In May of 2026, Headspace launched its new Apple Watch App. The Headspace Apple Watch app lets you play meditations, sleepcasts, and a breathing exercise, all on your wrist — without having to use your phone screen. Using signals like heart rate variability, Headspace finds the right moments for you to pause and reset throughout your day.
Table of contents:
Device Compatibility:
The Apple Watch app works beautifully on Apple Watch Series 6 through Series 11, Apple Watch SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3. Note that Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier, and Apple Watch SE (1st generation), aren’t supported.
You’ll need an iPhone 11 or later (or an iPhone SE 2nd generation or later) running iOS 26.1 or above.
Connecting your Apple Watch:
The first thing you will need to make sure, is that the Headspace app is installed on your Apple Watch. If you already have Headspace on your iPhone, the Apple Watch app should install right alongside it automatically, depending on your watch settings, so it may already be there waiting for you! If not, you can also find and download it directly from the Apple Watch App Store.
- Tap on the Headspace icon on your Apple Watch
- You will then be prompted to open the app on your phone
- Do that, then tap "Log in on watch"
- Once confirmed, you will then login to your existing Headspace account on your phone
- After that is set up, you will then be prompted to allow "Apple Health" access on your watch, and you're all set!
Content:
The Headspace Watch app has something for every moment, whether your starting you’re starting your day with Everyday Headspace, winding down with Sleep content, or finding quick support on the go. You’ll also find SOS exercises for when you need a reset, plus our haptic breathing exercise for guided moments of calm. Access your Recently played and Favorites anytime.
Controlling sessions/Changing Audio Source:
One of features of the Apple Watch experience is the ability to control sessions playing on your phone. When a session is playing on your phone, you will see a small orange dot on your Apple Watch. Tap the dot to open the player. From here, you can pause or skip forward and back by 15 seconds. Swiping to the left will let you change the duration of the session or the meditation teacher (if applicable), while swiping to the right will provide the option to restart the session or close the player.
Haptic Nudges
Haptic nudges are gentle taps on your wrist; a quiet invitation to pause and breathe. Think of it as a caring tap on the shoulder from your wellbeing companion.
After granting Headspace permission to read your HRV data during the set up process, you’ll be given the option to opt in to “reminders to breathe.” You can always adjust this through the notification settings in the Headspace iPhone app. Just tap the notification and you’ll be taken straight to a 60-second breathing exercise, whether on your Apple Watch or your iPhone. A little calm, waiting for you when you’re ready.
And if you want to turn them off, head to notification settings in the Headspace iPhone app and opt out of “reminders to breathe” at any time.
FAQs & Troubleshooting:
Q: Why isn't the Headspace app showing up on my Apple Watch?
A: First, confirm you have a compatible model running watchOS 26.1 or above. Try updating the Headspace iPhone app; if you have automatic app installations enabled in your Apple Watch settings, that should trigger the watch app to install. Alternatively, search for “Headspace” in the Watch app store to install the Headspace Apple Watch app. If you’re still having trouble, contact our support team.
Q: What should I do if my Apple Watch and iPhone app are out of sync?
A: Try closing and reopening both apps first. Your streak, Favorites, and Recents should sync up automatically. If things still feel off, our support team is happy to take a look.
Q: Can I play video content from the Apple Watch app?
A: Video content will not be available on the watch, but everything you need for a great mindfulness moment is right there in audio form!
Q: Will sessions I complete on my Apple Watch count toward my Headspace Run streak?
A: Every meditation you complete on your Apple Watch counts toward your run streak, which stays perfectly in sync with your iPhone app. Keep that momentum going no matter which device you’re on.
Data & Privacy:
If you choose to opt in, Headspace can access your heart rate variability, sleep, and workout data from HealthKit in order to send nudges to breathe at natural moments throughout your day. Headspace does not store this raw biometric data internally; it is used only in the moment to determine whether to send a nudge. Your health data remains yours, and you are always in control of access. To manage or revoke Headspace's access to your health data, go to your iPhone's Health app settings (Settings > Privacy > Health). If you revoke HealthKit permissions, nudges will be paused.
For any further questions or help, please reach out to help@headspace.com