning I practically live with an Apple Watch strapped to my wrist. You’d think I'd know every single trick it has up its sleeve, right? I thought so too! I'm completely sold on the Apple Watch ecosystem – from obsessively closing those activity rings (you know the feeling!) to having a mini-iPhone right there on my wrist for calls, emails, and even tracking my runs with Workout Buddy. It's become an indispensable part of my daily routine.
But here's the kicker: after years of daily use, I JUST discovered a super-useful feature that had been hiding in plain sight. I felt a little silly, to be honest. Intrigued? Keep reading to find out what I missed all this time.
(And if you're considering joining the Apple Watch club, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and the Apple Watch SE 3 here on Tom's Guide. We break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.)
The 'Hidden' Flashlight Trick: iPhone SOS from Your Apple Watch
We all know and (hopefully) love the 'Find My Phone' feature on the Apple Watch. It's a lifesaver for those of us who, shall we say, have a tendency to misplace our iPhones around the house. I personally use it multiple times a day, whether it's lost in the couch cushions, buried under a pile of laundry, or, more often than I'd like to admit, nestled in the depths of the baby stroller.
For those unfamiliar, accessing it is simple: just press the side button on your Apple Watch to bring up the app menu, and then tap the icon that looks like a ringing phone. Your iPhone will then emit a sound, helping you locate it by ear.
But here's where it gets really good... And this is the part most people miss: instead of just tapping that phone icon, try holding it down.
What happens? Your iPhone not only pings audibly, but its flashlight starts flashing frantically! This is a game-changer, especially in noisy environments, dimly lit rooms, or even outdoors at night. It significantly increases your chances of finding your lost device quickly. Think of it as an iPhone SOS signal!
Now, of course, if you're rocking an iPhone 15 (or a later model) paired with an Apple Watch Series 9 (or newer), you have access to the even more advanced Precision Finding feature. This uses Ultra Wideband technology to guide you to your phone with pinpoint accuracy, displaying both the distance and direction on your watch screen. It's like playing a high-tech game of 'hot or cold'!
But even with Precision Finding available, the flashlight trick remains a valuable backup – or even a primary method for those with older devices. It's simple, effective, and doesn't rely on any fancy technology.
So, am I the only one who was late to this party? Be honest! Let me know in the comments below if you already knew about this trick, or if I've just blown your mind. I'm genuinely curious to hear your experiences.
But here's a thought: Could this simple flashlight feature be more useful than the precision finding in some situations? Imagine searching for your phone under a car seat or in a cluttered backpack – the flashing light might be easier to spot than relying solely on distance and direction indicators.
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Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy.
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What other 'hidden' Apple Watch features have you discovered? Share your tips and tricks in the comments – I'm always eager to learn something new!
