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Apple Watch users are already familiar with the ability to ping a missing iPhone. Still, with the upcoming release of iOS 17, the iPhone will now have the ability to ping back.
Pinging Your iPhone with Apple Watch
Pinging your iPhone with Apple Watch is a simple process. Swipe up from the watch face and tap the phone icon, or press the side button and tap the phone icon for users with watchOS 10 or later. You can even long-press the phone icon to trigger a ping with the flash if it’s dark.
Reverse Pinging Feature in iOS 17
In iOS 17, Apple has introduced a reverse version of this feature through a new Control Center tile. While it is currently disabled by default, users can enable and test it in the iOS 17 beta. Here’s how you can set it up and try it out:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Control Center.
- Scroll down and tap the “+” button next to “Ping My Watch.“
- Swipe down from the top right corner (or bottom for iPhones with a Home button) to open Control Center.
- Locate the “Ping My Watch” tile and tap on it.
Using Ping My Watch
Ping My Watch in Control Center functions as long as your iPhone and Apple Watch are within Bluetooth range and connected. However, for longer distances, using the Find My app to ping your watch is recommended.
Whether your Apple Watch is on your wrist, locked and charging, or misplaced elsewhere, the Ping My Watch feature in iOS 17 is ready to assist you in finding it.
Release and Availability
iOS 17 is in beta and is expected to be publicly released in September. Users can look forward to this new feature and many others in the upcoming iPhone software update.
If you want to try iOS 17 bets, here is a guide: How to Safely Download and Install iOS 17 Beta on Your iPhone
