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Apple Watch FAQ

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Getting Started

 

What is the Headspace Apple Watch® app, and what can I do with it? 

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. 

Which Apple Watch models are compatible with the Headspace app? 

The Headspace Apple Watch app works with Apple Watch Series 6 through Series 11, Apple Watch SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, running WatchOS 26.1 or greater. On newer Apple Watch models (Series 10+, Ultra, and SE 2+), members can experience fully phone-free audio playback directly from their wrist. Please note that Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier, and Apple Watch SE (1st generation), aren’t supported.

What iPhone model and iOS version do I need to use the Headspace Apple Watch app? 

You’ll need an iPhone 11 or later (or an iPhone SE 2nd generation or later) running iOS 26 or above. 

Which Headspace subscription plans give me access to the Apple Watch app? 

Any Headspace app subscription unlocks the Headspace Apple Watch experience. Don’t have a subscription yet? Sign up here.

If you have a Headspace account but not a paid subscription, you’ll have access to an immersive breathing exercise. With gentle taps on the wrist when it’s time to inhale and exhale, it’s a great way to practice mindfulness on the go. Come back to it whenever you need to, whether you’re on a walk, in a meeting, or in the car.  A Headspace subscription unlocks everything else. Tapping any locked content will guide you to the iPhone app to sign up.

 

Setup & Installation

 

How do I get the Headspace app on my Apple Watch? 

If you already have the latest version of Headspace on your iPhone, it should install on your Apple Watch automatically, depending on your watch settings. You’ll need Headspace app version 8.11.2 or greater. The app will update automatically if your settings allow. Otherwise, you can also download the latest version from the App Store on your phone, or directly from the Apple Watch App Store from your wrist. 

Do I need to be logged into my iPhone app to use the Headspace Apple Watch app? 

Yes, you’ll need to be logged in to the Headspace iPhone app to access the watch app. If you’re not signed in yet, we’ll let you know on your watch, and guide you to log in on your iPhone. 

Do I need my iPhone nearby to use the Apple Watch app? 

For now, yes — you’ll need to be connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth to use the Headspace Apple Watch app. While the free breathing exercise is available offline, offline mode isn’t supported just yet for everything else. But we’re always working to improve your experience.

 

Content & Playback

 

What content is available to play on the Headspace Apple Watch app? 

You’ll find Everyday Headspace (a meditation refreshed daily), sleep support, popular exercises for when you’re on the go, SOS exercises for moments when you really need a reset, and an immersive, 1-minute breathing exercise. While you won’t be able to browse the full Headspace library on your watch, any audio exercises added to your Favorites or recently played in the iPhone app will also be available. Swipe to the second screen to access them. Please note that the Apple Watch app doesn’t support videos right now.

Can I access my favorites and recently played content from my Apple Watch? 

Yes, you can. Swipe to the second screen in the watch app to find your Favorites and Recents, always kept in sync with your Headspace iPhone app. To send something to your watch, just favorite it in the Headspace iPhone app.

Can I play video content from the Apple Watch app? 

Not on the Apple Watch — only audio content is available there. But everything you need for sleep, breathing, and mindfulness on the go is right there on your wrist.

Will sessions I complete on my Apple Watch count toward my Headspace streak? 

Yes, they will. Every meditation you complete on your Apple Watch counts toward your streak, which stays in sync with your iPhone app. Keep the momentum going, no matter which device you’re on.

Does the Apple Watch app sync with the Headspace iPhone app? 

If you start playing Headspace content in the iPhone app, you can open the Apple Watch app and continue where you left off. Your Apple Watch also serves as a remote to press pause, rewind, or fast forward. If you start an activity on your watch, it does not play on your phone. Your streak, Favorites, and Recents are kept in sync between both devices.

 

Breathing Exercise

 

What is the haptic breathing exercise, and how does it work? 

A haptic breathing exercise is a 60-second guided breathing session that uses gentle vibrations on your wrist to lead you through each breath. You’ll feel soft taps as you breathe in for 4 seconds, and again as you breathe out for 4 seconds. It’s designed to help you find a moment of calm, even when you can’t listen to audio or look at your screen.

How do I start a breathing exercise from my Apple Watch? 

Just open the Headspace app on your Apple Watch, and tap Breathe right on the home screen. It’s available to everyone with a Headspace account, even without a subscription. 

 

Haptic Nudges & Biometric Data

 

What are haptic nudges, and how do they work? 

Haptic nudges are gentle taps on your wrist. The Headspace Apple Watch app uses them to remind you to take a moment to breathe, the same way a friend might tap you on the shoulder. 

How does Headspace use my HealthKit data from Apple Watch for haptic nudges?

 If you opt in to sharing data from HealthKit with Headspace, like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, or activity,  we’ll use these signals to identify moments when a breathing reminder might be helpful to you.

How do I opt in to haptic breathing reminders on my Apple Watch? 

After granting Headspace permission to read your HRV data, 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.

How many haptic nudges will I receive per day? 

We cap nudges at 2 per day, so they’ll feel like a welcome check-in — never an interruption.

How do I turn off or manage my haptic nudge reminders? 

Head to notification settings in the Headspace iPhone app, and opt out of “reminders to breathe” at any time. 

 What are haptic nudges, and how do they work? 

Haptic nudges are reminders to breathe sent to your Apple Watch. They’re also sent to your iPhone app. Just tap the notification and you’ll be taken straight to a 60-second breathing exercise, on your Apple Watch or your iPhone. 

 

Privacy & Data

 

What biometric data does Headspace access from my Apple Watch? 

We request access to your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data, Workout, and Sleep data from HealthKit. We use this data to determine if it’s the right moment to send you a reminder to breathe.

How do I revoke Headspace's access to my Apple Watch HealthKit data? 

Head to your iPhone’s Health app settings (Settings > Privacy & Security > Health > Headspace) to manage or revoke Headspace access to your health data at any time.

What happens if I turn off HRV data sharing after I've already opted in? 

If you revoke HealthKit permissions, you will no longer receive haptic nudges or reminders to breathe. 

 

Troubleshooting

 

Why isn't the Headspace app showing up on my Apple Watch? 

First, make sure 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. Or, search for “Headspace” in the Watch app store to install the Headspace Apple Watch app. If you’re still having trouble, reach out to our support email help@headspace.com.

Why am I not receiving haptic nudges? 

A few things to check: make sure you’ve opted in to both push notifications and “reminders to breathe” in the Headspace iPhone app, and that you’ve granted permission for Headspace to read your HRV data via Apple HealthKit. Also, keep in mind: you may have already hit the daily maximum of 2 nudges. If everything looks good and you’re still not getting them, reach out to our support email help@headspace.com.

What should I do if my Apple Watch and iPhone app are out of sync?

 Try closing and reopening both apps — your streak, Favorites, and Recents should sync up automatically. If things still feel off, reach out to our support email at help@headspace.com.

Does running the Headspace app affect my Apple Watch battery life? 

Headspace is designed to be gentle on your battery, as well as your mind. If you do notice a significant drain, please reach out to our support email help@headspace.com so we can look into it for you.