The Google Pixel Watch 3 is here to offer you a fantastic wearable experience that blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a seasoned smartwatch user or new to the world of wearable tech, the Pixel Watch 3 has plenty to offer. But did you know there are some hidden features and clever tricks that can make your experience even better?
If you want to get the most out of your Google Pixel Watch 3, you’re in the right place! We’ve rounded up some of the best tips, tricks, and features you should know to unlock the full potential of your new smartwatch.
1. Customize Your Watch Face Like a Pro
The Google Pixel Watch 3 allows you to personalize your watch face in a way that makes your watch truly yours. You can choose from a variety of styles or even create your own custom design using Google’s watch face editor. Want a sleek minimalist design or a bold, sporty look? It’s all at your fingertips. To customize your watch face:
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Long press on your current watch face.
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Tap Change Watch Face and scroll through the options.
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Tap Customize to adjust color, complications (like weather, heart rate, etc.), and more.
2. Take Advantage of the “Tilt to Wake” Feature
No more pressing buttons to wake up your watch! With the “Tilt to Wake” feature, you can simply raise your wrist, and the display will automatically light up. It’s perfect when you’re on the go and don’t want to fumble around to see the time or check notifications. To enable this:
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Open the Settings app.
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Go to Display.
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Toggle on Tilt to Wake.
3. Control Your Smart Home Devices
Did you know that the Pixel Watch 3 can double as a smart home control hub? With Google Assistant built right into the watch, you can control lights, thermostats, and other smart devices straight from your wrist. Simply say, “Hey Google, turn off the lights,” or “Hey Google, set the thermostat to 72°F.” It’s an easy and seamless way to manage your home without needing to grab your phone.
4. Explore Fitness Tracking Features
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, the Pixel Watch 3 is packed with excellent features to help you stay on top of your workouts. From tracking your heart rate to monitoring your sleep, there’s a lot you can do. For an even more personalized experience, the watch can offer workout suggestions based on your goals and previous activities. To set this up:
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Open the Fit app on your watch.
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Tap on the workout icon to choose your desired exercise (running, cycling, yoga, etc.).
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Customize your goals and start tracking!
5. Use the Google Wallet Integration
The Pixel Watch 3 supports Google Wallet, meaning you can leave your physical cards at home and make payments directly from your watch. It’s perfect for quick purchases, like grabbing a coffee or paying for a bus ride. To set it up:
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Open the Google Wallet app on your watch.
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Follow the instructions to add your credit or debit cards.
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Once set up, just tap your wrist on the payment terminal to pay.
6. Quick Access to Settings with the Quick Settings Menu
The Quick Settings Menu is your shortcut to common features like Do Not Disturb, Theater Mode, and more. Instead of navigating through several menus, you can easily swipe down from the top of your Pixel Watch 3 to access these settings. It’s the fastest way to adjust things on the go, like turning on airplane mode or checking battery status.
7. Track Your Health with ECG and Blood Oxygen Monitoring
One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 3 is its ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring capabilities. These are especially valuable for anyone who wants to stay on top of their heart and lung health. You can track your heart rhythm with the ECG app or monitor your blood oxygen levels during workouts or while sleeping. To use these features:
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For ECG: Open the ECG app, follow the instructions, and place your fingers on the watch’s bezel for accurate results.
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For Blood Oxygen: Open the Fit app, tap on Sleep or Oxygen, and follow the prompts.
8. Master the Google Assistant Voice Commands
The Google Pixel Watch 3 has Google Assistant built in, making it easier than ever to get things done hands-free. You can set reminders, check the weather, send messages, or even control your music. Just say, “Hey Google” followed by your command, and the assistant will take care of the rest.
Pro tip: If you want to use Google Assistant while driving or exercising, try enabling “Hey Google” voice activation from the settings. This lets you issue commands without needing to touch your watch at all.
9. Silent Alarms with Haptic Feedback
The Pixel Watch 3 has a haptic feedback alarm feature, which is perfect for those who don’t want a loud noise waking them up. Instead, your watch will gently vibrate to alert you at the set time. This is great if you need to wake up without disturbing anyone or for meditation reminders.
To set a silent alarm:
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Open the Alarm app on your watch.
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Set the time and toggle the option for haptic feedback instead of a sound alarm.
10. Customize App Notifications
Want to get the most relevant notifications on your wrist without being overwhelmed? The Pixel Watch 3 allows you to fine-tune which app notifications you get. You can decide to mute non-essential notifications or prioritize the important ones, like calls, texts, or calendar alerts.
To customize notifications:
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Open the Settings app.
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Tap on Notifications, then Apps.
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Select which apps you want to send alerts to your watch and adjust their settings accordingly.
11. Hidden Gem: Walkie-Talkie Mode
For those moments when you need to quickly communicate with a friend or family member, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a hidden Walkie-Talkie mode. This feature allows you to send voice messages instantly with a single tap, without needing to dial or type anything. To access it, just swipe up from the watch face, select Walkie-Talkie, and start chatting!
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is packed with powerful features, but it’s the little tricks and hidden gems that make it truly exceptional. From customizing your watch face to tracking your health, managing your smart home, and using Google Wallet, there’s so much to discover.
By learning a few of these tips and tricks, you can turn your Google Pixel Watch 3 into an indispensable tool that enhances your daily life. Ready to dive in and unlock its full potential? Happy exploring!