When using an Apple Watch, many users rely on the device not only for notifications and fitness tracking, but also for accurate data presentation. Whether you’re using the Workout app, monitoring your activity rings, or planning your health goals, the units of measure play a crucial role. Depending on your country, preferences, or medical requirements, it might be necessary to change from imperial to metric units, or vice versa. Fortunately, Apple provides a simple process for doing this both directly from your iPhone and sometimes from the Apple Watch itself.
Why Unit Preference Matters
Having your Apple Watch display data in the units you are most familiar with allows for better tracking and understanding of your fitness and health data. For example, if you’re an athlete accustomed to tracking distance in kilometers rather than miles, it’s not just a matter of convenience but also of accuracy. The same applies to calories, temperature, and body measurements. Making these adjustments ensures your activity and health data are aligned with your goals.
How to Change Units Using the iPhone
The Apple Watch depends heavily on its paired iPhone for a wide range of customizations, including unit settings. To change the units of measure, follow these steps:
Change Distance Units in the Workout App
- On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
- Scroll down and tap Workout.
- Tap Units of Measure (if available).
- Choose between Miles and Kilometers for distance.
Note: This setting affects how your workouts record metrics like running or walking distances.
Change Temperature Units
- Open the Weather app on your iPhone.
- Tap the menu icon and then scroll to Settings.
- Under Unit Settings, toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
This change will reflect on the Apple Watch’s Weather complications and app interface.
Change Units for Health Metrics
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Choose a category like Body Measurements or Nutrition.
- Select the specific measurement (e.g., Weight, Height).
- Edit the unit by tapping the data entry and selecting Edit Units.
How to Modify Units Directly from Apple Watch
While the iPhone provides more comprehensive settings, the Apple Watch itself also allows quick adjustments during workouts or for specific metrics.
Adjust Units During a Workout
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Select a workout type such as Outdoor Run.
- Swipe to the customization screen or tap … next to the workout.
- Scroll to Units and switch between Miles and Kilometers.
Changes here are temporary unless they are saved through the Watch app settings on the iPhone.
Using Siri or Voice Commands
While more limited, you can sometimes ask Siri for conversions or to display information in a different unit system, although it doesn’t actually change device settings. For example:
- “Hey Siri, how many kilometers is 3 miles?”
- “Hey Siri, show my steps in km.”
Resetting or Troubleshooting Unit Settings
If changes don’t take effect or if units revert back unexpectedly, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart both the Apple Watch and the iPhone.
- Ensure the iPhone’s regional settings are in sync. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.
- Unpair and re-pair your devices as a last resort.
Conclusion
Ensuring your Apple Watch displays units in your preferred measurement system enhances both usability and the accuracy of health and fitness data. While much of this customization is managed through the paired iPhone, knowing how to make adjustments on both devices empowers users to take full control of their wearable technology. By following the steps outlined above, you can tailor your Apple Watch experience to match your lifestyle and regional preferences with confidence and precision.
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