Whether you’re a fan of technology or just have a knack for utilizing gadgets to their full potential, you’re going to love this unique feature of the Apple Watch: Nightstand Mode. Trust me, it’s much more than just a timepiece on your wrist. It’s an incredible piece of innovation that comes packed with multiple features to enhance your life. And one of those features? Turning your Apple Watch into a bedside clock.
When I first discovered Nightstand Mode, it was a game changer. No longer did I have to grope around in the dark trying to find my phone to check the time. A quick glance at my wrist on the bedside table, and voila! There was the time, right in my line of sight. And it gets even better. Nightstand Mode also displays the date, the charge of the battery, and your set alarm (if any).
But here’s the thing. To most Apple Watch users, this feature remains hidden. Why? Simply because it isn’t automatically enabled. You need to go into the settings of your Apple Watch and manually switch it on. Don’t worry, though, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Follow these simple steps:
First, open the settings app on your Apple Watch. Scroll down until you find the “General” option, then tap to open it. Scroll down again until you see the “Nightstand Mode” setting. Simply toggle the switch to turn it on. That’s it! You’ve now activated Nightstand Mode.
So how exactly does it work? When you place your Apple Watch on its side and connect it to the charger, it automatically enters Nightstand Mode. The display will then rotate to match the orientation of the Watch, presenting you with a simplified display of the time, date, and alarm settings.
One of my favorite aspects is the nifty way the alarm works in Nightstand Mode. As your alarm time approaches, the Apple Watch screen will gradually brighten, acting like a soft wake-up light. When the alarm goes off, you can tap the side button to turn it off, or the Digital Crown to snooze.
In conclusion, Nightstand Mode is a wonderful, little-known feature that transforms your Apple Watch from just a timepiece into a convenient and modern bedside clock. It’s just one of the ways Apple continues to surprise us, merging style with functionality. Next time you charge your watch overnight, why not give Nightstand Mode a try? You might find, like I did, that it’s a feature you never knew you needed.

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.