Theatre Mode on Apple watch
Since the latest update in Fall of 2023, I can no longer see “theatre mode”. Have tried various ways to find it to no avail. It’s quite useful and was very easy to use quickly. What am I missing here? Thanks.
Since the latest update in Fall of 2023, I can no longer see “theatre mode”. Have tried various ways to find it to no avail. It’s quite useful and was very easy to use quickly. What am I missing here? Thanks.
It’s still right where it’s always been, in the control center. For watchOS 10 push the side button (not the digital crown) to bring up Control Center and Theater Mode (the double mask icon) is there on my series 4 Watch running watchOS 10.0.1
It’s still right where it’s always been, in the control center. For watchOS 10 push the side button (not the digital crown) to bring up Control Center and Theater Mode (the double mask icon) is there on my series 4 Watch running watchOS 10.0.1
Kristy Carlson1 wrote:
I used to be able to just swipe up to get to the control center for theater mode. I can't do it that way anymore. It was just much easier when I could do it that way.
Momentarily press and release the flat oval side button.
https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/control-center-apd06bc15da1/watchos
NOT to be confused with the round, rotating Digital Crown!
They moved the Control Center to the flat oval side button (see picture)
Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support
A quick press and release will bring up the Control Center, which has Theater mode. A little late for your theater visit, but you will now know for next time.
DO NOT hold the button, as that brings up the Emergency services display.
You can tell Apple what changes you would like to see in a future watchOS release via
If enough users send feedback, it is more likely a decision maker will see it.
Momentarily press and release the flat Oval side button.
https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/control-center-apd06bc15da1/watchos
Mic W wrote:
It's not in 10.1.1
Momentarily press and release the flat oval side button (see picture)
https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/control-center-apd06bc15da1/watchos
If Theater mode is not visible in the Control Center list, then scroll to the bottom an tap “Edit”, then add Theatre mode to Control Center.
In theatre mode your watch will not light up when you twist your wrist but it WILL light up if you tap the screen. If it does then that’s not expected behavior. Have you tired restarting your Watch by holding down both the digital crown and side button until the Apple logo appears.
Use Control Center on Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK)
Use theater mode on Apple Watch
Theater mode prevents the Apple Watch display from turning on when you raise your wrist, so it stays dark. It also turns on silent mode and makes your Walkie-Talkie status unavailable, but you still receive haptic notifications.
Press the side button to open Control Center, tap
, then tap Theater Mode.

When theater mode is on, you see
at the top of the screen.
To wake Apple Watch when theater mode is on, tap the display, press the Digital Crown or side button, or turn the Digital Crown.
Thank you. Momentarily tapping the side button brought up the same screen as swiping use to do before latest update.
I can find it - along with things like the waterproof teardrop via the side button. Everything that used to be accessible by swiping the screen is now controlled from there.
can anyone tell me why the screen lights up again with wrist movements even with theater mode on?
Thank you very much. I appreciate your responding.
That does work, but previous to the update I got Control Center simply by scrolling up on the watch face - not side button. Now when I scroll up on watch face I get “tips” which won’t go away.
I liked it better before.
kechang64 wrote:
what is “Theater Mode” mean?
Theater mode prevents the Apple Watch display from turning on when you raise your wrist, so it stays dark. It also turns on silent mode and makes your Walkie-Talkie status unavailable, but you still receive haptic notifications.
kechang64 wrote:
what is “Theater Mode” mean?
What IdrisSeabright said, and you use it when you are in a theater (movie, play, concert), important meeting, place of worship, etc.. and you do not want to disturb the people around you with your alarms going off, phone calls ringing, your screen lighting up in the dark, etc...
I totally agree…..very frustrating
Totally agree. This does not work. So much is gone with this last update. I want to go back. They need to take this last update and throw it in the river. Very frustrating.
Found out this was missing during a presentation by Bill Nye the Science Guy last night in Denver. I could not find Theater Mode! Not cool…why was it moved? It was easier the old way.
Not digging this “changing things for the sake of changing things” with new OS’s. I’m having a lot of difficulty with the latest MacOS also. System Settings is REALLY difficult to locate things, and my search bar isn’t working. It literally can’t find Displays without really digging. Now it just looks like a Windows PC’s settings.
Totally agree with everyone. Go back to swipe up for control Center. l Right button pressed down too long brings up the SOS and 911 options. Not good to mix these. Where is Find my Phone by the way I guess it is there. I really hate this update. Why not ask us first.
judy
Theatre Mode on Apple watch