What Can a Smartwatch Remote Control on Your Phone?

What can a smartwatch remote control on your phone?

A smartwatch is essentially a second screen for your phone, and one of its most useful roles is as a remote control. Over a Bluetooth connection, the watch can send commands to the phone to trigger the camera, locate it when misplaced, and control audio playback. The specific features depend on the operating system running on the watch, with Apple's watchOS and Google's Wear OS offering different built-in tools.

This guide covers the most common remote-control functions: camera shutter, find my phone, music and media, and slideshow or presentation control. We also look at which platforms support each feature, so you can choose a watch that matches your needs. The underlying Bluetooth connection typically has a range of about 10 meters (30 feet), so these controls work best when your phone is nearby, though some functions might also work over Wi-Fi or cellular if the watch supports it.

• Camera shutter: trigger your phone's camera from your wrist.
• Find my phone: ping your phone to locate it.
• Music and media: skip, pause, and control playback.
• Slideshow and presentation: advance slides in a presentation.

Camera shutter control

The ability to trigger your phone's camera from your wrist is a standout feature for group photos, self-portraits, or remote shooting. With Apple Watch, the Camera Remote app lets you see a preview of your iPhone's camera and tap the shutter button on your watch to take a photo. The app is listed among the built-in apps in the Apple Watch User Guide. You can also set a timer or switch between front and rear cameras directly from the watch, which is handy for capturing the perfect shot without running back and forth.

On Wear OS, camera control is not listed as a built-in feature, so you may need to find a compatible third-party app from the Play Store if this is important to you. Many third-party camera apps on Android also support Wear OS watch controls, but you'll need to check the app's description and compatibility before relying on it.

Find my phone

Misplacing your phone is a common annoyance, and a smartwatch can help you locate it quickly. Both watchOS and Wear OS include a built-in feature to ping your phone, making it ring even if it's on silent. On Apple Watch, the Control Center has a 'Ping iPhone' button, and the Wear OS overview lists 'Find my phone' as a built-in feature. The Bluetooth connection between the watch and phone typically needs to be active for this to work, so it's most effective when you've left your phone in another room or under a cushion.

This feature is straightforward and requires no setup beyond keeping the watch paired with your phone. Once triggered, your phone will emit a sound that helps you locate it. Some watches even allow you to ping your phone while the watch is in a different mode, but the core function relies on the Bluetooth link between the two devices.

Music and media controls

Beyond the camera, the most frequently used remote function is controlling audio. On Apple Watch, the Now Playing app shows what's playing on your phone and lets you play, pause, skip, and adjust volume. The Wear OS platform also includes remote media controls, as described in its overview: 'Your watch is now a remote control. Skip, pause, and control the audio playing from your Android phone.' Both platforms let you manage playback without pulling out your phone.

These media controls extend to podcasts and audiobooks as well, making it easy to pause or skip content during a workout or commute. For a deeper look at how this works, see our guide on smartwatch music control. Additionally, some watches allow you to control media on other devices, like a Bluetooth speaker, if they're paired to your phone, but the primary remote function targets your phone's own audio output.

Slideshow and presentation controls

For professionals or students who give presentations, a smartwatch can serve as a discreet slide advancer. The Apple Watch includes a Remote app, which can control presentations and media on connected devices such as an iPhone or Mac. The exact capabilities depend on the app and the device being controlled. Wear OS does not list a built-in presentation remote, so you would need to rely on third-party apps or watch apps that pair with presentation software.

If you regularly present from your phone, the Remote app on Apple Watch can let you advance slides without walking back to your laptop or fumbling with a clicker. Third-party apps for Wear OS might offer similar functionality, but you'll need to verify compatibility with your presentation software, such as Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint, before relying on them in a professional setting.

Platform support comparison

The table below summarizes the built-in remote-control features on watchOS and Wear OS based on information from Apple's and Google's official feature pages. If a feature is not listed as built-in, it may still be available through a third-party app, but you should check the app store for your watch.

When choosing a smartwatch, consider which of these remote features are most important to you. If camera control and presentation remote are essential, an Apple Watch is the only platform with these built-in right now. If you primarily need find-my-phone and media controls, both platforms offer these, but Wear OS might be more suitable for Android users.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use a smartwatch to take a photo with my phone?

Yes, on Apple Watch, the Camera Remote app lets you see the iPhone camera preview and take a photo from the watch. Wear OS does not have a built-in camera remote, but third-party apps may add this feature.

Does Wear OS have a find my phone feature?

Yes, Wear OS includes a 'Find my phone' feature that pings your phone so you can locate it. It works over Bluetooth and will make your phone ring even if it's set to silent.

Can I control presentations from my smartwatch?

Apple Watch includes a Remote app that can control presentations and media on paired devices, such as an iPhone or Mac. Wear OS does not list a built-in presentation remote, so you would need a compatible third-party app.

Do these remote controls work when the phone is not nearby?

Most remote controls rely on a Bluetooth connection between the watch and phone, so they typically work only when the two devices are within Bluetooth range, about 10 meters (30 feet). Cellular models may offer additional capabilities, but the core remote functions are designed for close proximity.

Which platform has more phone remote features?

As of now, Apple Watch (watchOS) offers a wider set of built-in remote controls, including camera and presentation remotes, while Wear OS focuses on find-my-phone and media controls. Third-party apps can extend either platform, but you should check the app store for availability.