Apple Watch Ultra features a customizable Action button on the left side of the case that is capable of performing a variety of functions. This article explains what it can do, and how you can configure it.

Apple Watch Ultra Orange Alpine Loop Action button 220907 big
Apart from activating the Siren, the Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra can be customized to perform a number of functions, offering quick access to them without you having to tap through various screens.

When you first set up your Apple Watch Ultra, you'll be invited to assign one of the following functions to it:

  • Workout
  • Stopwatch
  • Waypoint
  • Backtrack
  • Dive
  • Flashlight
  • Shortcut
  • None

You can customize your selection further, depending on the app or function chosen. If you chose the Workout app, for example, pressing the Action button once will open the Workout app, but you can also assign the "First Press" function within the app to start a specific workout.

action button mark segment
But that's not all. When you've started the activity, you can then press again to perform a secondary function, such as marking segments or laps in a track workout, or switching from cycling to running in a triathlon. Again though, what function this is will depend on the current activity.

How to Map Functions to the Action Button

Once your Apple Watch Ultra is set up, you can re-assign functions to the Action button via a new menu right on your wrist, like so.

  1. On Apple Watch Ultra, launch the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Action Button.
  3. Tap the menu under "Action" and select one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight, and Shortcut.
    settings

  4. Tap the arrow in the left-hand corner to go back to Action Button settings.
  5. Tap the menu under "App" if it appears, then select an app to perform the action. Some actions, such as Flashlight, don't show the App option.
  6. Tap the arrow to go back.
  7. Tap the menu under "First Press" if it appears, then select an action. Some features allow different actions to happen on the first and second press of the button.

Tips appear on the screen under "Gestures" explaining how the Action button works with the settings that you've assigned to it. For example, tips for an outdoor walk show you that pressing the Action button once starts a workout, and pressing the Action button and the side button at the same time pauses the workout.

Configuring the Action Button via iPhone

You can also use the iOS Watch app to configure what the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra does.

  1. Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the My Watch tab if it's not already selected.
  3. Tap Action Button.
  4. Under "Action," tap the currently selected action to change it.
  5. Select from one of the following options: Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight, and Shortcut.
  6. Tap Action Button to go back to the previous menu.
  7. Tap the menu under "App" if it appears, then select an app to perform the action. Some actions, such as Flashlight, don't show the App option.
  8. Tap the arrow to go back.
  9. Tap the menu under "First Press" if it appears, then select an action. Some features allow different actions to happen on the first and second press of the button.

settings

Note that tips on the screen under "Gestures" explaining how the Action button works with the settings that you've assigned to it.

Note that if you want to pause the current action, you can press and hold both the Action and Side buttons at the same time. Try to avoid pressing the Side button or the Digital Crown accidentally when you press the Action button. Your Apple Watch will do whatever is assigned to the Action button if you happen to press another button at the same time, unless a button combination is configured.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Top Rated Comments

Stiksi Avatar
39 months ago
This is certainly not ”extremely customizable” like it has been described over and over. ”Somewhat customizable” is more like it. If Apple would just get over itself and actually give us a Shortcuts system that is extensive and deeply integrated, that would make it a whole different thing but this is just typical Apple: it does exactly what was shown in the keynote and maybe a couple other things but that’s it. I mean it’s nice to have but if you’re going to add a whole extra button, maybe make it count a bit more.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
beanbaguk Avatar
39 months ago
I'm sorry. I can't get over this. As I've said before; Only Apple could successfully reinvent a button as a major feature! ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
disquieted Avatar
39 months ago
I own one and love it. It was rugged enough to handle my lifestyle which includes walking the dog around the block twice a day and making my morning nitro cold brew in the kitchen...after 3 1/2 days, it still is holding up very well.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
39 months ago

I'm sorry. I can't get over this. As I've said before; Only Apple could successfully reinvent a button as a major feature! ?
That's a take.

If they didn't add this new (useful) action button, people would be saying it is the same watch. Some would find something to complain about no matter what.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

Apple Says Installing iOS 26 Might Impact Battery Life

Monday September 15, 2025 10:56 am PDT by
In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal. A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps. Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources,...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Get iOS 26 Features With New Firmware Update

Monday September 15, 2025 10:50 am PDT by
Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware. With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 support better audio quality for phone calls and...
iOS 26

iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4: Here Are 5 New Features to Expect on Your iPhone

Tuesday September 16, 2025 11:17 am PDT by
iOS 26 was finally released on Monday, but the software train never stops, and the first developer beta of iOS 26.1 will likely be released soon. iOS 18.1 was an anomaly, as the first developer beta of that version was released in late July last year, to allow for early testing of Apple Intelligence features. The first betas of iOS 15.1, iOS 16.1, and iOS 17.1 were all released in the second ...
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

iOS 26's Liquid Glass Design Draws Criticism From Users

Wednesday September 17, 2025 2:56 pm PDT by
It's been two days since iOS 26 was released, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design is even more divisive than expected. Any major design change can create controversy as people get used to the new look, but the MacRumors forums, Reddit, Apple Support Communities, and social media sites seem to feature more criticism than praise as people discuss the update. Complaints There are a long...
Tim Cook Rainbow

Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch These 10 Products in 'Coming Months'

Sunday September 14, 2025 8:45 am PDT by
Apple's annual September event is now in the rearview mirror, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 set to launch this Friday, September 19. As always, there is more to come. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple plans to release many products in the...
iOS 26 Glass Feature

iOS 26: The Top 100 New Features and Changes

Tuesday September 16, 2025 12:26 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, and it's now available for all iPhone users with a compatible device. There are a lot of changes and features to learn about, so if you want a quick, easy-to-read list that outlines what's new, we've got you covered. Design Liquid Glass design that reflects light and refracts what's underneath. It's system wide, with dynamic tab bars and toolbars...
new iphone lockscreen ios 26

iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations

Tuesday September 16, 2025 5:56 am PDT by
Apple has now made iOS 26 available to download on compatible iPhone models, and if you just installed the new software, Apple has made some changes and feature additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that you may want to check out. To download iOS 26 on your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then let your device check Apple's servers for the latest software. Wait for the...