How to Reverse Your Apple Watch Orientation & Why You Might Want To

If you’re an Apple Watch owner, you know Apple places its Digital Crown on the right side of the device itself. At least, by default.

For the most part, Apple likely went with this design decision to mimic how actual watches are set up. That way, users switching from an analog watch to the Apple Watch would find the device familiar and comfortable to use.

But just because the Apple Watch comes out of the box this way doesn’t mean that you have to stick with it.

In fact, there’s another way to wear your Apple Watch that may come with its own set of benefits.

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What is Reverse Crown Orientation?

The way mentioned above is known as “reverse crown orientation.” But that’s not its official name since Apple doesn’t acknowledge it on any of its sites or packaging materials.

That name was first coined by app and web developer Craig Hockenberry, who was likely the first user to bring the alternative wear option to light on a large scale.

Basically, reverse crown orientation is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of the Digital Crown being on the top-right of the Watch, it’ll be on the lower-left.

That may not sound like it does you much good, but there are some benefits associated with it.

Some of the Potential Benefits of Reversing Apple Watch Orientation

Flipping the Digital Crown’s orientation on your Apple Watch is not just an aesthetic change. And don’t worry, your screen and apps won’t be upside down.

Here are just a few benefits that users who rock reverse crown orientation reported.

The Ergonomics are Better

When Hockenberry first wrote about the so-called “reverse crown” orientation, he noticed that there was a positive ergonomic change.

Some users find the natural position of the Apple Watch to be somewhat awkward, requiring fingers or thumbs to be placed and used unnaturally. 

With reverse crown orientation, you’ll naturally want to use your thumb to activate and scroll the Digital Crown. The other finger is used for stability and can quickly tap and scroll on the display itself — without ever having to move your thumb off the Crown.

It Could Make Your Voice Clearer

Because of the way the Apple Watch’s externals are situated, flipping it over may bring its built-in microphone closer to your mouth.

That’s a boon for Siri voice command recognition. But it could also bump up your clarity when using an Apple Watch for phone calls or other audio-related activities.

It’ll Mitigate Accidental Siri Activations

Some users, particularly those with physically demanding jobs, may find themselves inadvertently activating Siri at inopportune times. 

That’s where this reverse orientation can come in handy. With the Digital Crown flipped to the right side, there’s less of a chance that it’ll be pressed accidentally.

Are there any downsides?

According to users who use reverse crown orientation, the downsides are really few and far between. But there are a couple worth noting.

For example, many apps will expect the Digital Crown to be in the upper-right — and will show you scroll indicators and other UI elements that reflect that.

Still, it’s a relatively minor gripe and not really a deal breaker. And Apple could always fix it in an upcoming watchOS patch.

How To Set Up Reverse Crown Orientation on Apple Watch

If you’re curious about reverse crown orientation at this point, you may want to give it a try for yourself. It’s fairly easy to do.

• Open the Watch app on your connected iPhone
• Tap on General
• Find and tap on Watch Orientation

At this point, you’ll see options for wrist orientation.

But you’ll also find a little-used option to set which side the Digital Crown is on.

Most users ignore or aren’t aware of this option, but it’s how you’ll set your Apple Watch to its “reverse orientation.”

For reverse orientation:

• Select Digital Crown on Left Side if you wear it on your right wrist 
• Select Digital Crown on Right Side if you wear it on your left wrist normally

Unless you’re changing wrists, leave the wrist selection alone.

Of course, you’ll also need to flip your watch over by taking off the band and putting it back together “in reverse.”

Change Apple Watch Orientation Using the Watch App!

You don’t even have to use your watch to make this change. Just open the Watch App.

• Tap General
• Tap Watch Orientation
• Change the Digital Crown to the Left or Right Side
  • Look for the checkmark to verify your setting 

A Parting Note

Keep in mind that you’ll probably need some time to get used to the changed positions. But don’t give up right out of the gate. Give it a few days and check in to see if your Apple Watch experience has improved.

For many people, it will. But luckily for those who aren’t fans, it’s extremely easy to return the Apple Watch to its default crown orientation.

Mike Peterson( Senior Writer )

Mike is a freelance journalist from San Diego, California.

While he primarily covers Apple and consumer technology, he has past experience writing about public safety, local government, and education for a variety of publications.

He’s worn quite a few hats in the journalism field, including writer, editor, and news designer.