Apple Watch Ultra: How to Customize the Action Button

The action button on the left side of the case can be used to perform a variety of functions. What it can do is explained in this article.

The Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra can be tailored to perform a number of functions without you having to use different screens.

You will be invited to assign a function to the Apple Watch Ultra when you first set it up.

• Workout
• Stopwatch
• Waypoint
• Backtrack

• Dive
• Flashlight
• Shortcut
• None

Depending on the function you choose, you can modify your selection further. You can assign the "First Press" function within the app to start a specific workout if you press the action button once.

That's not the whole story. You can switch from cycling to running in a triathlon if you press again when you've started the activity. This is dependent on the current activity.

How to Map Functions to the Action Button

You can assign functions to the Action button via a new menu on your wrist once you have the Apple Watch Ultra.

1. On ‌Apple Watch Ultra‌, launch the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Action Button.
3. Tap the menu under "Action" and select one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight, and Shortcut.

   

4. Tap the arrow in the left-hand corner to go back to Action Button settings.
5. Tap the menu under "App" if it appears, then select an app to perform the action. Some actions, such as Flashlight, don't show the App option.
6. Tap the arrow to go back.
7. Tap the menu under "First Press" if it appears, then select an action. Some features allow different actions to happen on the first and second press of the button.

Under "Gestures" there are tips that explain how the action button works with the settings you have assigned to it. If you want to know how to start a workout and stop it at the same time, read the tips for an outdoor walk.

Configuring the Action Button via iPhone

The action button on the Apple Watch Ultra can be configured with the help of theiOS Watch app.

1. Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the My Watch tab if it's not already selected.
3. Tap Action Button.
4. Under "Action," tap the currently selected action to change it.
5. Select from one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight, and Shortcut.
6. Tap Action Button to go back to the previous menu.
7. Tap the menu under "App" if it appears, then select an app to perform the action. Some actions, such as Flashlight, don't show the App option.
8. Tap the arrow to go back.
9. Tap the menu under "First Press" if it appears, then select an action. Some features allow different actions to happen on the first and second press of the button.

Under "Gestures" on the screen, there is a tip that explains how the action button works.

The action and side buttons can be held at the same time if you want to pause the action. When you press the action button, try not to press the side button. If you press another button at the same time, your Apple watch will do whatever is assigned to the action button.