I’m excited to have AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch because I’ve used AssistiveTouch on iPhone for a long time and have found it to be incredibly beneficial for easily doing a variety of chores. It has given watchOS a new dimension by enabling rapid motions to execute many activities. Although this accessibility feature was created with people with limb differences in mind, anyone may benefit from it by using it to more easily execute particular tasks like calling Siri, tapping the side button, and even making Apple Pay purchases. So, if you want to set up AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch, use it, and also configure it to your preferences, let me guide you through the process.
How to Enable and Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
AssistiveTouch, a gesture-based tool, allows a tonne of customisation. Additionally, it gives you the necessary freedom to match each motion with a particular action. However, it would be preferable to look into the prerequisites and learn how it functions on Apple Watch before getting that far.
What are the Requirements to Get AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch?
In watchOS 8, assistive touch has been added. To use this Accessibility function, your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 8 or later. AssistiveTouch supports Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6, and later in terms of hardware requirements.
How Does AsistiveTouch Work on Apple Watch
AssistiveTouch, which was created for people with limb differences, enables you to carry out a variety of tasks using hand gestures or by tilting the smartwatch. This accessibility function can effectively coordinate with gestures thanks to the use of the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensors. The most notable actions you can carry out on your watchOS device while utilising AssistiveTouch are listed below:
- Press Digital Crown
- Go Forwards/Backwards
- Tap
- Access Action Menu
- Use Apple Pay
- Access Notification Center/Control Center
- Access Dock
- Show apps
- Activate Siri
- Scroll to bottom/top
- Scroll vertically/horizontally
- Autoscroll with the help of Digital Crown
Set Up AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
1. Launch the Watch app on the connected iPhone. Make sure the My Watch tab is currently selected in the lower left corner of the screen. After that, select Accessibility by scrolling down.
2. Next, tap AssistiveTouch and activate the AssistiveTouch toggle.
Enable AssistveTouch Hand Gestures on Apple Watch
The use of hand gestures is essential to AssistiveTouch. So, ensure that it is turned on.
1. Open the Watch app on your iOS device and select AssistiveTouch under Accessibility.
2. Next, hit Hand Gestures and activate the switch next to it. On your watchOS device, you can use the following four hand gestures:
- Pinch: Tap the index finger to thumb.
- Double Pinch: Tap the index finger to thumb twice quickly.
- Clench: Close your hand into a fist.
- Double Clench: Close your hand into a fist twice quickly.
Customize AssistiveTouch Hand Gestures on Apple Watch
You can adjust hand motions to your preference because they are completely programmable.
1. On your iOS device, open the Watch app and select Accessibility, AssistiveTouch, and Hand Gestures.
2. There are four choices available under theCustomize Gesturessection:
- Pinch
- Double Clench
- Clench
- Double Clench
Select the desired hand motion, and then from a variety of possibilities, pick the selected action. For instance, you may reach the control centre and even call Siri with the pinch gesture.
3. To activate AssistiveTouch, use an activation gesture once the display goes on. Select your desired Activation Gesture, such as Double Clench or Double Pinch, by tapping on it. Be sure to keep the Visual Signal switch turned on.
4. At the bottom of this screen are Quick Actions, which you can use a double-pinch to dismiss or a double-clench to accomplish. Make sure the Quick Actions option is enabled by tapping on it. Additionally, I advise leaving the Autoscroll Full Notificationstoggle enabled on.
Customize AssistiveTouch Motion Pointer on Apple Watch
You may tilt your Apple Watch up, down, and side to side with Motion Pointer to operate the smartwatch.
1. On your iPhone, go to OpenWatch > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.
Tap Motion Pointer after that.
3. The AssistiveTouchmotion pointer sensitivity, activation time, movement tolerance, hot edges, and dwell control can all be changed on this screen.
- To adjust the motion pointer sensitivity, drag the slider left/right. While dragging the slider towards the left allows you to reduce sensitivity, dragging the slider towards the right lets you increase the sensitivity.
- To fine-tune the Activation Time, use the + and – button.
- To adjust movement tolerance, choose from three options such as Low, Medium, and High.
- To customize the hot edges of the motion pointer, tap the preferred edge like Top, Bottom, Left or Right, and then choose the desired action from the available option.
- Notably, Dwell Control allows you to enable Shake to Start option and also customize the timer action action (Action Menu and Tap Point).
Customize AssistiveTouch Scanning Style on Apple Watch
AssistiveTouch enables both automatic and manual scanning for improved control. Additionally, you can modify the auto scanning’s speed.
1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app and select Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.
Tap Scanning Style next.
3. There are two choices available here:
- Automatic: In this scanning style, actions are automatically highlighted one by one so that you can perform your tasks faster.
- Manual: It offers you the convenience to use gestures to move between actions depending on your needs.
If you choose Auto Scanning, you can choose between three different auto scanning speeds, including Slow, Medium, and Fast.
Customize AssistiveTouch Appearance on Apple Watch
I suggest changing the colour of AssistiveTouch if you want to make it even more distinctive.
1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app and select Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.
2. Select the toggle for High Contrast under the Appearance section. Next, touch Color before selecting the AssistiveTouch colour of your choice.
Customize AssistiveTouch Menu on Apple Watch
The AssistiveTouch menu on your Apple Watch can also be modified. You can select your preferred activities, change the Action Menu’s size, and even alter the autoscroll speed.
1. On your iPhone, go to OpenWatch > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.
2. Next, select Customize Menu to adjust the AssistiveTouch menu to your specifications.
Use AssistiveTouch to Confirm Payments on Apple Watch
When you need to double-click the side button or confirm an Apple Pay purchase, you can use AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch.
1. On your iPhone, go to OpenWatch > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch.
2. Select “Enable Confirm with AssistiveTouch” under the Side Button Confirmation section. On Apple Watch, press Continue to confirm.
Tips to Use AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
You have it now! Therefore, that is how you configure AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch. The AssistiveTouch is pretty simple to use in terms of functionality, in my opinion. The Motion Ponter feature and hand motions both worked rather reliably. The main feature of it is the extensive customization options that let you adjust all the motions for a more specialised experience. So, what do you think of the Apple Watch’s AssistiveTouch? Please share your thoughts in the section below the video.