--- title: "Apple Watch users have access to an accessibility feature called AssistiveTouch" url: https://newscentral.site/apple-watch-users-have-access-to-an-accessibility-feature-called/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-01T16:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-01T18:36:48.767Z id: 9c60a099-5764-46fb-a007-9a8d43995c15 source: "Engadget https://www.engadget.com/2302464/what-is-assistivetouch-apple-watch-when-use-it/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/apple-watch-users-have-access-to-an-accessibility-feature-called/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Apple Watch users have access to an accessibility feature called AssistiveTouch This feature allows users to control their device without touching the screen by detecting subtle movements made while holding the arm or hand still. Apple Watch users have a hidden feature at their disposal that allows them to control their device without touching the screen. This is made possible by AssistiveTouch, an accessibility feature designed for people with motor disabilities. However, it can also be used by anyone who wants to explore alternative ways of interacting with their watch. The Apple Watch interface is generally easy to use, relying on taps and rotations of the Digital Crown to navigate through menus and apps. But with AssistiveTouch enabled, users can control their device using subtle movements of their arm, hand, and fingers. This feature uses data from built-in sensors like the gyroscope, accelerometer, and optical heart rate sensor. Apple Watch owners who have upgraded to the latest version of watchOS already have some basic finger gestures available. For example, pinching your fingers twice allows you to interact with the screen. AssistiveTouch takes this concept further by detecting even the slightest movements made while holding the arm or hand still. With AssistiveTouch enabled, users can perform various tasks without touching their Apple Watch's screen. This includes tapping buttons, scrolling through menus, and even using Apple Pay for transactions. The feature relies on the built-in sensors to accurately detect these subtle movements. This unique feature is part of a suite of tools designed to enhance accessibility on the Apple Watch. While AssistiveTouch was initially created to help users with motor disabilities navigate their device, it can now be used by anyone who wants to explore alternative ways of interacting with their watch. To access AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch, navigate to the Settings app and select Accessibility from the menu. From there, choose AssistiveTouch and flip the toggle switch to enable it. You'll also need to turn on Hand Gestures, which allows you to interact with your watch without physically touching the screen. Once AssistiveTouch is enabled, you can customize the actions assigned to each gesture. For example, a single tap with your fingers can be set to simulate a touch on the screen, while a double tap can open the Notification Center. This level of customization makes it possible for users to tailor AssistiveTouch to their specific needs. In addition to customizing gestures, you can also access tutorials and animations that demonstrate how to use AssistiveTouch effectively. Tap the "Try it out" text in the Hand Gestures settings to learn more about using these gestures in a guided environment. This interactive tutorial provides a clear understanding of how each gesture works. AssistiveTouch also includes other features, such as Motion Pointer, which places a cursor on your Apple Watch screen that you can control with the movement of your arm. This feature allows for precise navigation and selection on the watch's screen. When using AssistiveTouch, elements on the screen are highlighted to indicate which one will be tapped when making a specific gesture. Four default gestures handle navigation, so users can easily explore their Apple Watch without physically interacting with it. Enabling AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch allows you to interact with the device without physically tapping the screen, making it a valuable feature for individuals with limited finger dexterity or mobility. This accessibility feature is particularly useful in everyday situations where hands are occupied, such as when cooking or carrying groceries, and also when wearing gloves that prevent precise touch interactions. AssistiveTouch can be set up quickly and easily on Apple Watch, but it's worth noting that doing so disables the universal double tap gesture for answering calls or scrolling through widgets. In addition to AssistiveTouch, there are other accessibility settings available on Apple devices that can enhance usability. For example, Auto-Answer Calls allows users to automatically answer incoming calls without needing to physically interact with their device, while Show Audio Transcriptions enables transcripts of HomePod announcements and Workout Buddy audio. These features, along with others like Reduce Transparency and adjustable Text Size, can be accessed through the accessibility settings on Apple devices, providing a range of options for users to customize their experience and improve usability. --- Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2302464/what-is-assistivetouch-apple-watch-when-use-it/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/apple-watch-users-have-access-to-an-accessibility-feature-called/