How to Perform a Security Checkup on Your Apple Watch

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Check for active Safety Check permissions

   Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab. Navigate to Emergency SOS and review your configured emergency contacts to ensure only authorized individuals are listed. Remove any contacts that no longer require location access.

   Note: Safety Check is managed primarily through the Settings app on the paired iPhone.
2. 1 min

   Review installed app permissions

   On your iPhone, open the Watch app and scroll to the bottom to view your installed applications. Select an app and toggle off Show App on Apple Watch if you no longer use the service, as removing the app terminates its background data access.

3. 30 sec

   Verify Wrist Detection settings

   Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch and navigate to Passcode. Ensure that Wrist Detection is toggled to On. This feature requires your watch to lock immediately upon removal from your wrist, preventing unauthorized access.

   Note: If this is off, your watch will not lock automatically when removed.
4. 30 sec

   Manage location services

   Go to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Privacy & Security, and then tap Location Services. Review the list of apps and set permissions to While Using or Never to restrict background location tracking.

5. 1 min

   Review paired device list

   Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your Apple ID at the top of the menu. Scroll down to see a list of signed-in devices; if you see any device you do not recognize, tap it and select Remove from Account to revoke its access to your iCloud data.

   Note: This clears synchronized data from unrecognized devices.