Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions about the app. If you're looking for more in-depth help, including video tutorials, be sure to explore the comprehensive Help & Tips section available in the Watch to 5K iPhone companion app.
If your question isn't covered here, feel free to reach out using the contact form below.
The Watch To 5K program follows the plan outlined by the NHS (National Health Sercvice UK). You can see a full breakdown of the program - here.
The app requires watchOS 7.0 or later. All watches from Series 3 onwards support watchOS 7+.
No, the application does not require an active cellular connection and will run on Apple Watches without a cellular chip.
The application usually automatically installs on your watch when you buy it from the AppStore on
your phone.
To manually install the app on your watch launch the "Watch" app on your iPhone (Apples own
Watch app) you should see "Watch to 5K" appear towards the bottom of the screen in the Available
Apps list. Tap install and it should begin installing the application on your watch.
If after following these steps the application fails to install on your watch, please try
restarting your iPhone and Watch and repeating the process.
Once you've completed the 5K plan and can comfortably run for 30 minutes nonstop, you can focus on increasing your distance or working on your speed.
Watch to 5K includes an Open Run mode, allowing you to track runs of any length.
If you're ready for the next challenge, a 5 to 10K expansion plan is available for purchase within the iPhone companion app at a low, one-time cost.
No, the application will run independently on your watch without the need for your iPhone.
Yes the app can be used indoors on a treadmill. The activity will be recorded as an indoor run and distance will be estimated based on sensors in the watch. Calories and Heart Rate will be accurately recorded.
One you install the app follow the following steps:
Select a run, then tap the settings button in the top right of the run overview screen. Finally toggle off 'Outdoor run'.
All future runs will now be treated as indoor runs.
Confirm your Bluetooth headphones (such as AirPods) are connected to your watch rather than your iPhone.
On your watch go to Settings → Bluetooth and make sure your Bluetooth headphones show in the list as connected.
After you have connected your headphones launch the WatchTo5k app again and you should hear audio prompts during your workout.
Additional details on how to connect your headphones to your watch can be found in the Help & Tips tab in the Watch to 5K iPhone companion app.
Apple also provide estensive details on how to connect your headphones to your watch can be found here:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204218
As the program focuses on building you up to running 5K the watch app always display
distance in kilometres. You can see completed runs in miles or km in the Watch to 5K iPhone companion app.
To switch between miles and kilometers open Watch to 5K on your iPhone and select a completed run. Then tap the settings menu in the top right and tap Switch to mile/kilometers.
You can also quickly toggle the metrics by tapping the distance or pace tile.
Yes! Go to the Progress tab, select the settings menu in the rop right and select Restart Plan.
After you have completed a run your workout activity will automatically be stored on in Apple
Health. You can view your workouts on the Apple "Fitness" app on your iPhone.
For each run, an Outdoor Run workout will be visible with details such as time, distance heart
rate and map (if you granted location permissions to the Watch App). If you have the warmup and
cooldown walks enabled on the app a separate Outdoor Walk workout will be recorded for each.
Warmup and cooldown activities are recorded as separate entries as they are unlikely to change
as your progress through the program. The actual main program is recorded as one single run
workout entry which includes all the run and walk segments.
As you progress through the program you start doing more and more run segments and towards the
end of the program sessions just consist of running. By keeping the warmup and cooldown separate
you can easily compare your progress over time and look at your distance, average speed and
heart rate (without the warmup and cooldown walks skewing the data).
Make sure you do not have any other health/activity app running on the watch when you use Watch
To 5K. The watch can only have one fitness application running at once.
WatchTo5K will automatically record and store relevant workout activity while you run. This data
will contribute to your Apple fitness rings.
Please confirm that permissions have been granted to the application. To check this on your
watch go to
Settings > Health > Apps > Watch to 5K. On this screen ensure all the toggles are on (green).
Watch to 5K a single low one off cost rather than using a subscription model which most other running apps use. We feel a single low upfront cost is the best value for you and keeps everything nice and simple.
Sorry to hear that the app isn’t providing enough value for you! Please contact us below to see
if we can help.
If you are still unhappy with the app it should be possible to request a refund from Apple via
the App Store.
Details here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204084
For more detailed assistance, including video tutorials, check out the comprehensive Help & Tips section in the Watch to 5K iPhone companion app.
If you still have questions or want to share your awesome ideas for new features, feel free to use the form below to get in touch.