What is Theater Mode on the Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch is loaded with nifty hardware and software, from an ECG to monitor heart health to standard smartwatch features like notification mirroring. But what if you don’t want your watch to buzz in quiet environments, like a theater? Well, thankfully, the Apple Watch also packs a Theater Mode. Here’s what it does and how to activate and disable it.

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When activated, Theater Mode prevents the Apple Watch display from switching on and activates silent mode. This ensures your watch doesn't distract others in quiet, dark environments, like a theater.

What is theater mode on the Apple Watch?

You don’t want your Apple Watch to distract others in specific scenarios, like while watching a performance in a dark theater. This is where Theater Mode comes in. When activated, it disables the activate screen gesture, switches on Silent Mode, and sets the Walkie-Talkie status to unavailable.

When Theater Mode is activated, you’ll see an orange icon with two masks (representing comedy and tragedy) in the Apple Watch’s control center and at the top of the screen.

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So can you use the screen when Theater Mode is activated? Well, yes. To reactivate the screen, you can turn the digital crown, tap the screen, or press the side button. Notably, Theater Mode will still allow haptic notifications through, too.

See also: The best Apple Watch accessories | The best Apple Watch chargers

How to switch Theater Mode off and on

Theater Mode is super easy to activate on the Apple Watch.

• From your Apple Watch’s clock face, touch and hold the bottom of the screen. Then swipe up to open the Control Center.
• Find and tap the Theater Mode icon (the two masks icon).
• To deactivate Theater Mode on your Apple Watch, tap the icon again.

FAQs

Q: How does Theater Mode differ from Do Not Disturb?
A: Theater Mode disables the display and sets the Apple Watch to silent, but it does not entirely disable notifications. Do Not Disturb disables notifications.

Q: How does Theater Mode differ from Silent Mode?
A: Silent Mode turns off audio alerts, but not haptics. Theater Mode extends this by also disabling the raise to wake screen gesture.

Q: Does the Apple Watch still vibrate when on Theater Mode?
A: Yes. Your Apple Watch will still vibrate when Theater Mode is activated.

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