How do I customize my Apple Watch workout screen?

You customize your Apple Watch workout screen primarily through the Watch app on your paired iPhone, navigating to "Workout" > "Workout View" and selecting a workout type to edit its metrics.

Can I display multiple metrics on my Apple Watch workout screen?

Yes, the "Multiple Metric" view allows you to display up to five metrics simultaneously, which you can select and arrange in the iPhone Watch app.

How do I reorder or remove metrics from my workout screen?

In the iPhone Watch app, under "Workout View" for a specific workout type, tap "Edit" in "Multiple Metric" view to drag grab handles to reorder, or tap the red "-" icon to remove metrics.

How do I switch between different workout screens during an activity?

During an active workout on your Apple Watch, you can swipe left or right on the screen to switch between different views, such as the main metrics, activity rings, or segments screen.

What are some key metrics to consider for my workout screen?

Key metrics include Heart Rate, Duration/Elapsed Time, Active Calories, Distance, Pace/Average Pace, Elevation Gain, Cadence, Split/Segment Time, and Current Time.

How to change workout screen on Apple Watch?

How do I change my workout screen on Apple Watch?

Customizing your Apple Watch workout screen allows you to select and arrange the key metrics most relevant to your training, enhancing real-time data access and optimizing your fitness tracking experience.

Understanding Your Apple Watch Workout Metrics

The Apple Watch is a sophisticated tool for fitness tracking, offering a wide array of metrics to monitor your physical activity. While the default workout screens provide a general overview, tailoring these displays to your specific training goals and preferences is crucial for effective data utilization. Whether you're a runner focused on pace and distance, a strength trainer tracking heart rate and active calories, or a swimmer counting laps, customizing your screen ensures the most pertinent information is immediately visible without distraction.

Customizing Workout Metrics via the iPhone Watch App

The most comprehensive way to customize your Apple Watch workout screens is through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This method allows for precise control over the metrics displayed for each workout type.

Steps to Customize Your Workout Screens:

Open the Watch App: On your iPhone, locate and tap the "Watch" app icon.
Navigate to Workout Settings: Scroll down and tap on "Workout."
Select Workout View: Tap on "Workout View." Here, you will see a list of various workout types (e.g., Outdoor Run, Indoor Walk, Strength Training, Cycling).
Choose a Workout Type to Edit: Tap on the specific workout type you wish to customize.
Select "Multiple Metric" or "Single Metric" View:
- Multiple Metric: This is the most common view, allowing you to display up to five metrics simultaneously. It's ideal for quickly glancing at several data points during your workout.
- Single Metric: This view focuses on one large metric at a time, which you can cycle through by tapping the screen. This can be useful for activities where one primary metric is paramount, or for users who prefer larger text.
Edit Your Metrics:
- If you selected "Multiple Metric," tap "Edit" in the top right corner.
- Reorder Metrics: Use the three horizontal lines (grab handles) next to each metric to drag and reorder them. The top five metrics in the list will be displayed on your watch screen in that order.
- Add Metrics: Scroll down to the "DO NOT INCLUDE" section. Tap the green "+" icon next to any metric you wish to add to your display.
- Remove Metrics: Tap the red "-" icon next to any metric you wish to remove from your display, then tap "Remove."
- Once satisfied, tap "Done."
Repeat for Other Workout Types: Go back and repeat this process for any other workout types you frequently use.

Navigating Workout Screens During an Activity

While the iPhone app customizes what appears on your screens, your Apple Watch allows you to navigate between different views during an active workout.

Swiping Left/Right: During a workout, you can swipe left or right on the screen to switch between different views:
- Main Metrics Screen: Displays the customized metrics you set up in the Watch app.
- Activity Rings Screen: Shows your Move, Exercise, and Stand progress.
- Segments Screen: If you're using segments (e.g., for interval training), this screen shows details for your current segment.
Digital Crown: For some workout types or specific metric layouts, turning the Digital Crown might allow you to scroll through additional metrics or change the display scale within a single screen. This functionality is more about viewing additional data than changing the pre-set metrics.

Key Metrics to Consider for Your Workout Screen

Selecting the right metrics can significantly enhance your training insights. Consider these essential data points:

Heart Rate: Crucial for monitoring effort levels and training in specific heart rate zones (e.g., fat-burn, cardio, peak).
Duration/Elapsed Time: Tracks the total time of your workout.
Active Calories/Total Calories: Estimates energy expenditure during your activity.
Distance: Essential for outdoor activities like running, cycling, or walking.
Pace/Average Pace: Important for runners and cyclists aiming for specific speeds.
Elevation Gain: Useful for hiking, climbing, or trail running.
Cadence: Measures steps per minute (running) or revolutions per minute (cycling), helpful for optimizing form.
Split/Segment Time: For interval training or tracking performance over specific sections of a workout.
Current Time: A simple but often useful metric to keep track of the time of day.

Optimizing Your Workout Screen for Specific Activities

Tailoring your screen to the specific demands of each activity maximizes its utility:

Running/Cycling: Prioritize Pace (Current/Average), Distance, Heart Rate, Duration, and potentially Cadence.
Strength Training: Focus on Duration, Active Calories, Heart Rate, and the Current Time (for managing rest periods).
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Include Heart Rate, Timer (for intervals), and Active Calories to track effort.
Swimming: Key metrics are Distance, Laps, Duration, and Active Calories.
Hiking: Emphasize Distance, Duration, Elevation Gain, and Heart Rate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems with your workout screen, consider these solutions:

Metrics Not Updating/Missing: Ensure your Apple Watch and iPhone are running the latest software versions. Restart both devices. Check that necessary permissions (e.g., Location Services for outdoor activities) are enabled.
Screen Freezing/Unresponsive: Force-restart your Apple Watch (hold the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears).
Sync Issues: Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and the devices are paired correctly.
Accidental Screen Changes: If you find yourself accidentally swiping screens during a workout, consider using Water Lock for water-based activities or simply to prevent accidental touches. Swipe right on the workout screen and tap the water droplet icon. This locks the screen, and you'll need to turn the Digital Crown to unlock it.

Conclusion

The ability to personalize your Apple Watch workout screens is a powerful feature that transforms your device from a general tracker into a highly specialized fitness companion. By taking the time to customize these displays via the iPhone Watch app, you gain immediate access to the data most critical to your performance and goals, enabling more informed training decisions and a more focused exercise experience. Regularly review and adjust your screen configurations as your fitness journey evolves to ensure your Apple Watch remains an optimal tool for your health and performance.

Apple Watch Workouts: How to Customize Your Screen and Metrics