My friend Sarah wears her Apple Watch every day, but she only uses it for text notifications and step counts. Last week, I showed her how to use the handwashing timer and remote camera shutter—she was shocked. “I had no idea it could do that!” she said. That’s when I realized most people are missing out on the hidden gems their smartwatches offer.
The 6 Underused Smartwatch Features You Should Try
1. Handwashing Timer 🧼
Most smartwatches (Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch) detect when you’re washing your hands and start a 20-second timer. It’s a small nudge that helps you build better hygiene habits without thinking.
2. Remote Camera Shutter 📸
Tired of stretching to take group photos? Open your phone’s camera app, then tap the shutter button on your watch. Perfect for selfies, family shots, or capturing moments when your phone is on a tripod.
3. Voice Memo Recorder 🎙️
Got an idea while cooking or walking? Use your watch’s voice memo feature to jot it down. Writers, students, and busy parents love this—no need to fumble with a notebook or phone.
4. Sleep Stage Tracking 😴
Beyond just sleep duration, many watches track deep, light, and REM sleep. This helps you figure out why you wake up groggy—maybe you’re not getting enough deep sleep to feel rested.
5. Find My Phone 🔍
Ever lost your phone in the house? Tap the “Find My Phone” icon on your watch, and your phone will ring—even if it’s on silent. A lifesaver for anyone who misplaces their device.
6. Emergency SOS 🆘
Hold down the side button (on most watches) to call emergency services and send your location to trusted contacts. Critical for outdoor activities like hiking or running alone.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you prioritize:
| Feature | Ease of Use | Key Benefit | How to Activate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handwashing Timer | Auto (no setup) | Hygiene | Enabled by default on most watches |
| Remote Camera Shutter | Easy | Convenience | Open phone camera → tap watch shutter |
| Voice Memo | Moderate | Productivity | Download memo app or use built-in |
| Sleep Stage Tracking | Auto | Health Insights | Wear watch to bed (enable sleep mode) |
| Find My Phone | Very Easy | Convenience | Tap icon on watch |
| Emergency SOS | Easy (rare use) | Safety | Hold side button for 3 seconds |
“The best technology is invisible; it doesn’t intrude on your life but helps you do what you want to do.” — Mark Weiser
This quote sums up why these features matter: they’re not flashy, but they make daily tasks smoother. For example, the handwashing timer works in the background, reminding you to wash long enough without you having to count.
FAQ: Common Smartwatch Feature Questions
Q: Do I need a high-end smartwatch to access these features?
A: No! Most mid-range watches (like Fitbit Versa or Samsung Galaxy Watch Active) include these features. Even budget options like Amazfit Bip have find my phone and sleep tracking.
Real-Life Example: How Emergency SOS Saved the Day
Last month, my cousin went hiking alone in the Rockies. She slipped and twisted her ankle—her phone was in her backpack, out of reach. She used her Garmin watch’s Emergency SOS feature, which called 911 and sent her GPS location to her sister. The rescue team found her in 45 minutes. Without that feature, she might have been stuck for hours.
Take 5 minutes to explore your smartwatch settings this week. You’ll likely find a feature that makes your life easier—whether it’s the handwashing timer or the remote shutter. Small tools can make a big difference.
