Can an Apple Watch Get Hacked? Real Threats and How to Stay Safe

Your Apple Watch tracks your heart rate, monitors your sleep, handles payments, and mirrors notifications from your iPhone. It’s essentially a tiny computer strapped to your wrist—which raises an important question: can it be hacked?

The short answer is yes, but it’s uncommon. Apple regularly patches security vulnerabilities in watchOS, and the company has built strong protections into the device. However, like any connected technology, your Apple Watch isn’t entirely immune to security risks.

In this article, we’ll break down how an Apple Watch could be hacked, what real-world threats exist, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself with simple, practical steps.

What “Hacked” Means for Apple Watch

When we talk about hacking an Apple Watch, we’re referring to several different types of security breaches:

• Remote code execution: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in components like WebKit (which displays web content) or ImageIO (which processes images) to run malicious code on your watch.
• Proximity attacks: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi vulnerabilities could allow someone nearby to exploit your device, though these attacks are complex and rare.
• Ecosystem compromise: Your paired iPhone gets hacked first, and the threat spills over to your Apple Watch through synced data, notifications, or connected features.
• Physical misuse: If security features like wrist detection or passcode protection are disabled, someone who steals your watch could access certain data or attempt unauthorized Apple Pay transactions.

The good news? Apple actively monitors for these risks and releases regular security updates to patch vulnerabilities as they’re discovered.

How an Apple Watch Could Be Hacked

Apple Watch vulnerabilities are real—the company regularly patches security flaws in watchOS. Understanding how these exploits work helps you grasp why updates matter so much. Let’s look at the primary attack surfaces:

Web content rendering (WebKit)

When you tap a link in a notification or message on your Apple Watch, it uses WebKit to display that content. This seemingly simple action has proven to be a security concern.

Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Apple documented multiple WebKit vulnerabilities in watchOS 11 where maliciously crafted web content could exfiltrate data across different origins. These issues involved problems with cookie handling and iframe policy management—technical flaws that allowed risky web pages to access data they shouldn’t.

What this means: Even on your wrist, the links you click matter. If your watchOS isn’t updated, clicking a malicious link could expose your data.

Image processing (ImageIO)

This is one of the more concerning vulnerabilities discovered recently. In January 2025, Apple patched a critical flaw in watchOS 11.2 where processing a maliciously crafted image could lead to arbitrary code execution.

In plain English: a harmful image embedded in a text message or notification could potentially take control of your watch and run malicious code. This same type of vulnerability has affected iPhones in the past, and it shows that images aren’t as harmless as they seem.

The good news? Apple fixed this quickly once discovered, which is why staying current with updates is crucial.

Bluetooth & nearby radios

Your Apple Watch communicates constantly via Bluetooth—with your iPhone, headphones, and other accessories. While convenient, these wireless connections occasionally have security gaps.

Apple’s watchOS 10 security notes included Bluetooth proximity issues and out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. These are technical flaws that could theoretically allow someone nearby to exploit your device, though doing so requires significant technical skill and physical proximity to you.

Further watchOS 10 security updates also addressed kernel and data access issues, Maps location leakage, and other core system vulnerabilities—demonstrating that even foundational services need periodic security fixes.

Wi-Fi & network services

Your Apple Watch can connect to known Wi-Fi networks independently of your iPhone. Security bulletins for watchOS 11 show that networking components like mDNSResponder receive active patches, indicating this is a layer Apple continually monitors.

These patches aren’t just theoretical—they’re fixing real vulnerabilities that could be exploited if left unaddressed.

Your paired iPhone

This is the most significant risk vector, and it’s worth emphasizing: your Apple Watch is only as secure as your iPhone.

If your iPhone is compromised—for example, through sophisticated spyware like Pegasus that uses zero-click exploits—your Apple Watch becomes indirectly vulnerable. Since your watch mirrors notifications, syncs data, and interacts closely with your phone, any compromise on the iPhone side can spill over to your wrist.

Third-party apps

While Apple’s App Store review process reduces risk significantly, malicious or privacy-abusing apps occasionally slip through. Even reputable developers can have security flaws in their code.

A bigger concern is apps installed outside the App Store. If someone has physical access to your paired iPhone, they could sideload apps using configuration profiles—completely bypassing Apple’s review process. These sideloaded apps never face Apple’s security scrutiny and could have permissions to access your watch data, notifications, or other sensitive information.

Signs Your Apple Watch Might Be Hacked

How would you know if something’s wrong with your Apple Watch? Security issues don’t always announce themselves with flashing warning signs, but certain behaviors can indicate a problem worth investigating:

• Unusual prompts or pop-ups appearing when you open links from notifications.
• Unexpected crashes or reboots after viewing certain images or clicking links.
• Rapid battery drain that doesn’t match your normal usage patterns.
• Apple Pay prompts or notifications that don’t match your activity.
• Unknown apps or complications appearing on your watch face.
• Suspicious permissions granted to apps you don’t recognize.

Apple’s Built-In Security Features

Apple has designed several protective features into watchOS that significantly reduce your risk:

Wrist detection & auto-lock

Wrist detection automatically locks your Apple Watch when you take it off your wrist, and when the watch is locked, Apple Pay can only be used after entering your passcode. This prevents unauthorized access if your watch is stolen.

Passcode protection

Your Apple Watch requires a passcode to use Apple Pay when locked, but you should enable this feature even if you don’t use Apple Pay—it adds a critical layer of protection to all your data.

Activation Lock

Activation Lock, part of the Find My system, prevents anyone from using your Apple Watch if it’s lost or stolen. The watch remains tied to your Apple ID, making it worthless to thieves and resellers.

Regular security updates

Apple documents and releases security fixes for watchOS on a regular cycle. Installing these updates promptly is one of the most important things you can do.

How to Protect Your Apple Watch in 10 Minutes

Here are six simple steps you can take right now to lock down your Apple Watch:

1. Update watchOS and iOS immediately

Apple’s watchOS 26 security pages document critical fixes for remote code execution and privacy issues. Keeping both your watch and paired iPhone updated is your first line of defense.

How to update your Apple Watch:

1. Connect your Apple Watch to its charger.
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab.
3. Tap General > Software Update.
4. Download and install any available updates.

Fig 1. The Software Update screen on the Watch app. (Source: Apple)

2. Enable wrist detection and set a strong passcode

Wrist detection enforces lock state when your watch is off your wrist, and a passcode is required for Apple Pay on a locked watch.

How to enable wrist detection:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab.
2. Tap Passcode.
3. Toggle on Wrist Detection.
4. If you haven’t already, tap Turn Passcode On and choose a 6-digit code.

Fig 2. Wrist detection settings (Source: Apple)

3. Review installed apps and permissions

Keep only apps you actively use, remove anything unfamiliar, and only download apps from reputable developers.

How to review Apple Watch apps:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to see all installed watch apps.
3. Tap any app you don’t recognize or need.
4. Toggle off Show App on Apple Watch or tap Uninstall App.

Fig 3. The list of apps on Apple Watch. (Source: Apple)

4. Be cautious with links in notifications

Since WebKit issues have been patched multiple times in watchOS 11, it’s smart to avoid opening unknown or suspicious links directly on your Apple Watch. If a link seems questionable, don’t tap on it.

5. Harden your paired iPhone

Remember: your iPhone is your watch’s biggest vulnerability. Make sure your iPhone has:

• The latest iOS update installed.
• A strong Apple ID password with two-factor authentication enabled.
• No suspicious VPN profiles or configuration files.
• A reputable security app, such as Certo AntiSpy.

6. If you suspect compromise

If something feels seriously wrong and other troubleshooting hasn’t helped:

1. Unpair your Apple Watch (this wipes the watch clean).
2. Update watchOS and iOS to the latest versions.
3. Re-pair the watch with your iPhone.
4. Restore from a known-good backup—or set up as new if you’re uncertain about your backups.

Wrapping Up

Your Apple Watch is protected by strong security features, regular updates, and Apple’s careful ecosystem management. But like any smart device, it’s not invincible.

The reality is that you’re far more likely to encounter phishing attempts or risks from outdated software than sophisticated malware designed specifically for watchOS. By keeping your software updated, enabling wrist detection and passcode protection, being careful with links, and maintaining a minimal app footprint, you keep your risk extremely low.

Remember: your iPhone is the key to your Apple Watch’s security. Keeping your paired iPhone secure—with regular updates, strong authentication, and vigilant monitoring—directly protects everything on your wrist.

If you’re concerned about spyware or stalkerware on your iPhone, Certo AntiSpy can scan your device for threats and help you remove them quickly.

FAQs

Can someone hack my Apple Watch through a text message?

Potentially, yes—but only through content embedded in the message. Apple has shipped fixes in watchOS 11.2 addressing ImageIO issues where malicious images could trigger code execution. WebKit vulnerabilities have also been patched in watchOS 11. The key defense is keeping your watchOS updated so these known vulnerabilities are closed.

Is Apple Pay on my watch safe if it’s stolen?

Yes, if you have wrist detection and a passcode enabled. When your Apple Watch is locked, Apple Pay requires the passcode to work. Additionally, Activation Lock ties the device to your Apple ID, preventing anyone else from using it even after a factory reset.

Do I need antivirus software on my Apple Watch?

No traditional antivirus exists for watchOS. Security comes from Apple’s ecosystem approach: regular updates, app sandboxing, App Store review, and good security hygiene (keeping apps minimal, staying cautious with links). Focus on keeping watchOS and iOS updated rather than looking for third-party antivirus.

What about Pegasus and other sophisticated spyware?

Pegasus is a highly sophisticated spyware tool primarily targeting iPhones using zero-click vectors like iMessage and ImageIO exploits. There’s no broad evidence of Pegasus directly targeting watchOS, but since your Apple Watch mirrors data from your iPhone, keeping your iPhone fully patched and treating Apple threat notifications seriously is critical for overall protection.

How often should I update my Apple Watch?

As soon as updates become available. Apple releases security patches regularly, and installing them promptly closes known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if you want your watch to stay current without manual checking.

Can public Wi-Fi networks compromise my Apple Watch?

Your Apple Watch can join known Wi-Fi networks, which means insecure public networks pose some risk. However, your watch typically relies on your iPhone for connectivity. The bigger concern is your iPhone connecting to risky networks. Use caution on public Wi-Fi, and consider using a VPN on your iPhone for added protection.