How To Customize the Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra has an action button located to the left of the case. It is exclusive to the device and can perform a set of functions with a single tap. In addition, the button is customizable and you can set it to work the way you want. Read on to learn how to customize the action button on your Apple Watch Ultra.

What does the action button on the Apple Watch Ultra do?

Pressing the action button starts a function assigned to it. It’s a physical button, just like the digital crown or side button, but it’s not hard-coded to perform a limited set of actions. Instead, it can be customized. You can assign it to launch one of the functions listed below.

• Work out
• Stopwatch
• Waypoint
• Back track
• Dive
• Flashlight
• Shortcut

You cannot assign the action button to perform a task of your choice. These are the only options you can choose from. However, the Shortcut feature allows you to assign a shortcut created through the Shortcuts app. Since you can create shortcuts based on your needs, it is not limited to launching the above apps and functions and expands the scope of customization and gives users more control.

How to use shortcuts to trigger actions on Apple Watch Ultra

The Shortcuts app allows you to automate a specific task that you can start with a tap (or Siri voice command). You can link a shortcut to the action button. You need to create a shortcut that meets your needs and assign it to the button. It works flawlessly even for third-party apps.

You can create a shortcut that opens a menu that includes multiple apps and actions to get the most out of the action button. For example, pressing the button will show a list of options like Send a message, Take notes, Set a reminder, etc. on your Apple Watch screen.

For those unfamiliar with creating shortcuts, you can add this action button menu created by ZDNET to your iPhone. You can customize each element of this shortcut and add or remove elements based on your usage situation.

How to set up the action button on your Apple Watch Ultra

During the initial setup of your Apple Watch Ultra, you need to configure the action button. However, you can change the action assigned to it whenever you want. You can do it directly through the watch or use the Watch app on your iPhone.

Assign actions through Apple Watch Ultra

1. open Settings menu on your Apple Watch Ultra.
2. Scroll down, select Action buttonand press Select Action possibility.
3. Select an action from the actions listed. When you’re done, tap the < button in the top left to return to Action Button Settings.
4. You will see an app button if the selected action requires an app to run.
5. Press on App button and select the app to launch when you press the action button. Some actions may not include the app button.
6. Press on the button to return to Action Button Settings.
7. Now press on First press option under the menu and assign it an action. Some features will allow different actions to take place with the first and second press of the action button.

Assign actions through the Apple Watch app on iPhone

1. open See app on your iPhone.
2. Go to My watch tab and select Action button possibility.
3. Select an action from the list.
4. Press on < Action button top left.
5. You will see an app button if the selected action requires an app to run.
6. Press on App button and select the app to launch when you press the action button. Some actions may not include the app button.
7. Press on the button to return to Action Button Settings.
8. Now press on First press option under the menu and assign it an action. Some features will allow different actions to take place with the first and second press of the action button.

On the Action Button Settings screen, there are hints under the Gestures menu, no matter what device you’re using. They explain how the button works when you press it independently or in combination with the side button or digital crown – for example, pressing it once will start a workout. If you want to pause the activity, you can press the Action and Side button at the same time.

Also at the end of the action button settings screen, again regardless of device, is the Siren toggle. Be sure to leave “Hold down to turn on” switch activated at any time.

Activate the siren via the action button on your Apple Watch Ultra

One of the best security features on the Apple Watch Ultra is its built-in siren. It can get as loud as 86 decibels, and Apple claims it can be heard from up to 600 feet away. All thanks to the thundering set of speakers on the little device. How to activate the siren on your Apple Watch Ultra.

1. Press and hold the Action button until the Siren slider appears. (You can also press and hold the side button for the same results)
2. Pull the Siren slider and the countdown begins.
3. When the countdown is over, the siren goes off.
4. To turn off the siren, tap the Stop icon on the screen of your Apple Watch Ultra.

Get the most out of your Apple Watch Ultra

Customizing the action button is just one of the many features of the Apple Watch Ultra. To get the most out of your purchase and take advantage of all the features offered by the Apple Watch Ultra, check out our guide to the best Apple Watch Ultra tips and tricks. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comments below.