How to send and reply to messages on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

Answering a message from the wrist takes a few seconds and saves pulling out the phone. The watch offers several ways to write, and for short answers you do not need to write at all.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS.

Step by step

1. Reply from the notification

   When a message arrives, raise your wrist to read it. Scroll down for the suggested replies and tap one to send it, or tap the text field to write your own.

   Done

2. Reply in the Messages app

   Press the Digital Crown, tap Messages and tap the conversation. Tap the text field, create your reply and tap Send.

   Done

3. Choose how to write

   Tap the microphone to dictate, which is the fastest way. Larger models show a full keyboard you can tap or swipe on. On the others you can write letters with a finger, or type on the iPhone when it offers a keyboard notification. The emoji button is next to the text field.

   Done

4. React with a Tapback

   Double-tap a single message and choose a Tapback, such as a heart or a thumbs up.

   Done

5. Reply to one message in a group

   Swipe right on the message you want to answer and tap Reply, or double-tap it, scroll down and tap Reply. Your answer is attached to that message.

   Done

6. Start a new message

   In the Messages app, tap the new message button at the top. Tap Add Contact and pick a recent contact, dictate a name, choose from the contact list or enter a number. Tap Create Message, write, tap Done and then Send.

   Done

7. Ask Siri

   Raise your wrist and say, for example, Tell Sara I will be ten minutes late. Siri shows the text before it is sent.

   Done

Good to know

Change the suggested replies in the Watch app on the iPhone: My Watch, Messages, Default Replies. Add the answers you send most.

Blue bubbles are iMessage and green ones SMS or RCS, as on the iPhone. Without the iPhone nearby the watch sends over Wi-Fi or its own mobile plan.

If messages do not arrive on the watch: Apple Watch not getting notifications: 7 things to check.

Calling instead: how to make a phone call on an Apple Watch. Dictating to Siri: how to use Siri on an Apple Watch.

In short: Open the conversation, tap the text field, dictate, type or tap a suggested reply, Send. Double-tap a message for a Tapback. New message button, Add Contact, Create Message for a new one.