How to Zoom Out on an Apple Watch

Did you know that over 100 million Apple Watches have been sold around the world? Most of those sales are thanks to the device’s many impressive built-in features such as water resistance and the ability to send and receive calls.

Another outstanding characteristic of the Apple Watch is the zoom mode that allows users to see details on the screen more clearly. However, this feature can sometimes get frozen while in the zoomed in mode. In this situation, some users aren’t sure what to do.

This can present a real problem and make using the watch difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways you can address the issue of an Apple Watch locked into zoom mode, and we’ll talk you through all of them.

How to Zoom Out on an Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 came out in September 2017 and was the first model with cellular connectivity and GPS.

It’s still an incredibly popular model with excellent specifications, including the zoom mode. Before we address getting stuck in zoom mode, let’s see how the function works in the first place:

1. To zoom in on your Apple Watch, use two fingers to double-tap the screen.
2. To zoom out, again, double-tap the screen.

That’s the basics of how the zoom feature works, but what happens if your screen won’t zoom out? You can first try pressing the digital crown button continuously, which should ensure the screen zooms out.

But there is another solution you can try. If your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone, use the Watch app to fix the problem with the zoom. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
   
2. Scroll and tap on the “Accessibility” option.
   
3. Tap on “Zoom” and turn off the toggle button.
   

Your Apple Watch will instantly zoom out. You can also use the zoom level slide to change the screen magnification.

How to Zoom Out on an Apple Watch Series 4

The Series 4 was introduced in 2018 and featured a larger screen, a faster processor, and a better optical hear sensor. Apple Watch Series 4 users also need to double-tap the screen with two fingers to zoom in and out when needed.

However, if the screen is zoomed in and won’t budge, you can try a couple of solutions that typically work. First, locate the digital crown button on the right side of the watch and press it three times.

That should instantly zoom out your Apple Watch. However, should that fail use the mobile app instead. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
   
2. Select the “Accessibility” option.
   
3. Select “Zoom” and make sure to move the toggle button off.
   

How to Zoom Out on an Apple Watch Series 5

Each year, Apple introduces an improved model of their Apple Watch, and in 2019, that was Series 5. This model brought the always-on display, better battery life, and was available in various materials.

If you have Apple Watch Series 5, then you also have the benefit of using the zoom function, which is a part of accessibility settings. Whether your Apple Watch face is zoomed-in when you receive it or you zoomed it in, it can be pretty stressful not being able to zoom out.

The fastest solution is to press the digital crown button on your watch three times and see if it works. If it doesn’t, then you can try addressing the issue via the Watch app on your phone. Try this:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
   
2. Tap on the “Accessibility” option.
   
3. Turn off the zoom toggle button.
   

Additionally, you can adjust the zoom level by moving the slide with your finger.

How to Zoom Out on an Apple Watch Series 6

Finally, we should also address the zoom function on the latest Apple Watch Series 6 that came out in late 2020. It comes with a plethora of features, colors, and benefits, such as measuring blood oxygen levels.

The zoom functions work the same way as in previous models, and all you need to do is tap twice with two fingers to manage it. But if that doesn’t work, there is something else you can try.

Pressing the digital crown button three times should do the trick, but if it doesn’t, use the Watch mobile app. Follow these steps to turn off zoom for Apple Watch:

1. Grab your iPhone and launch the Watch app.
   
2. Scroll down and select the “Accessibility” option.
   
3. Tap on the zoom toggle switch to ensure it’s off.
   

What if None of the Solutions Work?

An Apple Watch getting stuck in zoom-in mode is an easy fix in most cases, but in others, the problem may persist.

If this is the case, you must opt for a different approach. One way to get your Apple Watch on track again is to restart it. Regardless of which Apple Watch series you own, that process looks like this:

1. Press the side button on your Apple Watch and hold it until you see the Power Off option.
   
2. With your finger, move the Power Off slider.
   
3. Turn your Apple Watch back on by pressing the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
   

Your Apple Watch should be zoomed out, but if it’s not, you can also try to force restart it. To do that, press and hold the digital crown button and side button for 10-15 seconds and then release it when you see the Apple logo.

Managing the Zoom Feature Effectively

The Apple Watch has a large screen when compared to many other popular smartwatches. Even so, some users will still need to rely on the zoom function to read the content on their devices.

Simple double-taps with two fingers can control the zoom mode overall, but there are times when you might need to try different approaches. The digital crown button usually saves the day, but if not, managing the zoom feature via the Watch app on your connected iPhone should solve the problem.

However, if these steps fail, rebooting or force restarting your Apple Watch might prove to be the best choice. Finally, if none of these solutions work, you may need to send your watch to an authorized Apple service provider for specialized repair.

Which Apple Watch do you have, and how does the zoom feature work? Let us know in the comments section below.