Have you heard of the Apple Watch’s nightstand mode? I knew about it from digging through the settings in the iPhone Watch app, but I never tried it out. I wear my watch while sleeping, mostly so I get a nice haptic alarm in the morning instead of an audible iPhone alarm. But if you charge your watch overnight, you should almost certainly be using nightstand mode, aka bedside mode.
Nightstand Mode
Nightstand mode turns your Apple Watch into a bedside clock. When your watch is charging on your bedside table, it will show the time, full-screen, along with the date and current charge level. If you have an alarm set, it will show the time of that, too. If you're looking for a stand to enhance your nightstand mode experience, consider checking out HEDock, a minimalist Apple Watch stand.
The display will switch off, until you touch the watch or tap the surface it’s sitting on. Mine lights up when I make a move toward it — that’s how sensitive the Apple Watch’s motion detection is. To learn more about the Apple Watch's features, visit the HEDock blog.
When the alarm time approaches, the Apple Watch screen will light up, getting brighter as the target time approaches. Then, a calming alarm will sound. You can then choose to snooze or dismiss the alarm, using the Digital Crown or the side button. As these both appear on the top of an Apple Watch in nightstand mode, it’s easy. For more tips and tricks on maximizing your Apple Watch bedside experience, check out this helpful article.
Setting Alarms for Nightstand Mode
To set an alarm for nightstand mode, you'll need to use the Alarms app on your Apple Watch. Open the app and tap the "+" button to create a new alarm. Choose the time you want the alarm to go off, and the watch will automatically save it.
Unfortunately, nightstand mode alarms don't integrate directly with iPhone alarms. However, if you're wearing your Apple Watch while sleeping, it will take over the iPhone alarm and notify you with a haptic tap instead of the audio alarm. This includes the iPhone's Bedtime feature.
If you prefer using Siri, you can set the alarm on your Apple Watch by simply raising your wrist and saying "Hey Siri, set an alarm for 7 AM." Siri will then confirm that the alarm has been set.
How to Enable Apple Watch Nightstand Mode
Enabling nightstand mode on your Apple Watch is easy. You can do it either through the watch itself or via the iPhone Watch app. On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app, scroll down to General, and tap on it. Then, look for Nightstand Mode and toggle it on.
Alternatively, you can enable nightstand mode using the iPhone Watch app. Open the app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, scroll down to General, and tap on it. From there, you'll see Nightstand Mode, and you can toggle it on.
Once you've enabled nightstand mode, place your watch on its side, preferably on a stand like the HEDock for the best experience. Your watch will now function as a bedside clock when charging overnight.
HEDock Apple Watch Stand
If you want to elevate your nightstand mode experience, consider using the HEDock Apple Watch stand. Designed specifically for Apple Watches, this minimalist stand is both functional and stylish, making it a perfect addition to your bedside setup.
The HEDock stand offers several benefits for nightstand mode users, including better visibility of the watch display, a more secure charging connection, and improved cable management. With its sleek design and sturdy construction, the HEDock stand not only enhances the functionality of your Apple Watch but also complements your bedroom decor.
The HEDock stand is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and stability for your Apple Watch. Its minimalist design doesn't take up much space on your nightstand, and the watch sits comfortably on the stand in landscape orientation, allowing for optimal viewing of the nightstand mode display.
Tips for Using Nightstand Mode Effectively
To make the most of your Apple Watch's nightstand mode, follow these helpful tips:
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Position your Apple Watch on your nightstand so that it's easily visible and accessible. A stand like the HEDock can help you achieve the perfect viewing angle while keeping your watch secure.
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Adjust the alarm volume and settings on your Apple Watch to ensure you're woken up gently and effectively. To do this, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, then scroll down to Sound & Haptics. From there, you can customize the alarm volume and haptic settings to suit your preferences.
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Customize your Apple Watch's display options in nightstand mode. You can do this by going to the Settings app on your watch, then scrolling down to General, and tapping on Nightstand Mode. From there, you can choose various display settings, such as turning on or off the "Tap to Wake" feature or adjusting the brightness of the display. For more information on customizing your Apple Watch, check out these expert tips.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between using nightstand mode or wearing your Apple Watch to bed ultimately comes down to personal preference. While wearing the watch in bed offers haptic alarms and sleep tracking, nightstand mode provides a convenient and visually appealing bedside clock, as well as an easy-to-use alarm system.
If you haven't already, give nightstand mode a try and see how it fits into your daily routine. To enhance your experience, consider using the HEDock Apple Watch stand for a stylish and functional addition to your bedside setup. Regardless of your choice, the Apple Watch continues to prove itself as a versatile and valuable tool for everyday life.
