Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation, 2024). The Apple Watch SE offers core features to support motivation, activity tracking, health monitoring, and safety. It features an LTPO OLED Retina display with up to 1000 nits brightness, irregular rhythm notifications, low cardio fitness notifications, sleep tracking, and the Vitals app for heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration. Safety features include Fall Detection and Crash Detection. The device is water resistant up to 50 meters and provides up to 18 hours of battery life under normal use.
What's in the Box
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation, 2024) - GPS Only
- Band (Midnight Sport Band S/M)
- 1m Magnetic Charging Cable

Image: The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) with its Midnight Aluminum Case and Midnight Sport Band. This image displays the complete product as it appears out of the box.
Setup
1. Charging the Apple Watch
Before initial use, ensure your Apple Watch is fully charged. Connect the magnetic charging cable to the back of the watch and plug the USB-C end into a compatible power adapter (sold separately) or a USB-C port on a computer. The watch will display a charging indicator.
2. Attaching the Band
Slide the band into the slots on the Apple Watch until you hear a click. Ensure both ends of the band are securely attached. To remove, press the band release buttons on the back of the watch and slide the band out.

Image: A detailed view of the Apple Watch SE, highlighting the mechanism for attaching and detaching the sport band.
3. Pairing with iPhone
The Apple Watch SE requires an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17 or later for full functionality. To pair:
- Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Bring your iPhone near your Apple Watch. A pairing screen will appear on your iPhone. Tap "Continue".
- Position your iPhone so that the Apple Watch appears in the viewfinder on your iPhone's screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices to complete the pairing process, including setting up a passcode and choosing preferences.
Operating Instructions
Digital Crown and Side Button
The Apple Watch SE features two primary physical controls:
- Digital Crown: Rotate to scroll, zoom, or adjust values. Press once to go to the watch face or Home Screen. Double-press to switch between the last two apps. Press and hold to activate Siri.
- Side Button: Press once to open the Dock (recently used apps). Double-press to use Apple Pay. Press and hold to access power options, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS.

Image: A close-up of the side of the Apple Watch SE, illustrating the Digital Crown and the Side Button, which are key for navigation and control.
Touch Gestures
- Tap: Select items or open apps.
- Swipe: Navigate through screens, notifications, or Glances.
- Press and Hold: Access additional options or customize watch faces.
Health and Safety Features
The Apple Watch SE is equipped with features designed to monitor your health and enhance your safety:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Receive notifications for irregular heart rhythms, unusually high, or low heart rates.
- Vitals App: Track heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration for a comprehensive overview of your health.
- Sleep Tracking: Monitor your sleep patterns to help improve your overall well-being.
- Fall Detection: If a hard fall is detected, your watch can automatically call emergency services unless you indicate you are okay.
- Crash Detection: In the event of a severe car crash, the watch can automatically connect you with emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.
- Emergency SOS: Press and hold the side button to quickly call emergency services.
- Check In: Automatically notify loved ones when you arrive safely at your destination.

Image: The Apple Watch SE screen showing various health metrics, including heart rate and activity rings, demonstrating its health monitoring capabilities.
Fitness Features
The Apple Watch SE serves as a robust fitness companion:
- Workout App: Offers a variety of workout types and provides advanced metrics for detailed insights into your performance.
- Activity Rings: Track your daily movement, exercise, and standing goals to encourage an active lifestyle.
- Apple Fitness+: Access a wide range of guided workouts and meditations (subscription may be required after initial trial).
Connectivity
Stay connected with your Apple Watch SE:
- Communication: Send texts, make calls, listen to music and podcasts directly from your watch when connected to your iPhone or Wi-Fi.
- Siri: Use voice commands for various tasks and information retrieval.
- Apple Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly works with your Apple devices and services. Unlock your Mac automatically, find your devices, and use Apple Pay for secure transactions.
- GPS: Built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor workouts and navigation.
Customization
Personalize your Apple Watch SE to match your style:
- Watch Bands: Easily change watch bands to suit your mood, activity, or outfit. The Midnight Sport Band is included, and many other styles and materials are available separately.
- Watch Faces: Customize watch faces with various complications, colors, and designs to display information relevant to you.

Image: The Apple Watch SE with its Midnight Sport Band, showcasing the sleek design and the ease with which bands can be interchanged for customization.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Apple Watch SE:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your Apple Watch and band with a soft, lint-free cloth. If necessary, slightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. Avoid using soaps, cleaning products, abrasive materials, or compressed air.
- Water Resistance: The Apple Watch SE has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means it can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. It should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and may diminish over time.
- Battery Care: For optimal battery health, avoid extreme temperatures. Charge your watch regularly, but it is not necessary to fully discharge it before recharging.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Apple Watch SE, consider the following common solutions:
- Watch Not Responding: Force restart your watch by holding down both the Digital Crown and the side button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
- Pairing Issues: Ensure your iPhone's Bluetooth is enabled and both devices are charged. Try restarting both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Battery Draining Quickly: Check for apps running in the background. Reduce screen brightness, disable unnecessary notifications, and ensure watchOS is up to date. Normal battery life is up to 18 hours.
- Connectivity Problems: Verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections on your iPhone. Ensure your watch is within range of your iPhone or a known Wi-Fi network.
For more detailed troubleshooting or persistent issues, refer to Apple's official support website or contact Apple Support.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MXE73LL/A |
| Display | LTPO OLED Retina, up to 1000 nits brightness |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Case Material | Aluminum (Midnight) |
| Band | Midnight Sport Band S/M (fits 130-180mm wrists) |
| Connectivity | GPS, Wi-Fi (802.11n), Bluetooth |
| Water Resistance | 50m (ISO standard 22810:2010) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (normal use) |
| Operating System | watchOS (compatible with iPhone Xs or later with iOS 17 or later) |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB |
| Item Weight | 4.3 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 7.7 x 3 inches (packaging) |
| First Available | January 15, 2025 |
Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage, technical support, and service options for your Apple Watch SE, please visit the official Apple Support website. Apple provides comprehensive resources, including user guides, troubleshooting articles, and contact information for direct assistance.
Apple is committed to environmental responsibility. The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is carbon neutral when paired with select bands. More information on Apple's environmental initiatives can be found on their official website.
Official Support Link: support.apple.com/watch





