Wear OS complications: customize your watch face data

A complication is a small data field on a watch face: a date, weather reading or activity value. The face supplies the slot; a provider supplies its data. Tiles are separate screens, not these fields.

WatchFaceKit · Updated 20 September 2026

Choose a slot and provider

  1. Touch and hold the active face, then choose Edit or Customize.
  2. Find the complications settings and select a slot. Choose a provider offered for that slot.
  3. Save and return to the face. Start with a simple date field to check that the slot works.

Why a provider is missing

Slots accept particular data types and layouts. A provider that works in a large text field may not appear for a small icon slot. Check that the provider app is installed on the watch and supports that field; changing the face cannot create unavailable data.

Empty or outdated data

Open the provider on the watch and complete its setup. Review requested permissions, connectivity and account sign-in where relevant. Weather and fitness providers have different refresh schedules; a watch face does not guarantee a live reading every second.

Colors, shortcuts and data are different

A color option changes appearance. A shortcut opens an app. A complication displays information. A tap target may open an app without showing its live data, so read the developer’s description before buying for a specific metric.

Setting up Domestique

Our upcoming Wear OS Domestique has eight configurable complication slots. Steps and notifications are the defaults for two slots; the other six need your provider choices. The native battery display is separate. Its Garmin counterpart does not establish which health providers will be available on your Wear OS watch.

Sources and further help

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