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Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) on Your Apple Watch

June 18, 2026 · The Clime Team
Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) on Your Apple Watch

Monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) on your Apple Watch is a proactive way to stay informed about local air quality conditions, which can impact your health and daily activities. Here's how you can set up and utilize AQI monitoring on your Apple Watch:

1. Understanding AQI on Apple Watch

The AQI is a numerical scale that measures the concentration of pollutants in the air, indicating the quality of the air you breathe. On your Apple Watch, the AQI is displayed as a complication on compatible watch faces, providing real-time updates on air quality. This feature is particularly useful for individuals sensitive to air pollution, such as those with respiratory conditions.

2. Setting Up AQI Complications on Your Watch Face

To add the AQI complication to your Apple Watch face:

  • Press and hold the watch face to enter customization mode.
  • Swipe left to select a watch face that supports complications.
  • Tap on Customize.
  • Swipe left to the complications selection screen.
  • Tap on the complication location where you want to add the AQI.
  • Use the Digital Crown to scroll through available complications until you find the AQI option.
  • Tap on the AQI complication to add it.
  • Press the Digital Crown to exit customization mode.

Ensure your Apple Watch is updated to the latest watchOS version to access this feature.

3. Viewing AQI Information

Once the AQI complication is added:

  • Tap on the AQI complication on your watch face to view detailed information about the current air quality, including the AQI value and associated health recommendations.

4. Using the Weather App for AQI Details

The built-in Weather app on your Apple Watch also provides AQI information:

  • Open the Weather app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down to view the AQI section, which displays the current air quality index for your location.

This feature is available in regions where AQI data is provided.

5. Utilizing Third-Party Apps for Enhanced AQI Monitoring

For more comprehensive AQI monitoring, consider using third-party apps that offer real-time air quality updates and additional features:

  • Paku - Air Quality & AQI Map: This app provides instant air quality monitoring and real-time alerts, delivering fast, real-time air quality updates at your fingertips.

  • Breathable: A free, customizable AQI widget for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS, offering quick, glanceable answers to daily air quality questions.

These apps can be downloaded from the App Store and may offer Apple Watch complications for easy access to AQI information.

6. Troubleshooting AQI Display Issues

If the AQI complication displays as '--' or is not updating:

  • Check your location settings: Ensure that Location Services are enabled on your Apple Watch. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, then turn on Location Services.

  • Verify AQI availability in your area: Not all locations provide AQI data. If AQI information is unavailable for your region, the complication may not display data.

  • Restart your Apple Watch: Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears, then slide to power off. After the watch turns off, press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.

By following these steps, you can effectively monitor the AQI on your Apple Watch, helping you make informed decisions about outdoor activities based on current air quality conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions