Apple Watch | Setting up 18Birdies on Apple Watch

Set up 18Birdies on Apple Watch before your round so you can view distances, enter scores, and use supported watch features while you play.

What do I need to do before using the Apple Watch?

Before using 18Birdies on Apple Watch, make sure:

18Birdies is installed on your iPhone.
You are signed into your 18Birdies account on your iPhone.
Your iPhone and Apple Watch are paired.
Bluetooth is turned on.
Location permissions are enabled.
18Birdies is installed on your Apple Watch.
Your iPhone and Apple Watch are charged.
Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and 18Birdies app are updated.

Account creation, login, and most settings should be managed from the 18Birdies iPhone app.

How do I install 18Birdies on Apple Watch?

To install 18Birdies on Apple Watch:

Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Scroll to available apps.
Find 18Birdies.
Tap Install.
Wait for the app to finish installing on your Apple Watch.

You can also check the App Store on your Apple Watch if needed.

How do I connect Apple Watch from the 18Birdies app?

To connect Apple Watch from the 18Birdies app:

Open the 18Birdies app on your iPhone.
Tap Me on the bottom menu.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Tap Connected Apps & Devices.
Look for the Apple Watch connection option.
Follow the prompts to connect your Apple Watch.

Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch near each other during setup.

How do I connect my Apple Watch during a round?

To connect during a round:

Start a round in the 18Birdies iPhone app.
Open the GPS screen.
Tap Tools in the bottom-right corner.
Tap the Settings tab.
Look for the Apple Watch connection option.
Follow the prompts to connect.

Once connected, 18Birdies should automatically open and sync on your Apple Watch when a round is active.

If your watch didn’t connect automatically when your round started, or you just see a “Now Playing” banner, you may need to open the app manually on your watch. To do so, click the Digital Crown so you get to the Apps Screen. Scroll until you see 18Birdies, then click to open. Your Apple Watch should automatically sync up with your phone.

What Apple Watch settings should I check?

For the best Apple Watch experience, check:

Bluetooth is on.
Location Services are enabled for 18Birdies.
Background App Refresh is enabled, if available.
Low Power Mode or battery-saving settings are not interfering.
The watch screen wake settings allow you to return to the app easily.
Your iPhone and Apple Watch are close enough to stay connected.

Settings may vary by Apple Watch model and watchOS version.

If you are worried about your battery life, you can turn on Low Battery Mode, though this may affect performance and refresh rates for GPS Distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I connect my Apple Watch?

Try these steps:

Confirm your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone.
Confirm 18Birdies is installed on the watch.
Confirm Bluetooth is on.
Confirm location permissions are enabled.
Open 18Birdies on your iPhone.
Open 18Birdies on your Apple Watch.
Restart both devices.
Update 18Birdies, iOS, and watchOS.

Why does the round not appear on my Apple Watch?

Make sure the round is active on your iPhone first.

Then open 18Birdies on your Apple Watch while your phone is nearby. If the round still does not appear, close and reopen the app on both devices and try again.

Why does my Apple Watch keep disconnecting?

Apple Watch may disconnect if Bluetooth drops, the phone is too far away, battery is low, or the app is closed on one device.

Keep your phone nearby, make sure both devices are charged, and keep 18Birdies open during the round when possible.

Do older Apple Watch models work with 18Birdies?

Compatibility may depend on the Apple Watch model, watchOS version, iPhone model, and 18Birdies app version.

Older watch models that cannot update to a supported watchOS version may not be compatible.

Should I reinstall the Apple Watch app?

Reinstalling can help if the watch app is missing, stuck, or not syncing correctly.

Before reinstalling, make sure any active round is saved and synced.