Master How to Text on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is a valuable communication tool if you know how to use it right! Texts can be received and read as well as sent directly from your wrist. You can respond by using your Apple Watch's keyboard, Scribble, dictation, emojis, Memoji, Animojis, and Digital Touch. In this article, I will teach you how to text on Apple Watch.

7 Ways to Respond to Texts on Apple Watch

You probably know how to text on your Apple Watch, but what about responding? When texts come in on your Apple Watch, there are several ways to respond. Keep in mind that you get notifications on either your watch or your phone. If your iPhone is unlocked, the text notification will appear there. However, you can still respond from your Apple Watch by opening the Messages app from your Home screen. Find out what to do if your Apple Watch is not receiving texts.

When a new text message comes in, or you want to send one to a contact, there are several response options:

• Send a Text Message Using Dictation
• Send a Message with Scribble
• Use a Preset Reply to Send an Apple Watch Text
• Create Custom Preset Replies for Quick Apple Watch Texting
• Send an Emoticon or Emoji as a Text Message
• Respond to an Apple Watch Text with a Memoji or Animoji
• Send a Text Message Using Digital Touch

1. Send a Text Message Using Dictation

My personal favorite is dictation because it is the fastest way to get your message across. For more Apple Watch shortcuts and tricks, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to use dictation to send a text message:

1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field to open the keyboard or Scribble.
   
   
2. Tap the microphone icon.
   
   
3. Speak your message and tap Send.
   
   

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2. Send a Message with Scribble

If you find yourself somewhere loud where dictation won't work or if you are in a public space and want to keep your text private, Scribble is an excellent option. It makes it possible to send a message discreetly, but it can be a little frustrating because you need to write one letter at a time. Scribble is available on the Apple Watch Series 6 and older, as well as both generations of Apple Watch SE.

1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field. If you are using an Apple Watch that does not have a keyboard, Scribble will open automatically.
   
   
2. Use your finger to write letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols. 
   
   
3. You can use the Digital Crown to correct mistakes quickly.
   
   
4. Tap the space and backspace when necessary.
   
   
5. When you are finished, tap Send.
   
   

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3. Use a Preset Reply to Send an Apple Watch Text

Sometimes all you need to say is a simple "yes," "no," or "okay." Or you want to quickly say, "I'm driving, and I'll respond later." You can do this easily on your Apple Watch.

1. Open a message and scroll down, to Suggestions.
   
   
2. Based on the language used in the most recent texts, your Apple Watch will recommend answers. Just tap one to send it. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.
   
   

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4. Create Custom Preset Replies for Quick Apple Watch Texting

If you want to add custom replies to the suggestions menu seen in the previous section, you can do is in the Watch app. Find out how to text on your Apple Watch with custom replies. You can write a long message to use as a suggested response. This can be useful if you are on holiday and have customers or clients reaching out, and you want to refer them to a colleague and let them know when you are back from your holiday.

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5. Send an Emoticon or Emoji as a Text Message

Can you send emojis on Apple Watch? Yes, you can! Sometimes a picture speaks a thousand words, and a simple emoticon can convey all you want to say.

1. Open a message, and tap the iMessage text field.
   
   
2. Tap on the emoji icon.
   
   
3. Tap the one you want to send to send it. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.
   
   

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6. Respond to an Apple Watch Text with a Memoji or Animoji

Personalize your message with a cartoon version of your face in a fitting expression!

1. Open a message, and tap the App Store icon.
   
   
2. Tap on the Memoji icon.
   
   
3. Select the type of Memoji or Animoji you want to browse.
   
   
4. Tap the one you want to send. Keep in mind that you will not get a chance to confirm sending the suggested message.
   
   

You can learn more about creating a personalized Memoji here.

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7. Send a Text Message Using Digital Touch

Digital Touch is an animated drawing that will play a video of the strokes you make to create an image.

1. Open a message, and tap the App Store icon.
   
   
2. Tap on the Digital Touch icon.
   
   
3. Draw the animated image you want to send. You can tap the color circle on the top right to change colors.
   
   
4. Tap Done to send it.
   
   

Now, you know several ways to respond to incoming texts on your Apple Watch. When a text comes in, there will be a red dot on your watch face. There is no specific text message icon but rather a new notification alert. Don't forget that you can still access them in the Messages app after you read new text messages. Next, learn how to delete your Apple Watch texts in bulk to free up some storage!