As the world's most popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch excels beyond fitness tracking by offering seamless control over your smart home devices. From adjusting lights and thermostats to monitoring security, these integrations keep your home comfortable and secure—even on the coldest winter days. In this guide, drawn from hands-on testing of leading smart home ecosystems, we highlight the best Apple Watch-compatible apps.
Smart lighting from pioneers like Philips Hue and LIFX revolutionized home automation with Wi-Fi control via mobile apps. Extend this to your wrist with these reliable options:
The official Philips Hue app (Free) adds Apple Watch widgets and iPhone Notification Center controls for rooms and scenes. Similarly, the LIFX app (Free) lets you manage individual bulbs after setting favorites in the app.
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Without Philips Hue, modern smart homes might not exist. Explore 4 ways Philips Hue can take your lighting to the next level. For unified control of Philips Hue and LIFX, try OnSwitch (Free with IAPs). Tap your Watch clock face to adjust lights or groups, with over 30 seasonal theme packs like holiday lights or patriotic displays—activate on iOS first.
The Lutron Caséta Wireless App (Free) goes further, handling lights, shades, and thermostats from anywhere. Set reminders to turn off lights when leaving, and integrate with Siri.
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Manage temperatures remotely or automatically with these proven Apple Watch apps:
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The official Honeywell Lyric Smart Thermostat app (Free) senses your location via Apple Watch to adjust settings automatically—cooling when you leave, warming when you return.
Ecobee leads in smart thermostats. The ecobee App (Free) controls temperature, humidity, modes, and fans for ecobee3 models right from your wrist.
Nest Learning Thermostat (T3007ES), Easy Temperature Control for Every Room in Your Home, Stainless Steel (3rd Generation), Works with Alexa Buy Now On Amazon $180.50
The Nest app (Free) shows temperature with a glance; swipe to adjust. Set 'Home' or 'Away' modes via iPhone presets. For quick access, QuickControl for Nest ($3.99) adds Watch complications.
Never worry about open doors or intrusions again—these apps deliver real-time oversight:
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The Withings Home App (Free) streams live video, sends motion alerts with thumbnails, and logs events on Apple Watch.
Alarm.com monitors homes or businesses with Glances for status, device control, and live video.
Drip for Dropcam ($2.99) refreshes Nest Cam/Dropcam views every 3 seconds and toggles cameras.
Ditch keys with August smart locks. The August Home app (Free) unlocks via Apple Watch or Siri (HomeKit-compatible). View alerts and lock/unlock effortlessly. Learn more about 5 Smart Locks You Can Unlock With Your Phone and Apple HomeKit.
Enhance legacy devices with Belkin WeMo switches—turn lamps smart via Wi-Fi. Use WeTap! for Belkin WeMo ($1.99) or QuickSwitch for Belkin WeMo ($1.99) for simple Watch control. See 3 Ways The Belkin WeMo Can 'Smarten' Your Regular Home Lamps.
IFTTT's free app creates 'recipes' to link services like LIFX, Nest, WeMo, and Hue—trigger from your Watch.
While iPhones lead smart home control, Apple Watch mirrors most functions. Search App Store for 'Offers Apple Watch app' badges or check the Watch app on iOS.
