TellDone on Apple Watch
The TellDone Apple Watch app lets you record voice notes directly from your wrist. Your recordings become notes, tasks, and events, just like on iPhone.
The Watch app is recording only. It does not display notes, tasks, events, or reports.
Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later. The TellDone Record control in Control Center requires watchOS 26 or later. Double Tap requires Series 9 or later, or Ultra 2 or later.
Getting started
- Install TellDone on your Apple Watch from the App Store
- Make sure you are signed in on your iPhone - your account syncs automatically to the Watch
- Open TellDone on the Watch and tap the microphone button to record
The first time you open the Watch app, it shows "Open TellDone on iPhone" until your account syncs. Once synced, the Watch works independently.
Your first voice recording unlocks your Pro gift, whether you record on your Apple Watch or your iPhone.
Ways to record
You have 6 ways to start a recording:
| Method | How | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In-app button | Open TellDone, tap the mic button | Any Apple Watch |
| Watch Face complication | Tap the TellDone icon on your watch face | Any Apple Watch |
| Double Tap | Pinch index finger and thumb twice | Series 9 or later, or Ultra 2 or later |
| Control Center | Press the side button to open Control Center and tap TellDone Record. The first time, add it with Add a Control. | watchOS 26 or later |
| Action Button | Press the Action Button | Ultra models (watchOS 26 or later) |
| Siri | Say "Record in TellDone" | Any Apple Watch |
To stop, tap the button again or use Double Tap.
Tap the ? button in the top-left corner of the Watch app to see setup instructions for each recording method. On your iPhone, Settings > Apple Watch Setup helps you set up quick access to recording.
Adding the complication
To add TellDone to your watch face:
- Touch and hold your watch face
- Tap Edit
- Swipe to the complications section
- Tap a slot and select TellDone
Now tap the complication to open TellDone and start recording.
During recording
- A red timer shows the recording duration
- A small audio waveform shows your voice level
- About 20 seconds before you reach your plan's recording limit, a red warning shows the remaining time
- Recording continues when you lower your wrist. watchOS stops each session after about 10 minutes; on Pro and up, TellDone asks if you want to continue (see Long recordings below).
- Tap the button again (or Double Tap) to stop
After recording
Recordings are uploaded automatically:
- Direct upload - the Watch uploads directly to the server via Wi-Fi or cellular
- iPhone relay - if the Watch can't reach the server, it transfers the file to your iPhone via Bluetooth, and the iPhone uploads it
You'll feel a haptic tap when the upload succeeds. If an upload fails, the Watch tries again every 60 seconds. The bottom of the screen shows how many recordings are waiting.
Recording limits
The Watch follows your plan's recording limit, up to 60 minutes:
| Plan | Max recording |
|---|---|
| Free | 5 minutes |
| Basic | 10 minutes |
| Pro | 60 minutes |
| Ultra | 60 minutes |
On Ultra, use your iPhone for recordings longer than 60 minutes.
Limits sync from your iPhone. When you reach your plan's limit, the Watch shows Plan limit with a Finish button.
watchOS limits each recording session to about 10 minutes in the background. For Free and Basic plans, this has no effect since their recording limits are 5 and 10 minutes.
On Pro and up, TellDone uses chained recording to go beyond 10 minutes. About 20 seconds before each 10-minute session ends, the Watch vibrates and shows Recording ending with a countdown, Continue and Finish - tap Continue to extend the recording for another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 60 minutes total (6 sessions). After 60 minutes, use your iPhone for the rest.
If you miss the prompt and the session stops, the Watch asks Continue recording? - tap Continue recording to keep going, or Finish to save what you have.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Open TellDone on iPhone" | Open TellDone on your iPhone and make sure you're signed in. Your account syncs automatically. |
| "Microphone access denied" | Allow TellDone to use the microphone in your watch settings. |
| "Too short", "No speech detected" or "Empty recording" | Record for at least 2 seconds and speak clearly |
| Recordings stuck as "pending" | Make sure your Watch has internet access (Wi-Fi or cellular) or is near your iPhone |
| Recording stops unexpectedly | watchOS limits each session to about 10 minutes. On Pro and up, tap Continue at the prompt to chain sessions up to 60 minutes. For anything longer, use your iPhone. |
See also
- Recording voice notes - recording tips, modes, and limits
- Siri and Shortcuts - more hands-free recording options
- Download and install - getting TellDone on all your devices