Auto Reopen Apps on Apple Watch: Step-by-Step

If you frequently switch between apps on your Apple Watch, you may have noticed that apps often reload from scratch instead of resuming where you left off. This guide shows you how to enable the setting that automatically reopens the last app you were using, making multitasking faster and more convenient. You’ll need your Apple Watch and its paired iPhone handy.

What You’ll Need

• An Apple Watch (any model with watchOS 7 or later)
• The paired iPhone with the Watch app installed
• Both devices should be charged and within Bluetooth range

Step-by-Step

1. Wake your Apple Watch by tapping the screen or raising your wrist.
2. Press the Digital Crown to go to the watch face (if you’re not already there).
3. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. It looks like a gray gear icon.
4. Scroll down and tap General.
5. Look for Wake Screen and tap it.
6. Scroll down to the section labeled Return to Clock.
7. You’ll see a list of apps. Find the app you want to keep open (or select All Apps at the top to apply this to every app).
8. Tap the app name, then choose Resume Previous Activity instead of Return to Clock.
9. Repeat step 8 for each app you want to auto-reopen.
10. Press the Digital Crown to save your changes and exit Settings.

Now, when you switch away from an app and come back (by tapping its icon or using the Dock), it will resume exactly where you left off instead of reloading.

Common Mistakes

• Setting only one app: If you want this behavior for all apps, you must select “All Apps” at the top of the list. Otherwise, only the apps you individually change will resume.
• Mistaking “Return to Clock” for the default: The default is usually “Return to Clock,” which closes the app when you lower your wrist or switch apps. You must explicitly change it to “Resume Previous Activity.”
• Forgetting to update watchOS: This feature requires watchOS 7 or later. If you don’t see the option, check for a software update in the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Confusing with the Dock: The Dock (side button) shows recent apps, but it doesn’t control whether they resume. The setting is in Wake Screen, not in the Dock settings.

Tips

• Use the Dock for quick switching: Press the side button to see recently used apps, then tap one to reopen it. With the “Resume” setting enabled, it will pick up where you left off.
• Battery impact: Keeping apps in memory can slightly reduce battery life. If you notice shorter battery life, consider enabling this only for apps you use frequently, like Messages or Workout.
• Force-quit when needed: If an app misbehaves, you can force-quit it by swiping it away in the Dock. The next time you open it, it will start fresh.
• Customize per app: You can mix settings—for example, keep Workout resuming but have Mail return to the clock. This gives you control over which apps stay active.

Troubleshooting

• Option not visible: If you don’t see “Resume Previous Activity,” make sure your Apple Watch is running watchOS 7 or later. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone > General > Software Update to check.
• Setting doesn’t stick: Restart your Apple Watch by holding the side button until the power off slider appears, then slide to power off and turn it back on. This often resolves settings glitches.
• App still reloads: Some apps are designed to refresh every time (like weather or stocks). This setting won’t override an app’s own behavior.
• Battery draining fast: If you enabled “Resume” for all apps and notice battery issues, switch back to “Return to Clock” for apps you rarely use. Keep it only for essential apps.
• Can’t find the app in the list: The list shows apps that support this feature. If an app isn’t listed, it may not support resuming previous activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting work for all apps?

No, only apps that support the “Resume Previous Activity” feature will appear in the list. Most Apple apps and many third-party apps support it, but some (like stock or weather apps) may not.

Will this drain my battery faster?

It can, because apps stay in memory longer. However, the impact is usually minimal. If you notice significant battery drain, limit the setting to a few frequently used apps.

Can I set it for all apps at once?

Yes, tap “All Apps” at the top of the list in Wake Screen settings, then choose “Resume Previous Activity.” This applies the setting to every app that supports it.

Does this affect notifications?

No, notifications are handled separately. Enabling resume only affects whether an app reloads when you open it again.

How do I revert to the default behavior?

Go back to Settings > General > Wake Screen > Return to Clock, select the app (or All Apps), and choose “Return to Clock” instead of “Resume Previous Activity.”

Will this work with watch faces and complications?

Yes, when you tap a complication, the corresponding app will resume if you’ve enabled the setting for that app.

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