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How to Use Handoff on the Apple Watch to Continue Tasks on Your iPhone

May 1, 2015 04:49 PM
Dec 20, 2018 04:19 PM
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Continuity, introduced back when iOS 8 and Mac OS X 10.10 were released, lets users seamlessly connect all of their Apple devices together. With it came a feature known as Handoff that "hands off" an app or task from one Apple device to another, like starting an email on your iPhone and completing it on your Mac.

The Apple Watch also has Handoff built-in, which means you don't have to strain your eyes on a super small display attempting to read a long email—you can just pass it off to your iPhone instead.

Initially, you'll want to open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to ensure that "Enable Handoff" is toggled on under the General settings.

Enable Handoff feature description for Apple devices.

Now just start using an app like Messages or Twitter on the Watch—you can even view notifications.

Twitter interface displaying timeline and top trends.
Gadget Hacks profile featuring mobile device images.
Twitter interface displaying timeline and top trends.
Gadget Hacks profile featuring mobile device images.

You will now see a small icon on the lower left-hand corner of your iPhone's lock screen corresponding to the app running on the Watch. Unlocking the phone will open to the same screen the Watch was on.

How to Use Handoff on the Apple Watch to Continue Tasks on Your iPhone
Gadget Hacks Twitter profile showcasing tips for smartphones and gadgets.
How to Use Handoff on the Apple Watch to Continue Tasks on Your iPhone
Gadget Hacks Twitter profile showcasing tips for smartphones and gadgets.

There's no denying the efficiency of the Apple Watch, but for certain tasks, you should still use your more-neglected-than-ever iPhone.

Follow Apple Hacks on Facebook and Twitter, or Gadget Hacks over on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter for more Apple news, apps, and tips.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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