I lose my iPhone all the time. Sometimes it’s under a pile of clothes, other times it’s stuck between the couch cushions. I used to spend way too much time flipping pillows and checking every surface. It was frustrating, especially when I was in a hurry.
Then I found out my Apple Watch could help. A simple tap, and my iPhone makes a sound. No more searching for minutes, no more stress.
It feels like a small superpower. Now, whenever my phone goes missing, I just ping it. It’s quick, easy, and has saved me more times than I can count.
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Why Can’t I Ping My iPhone from My Apple Watch Anymore?
I tap the ping button, but nothing happens. It used to work, so what changed?
Sometimes, updates mess with settings, or my devices lose connection. If my iPhone is on Airplane Mode or out of Bluetooth range, my Apple Watch won’t find it. A weak Wi-Fi signal can also cause problems.
Here’s what I check when pinging stops working:
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Both should be on for my iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Airplane Mode: If it’s on, I turn it off.
- Software Updates: Outdated software can cause issues, so I update both devices.
- Find My iPhone: This must be enabled for pinging to work.
If nothing helps, I restart both devices. That usually fixes it.
How I Ping My iPhone from My Apple Watch with the New Update
Losing my phone is stressful, but the ping feature makes it easy to find.
With watchOS 10, accessing the Control Center changed slightly. Instead of swiping up, I press the side button. This new method feels faster and more responsive.
Steps to Ping:
- Press the side button on my Apple Watch to open Control Center.
- Tap the ‘Ping iPhone’ icon (it looks like an iPhone with sound waves).
- Listen for the sound to find my phone.
If I have an Apple Watch Series 9 and an iPhone 15, I get an extra bonus—Precision Finding. This feature gives me directions, leading me straight to my iPhone. It even tells me how far away it is.
How I Ping My iPhone from My Apple Watch Running iOS 17
Updates can change how things work, and iOS 17 is no exception.
To make sure my Apple Watch can ping my iPhone, I check a few things:
- Both devices should be updated to the latest software.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be on for smooth connection.
- Find My iPhone should be enabled in my iCloud settings.
If I still can’t ping my phone, I restart both devices. It’s a simple fix that often works.
When the Ping iPhone Icon Goes Missing on My Apple Watch
I open Control Center, but the ping icon is gone. Now what?
Sometimes, updates remove icons or rearrange settings. Thankfully, adding it back is easy.
Steps to Add ‘Ping iPhone’ Icon:
- Open the Watch app on my iPhone.
- Go to Control Center settings.
- Tap ‘Edit’ and add the ‘Ping iPhone’ feature.
If the icon still won’t show, I restart both my iPhone and Apple Watch. This usually brings it back.
How I Ping My iPhone from Another iPhone
No Apple Watch? No problem. I can still make my iPhone ring.
Steps:
- Open the ‘Find My’ app on another iPhone.
- Select my missing iPhone from the list.
- Tap ‘Play Sound’ to hear my phone’s location.
This method works just as well when I don’t have my watch on.