watchOS 7: How to use Apple Watch’s new handwashing feature

In watchOS 7 for Apple Watch, Apple introduced handwash detection, which helps users wash their hands properly to keep viruses and bacteria at bay.

Handwashing is one of the most important protections against disease and preventing the spread of germs. But only if you do it correctly, and most people don’t. A study highlighted by Apple showed that up to 95 percent of us wash too quickly, use water but not soap, or simply don’t wash at all.

To increase the chances of proper handwashing, your ‌Apple Watch‌ may display a countdown to help you wash your hands for 20 seconds, which is the recommended duration, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The countdown will transmit haptic feedback when it starts and ends, so you don’t even need to interact or look at your pleApple Watch‌ to use it.

Also, the handwash timer will automatically appear on your wrist every time you start washing your hands. This is because ‌watchOS 7‌ can recognize when you rub your hands together and hear the sound that comes with using soap and running water.

Here’s how to enable the Handwash function in ‌Apple Watch‌ by running ‌watchOS 7‌ or later.

1. Throw the Configurations application on your pleApple Watch‌.
2. Scroll down and tap Handwashing.
3. Move the switch next to Hand wash timer to the green ON position.
4. Do the same on the switch next to Handwash reminders, If desired. (When enabled, you will be notified if you haven’t washed your hands within minutes of coming home.)
   

How to View Handwash Statistics on iPhone

1. Throw the Health application on your ‌iPhone‌.
2. Tap on the Glance tongue.
3. Search for Handwashing using the search field.
4. Tap on the Handwashing Outcome.
   

Use the tabs above the chart to view your handwashing history for the day, week, month, or year.