Learn how to use the Action button to measure workouts with increased precision, find your way back when you are lost, track a deep sea dive, call for help, and more.
What Does the Action Button Do?
When you set up your Apple Watch Ultra, you are prompted to choose a function for the Action button. Do not worry about making the right choice, as you can always reprogram the Action button later from the Settings app on your watch or by accessing the Action button menu through the Watch app on your iPhone. In some applications, such as the Workout app, a second press of the Action button can mark a running segment or start tracking the next phase of a triathlon. Below is the current list of available choices.
Workout App: press once to open the workout app or start a workout; press twice to customize the chosen workout.Stopwatch: press once to start the stopwatch; press twice to mark a lap.Waypoint: press once to drop a Compass Waypoint.Backtrack: press once to activate the Backtrack feature to retrace your steps using the waypoints that you marked along your route. Dive: press once to open the Depth app and start a new dive to have access to real-time depth data (maximum depth of 130 feet (40 meters), water temperature measurements, and duration underwater. Flashlight: press once to turn on the flashlight (maximum brightness of 2,000 nits); press twice to turn off the flashlight. Shortcut: press once to perform a shortcut from the Shortcuts app.
How to Set Up and Configure the Action Button on iPhone
After you have finished setting up your Apple Watch Ultra, you can use your iPhone to remap the functionality of the Action button at any time.
How to Set Up and Configure the Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra
Apple’s rugged wearable offering is meant for adventurers looking to reduce their packing list. Thankfully, you can customize the Action button using the Settings app on your Apple Watch Ultra even if you do not have immediate access to your iPhone. Tip: you may have to adjust your grip while using the Digital Crown or side button, as your Apple Watch Ultra will prioritize Action button functionality over any other form of hardware input. The Apple Watch Ultra will do whatever is assigned to the Action button if you happen to press another button at the same time unless a button combination is configured.
How to Mark a Workout Segment Using the Action Button
Segments in the Workout app help you track different sections of your workout. For example, you can mark laps or distance while performing an Outdoor Run workout. In addition, you can split your Cycle workout session into timed segments. You can even mark phases of a preconfigured workout as segments to transition between activities, which is especially helpful for triathletes. Instead of double-tapping the screen, you can use the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra to mark segments during a workout. Press the Action button once to mark a segment. You will see an orange screen like the one shown below confirming your action.
How to Pause Your Workout Using the Action Button
Using touch gestures to pause your workout can be cumbersome, especially in harsh conditions. Apple Watch Ultra provides a seamless solution via a combined button press. You can press the Action button and the Side button at the same time to quickly pause your workout. A fullscreen orange pause indicator will fill the screen.
How to Activate the Siren During an Emergency via the Action Button
If you are in a situation where you need help, you can access the Siren app on your Apple Watch Ultra to emit a continuous 86-decibel siren that can be heard up to 600 feet (or 182 meters) away. After the siren is activated, your Apple Watch Ultra will continue to emit the siren noise until it runs out of battery. You can use Low Power mode to squeeze more battery life out of your Apple Watch Ultra.
Tip: if you have the “Hold to Turn On” option enabled under the Action button settings, press and hold the Action button for about five seconds to automatically activate the siren on your Apple Watch Ultra.
How to Disable the Siren
Image credit: Mariia Shalabaieva via Unsplash. All images & screenshots by Brahm Shank.
