For the most reliable tuning experience, adjust these Apple Watch settings. You can change them on the watch itself or in the Watch app on your iPhone.
1
Wake Duration — set to 70 seconds
Settings → Display & Brightness → Wake Duration → Wake for 70 seconds
This is the maximum time the screen stays bright after you raise your wrist or tap the display. The default 15 seconds is too short for tuning — bumping this to 70 makes the biggest single difference.
2
Wrist Flick — turn off
Settings → Gestures → Wrist Flick → Off
This is a big one. Wrist Flick lets you dismiss alerts and apps with a flick of the wrist — which means a single accidental flick will close StrobeTuner mid‑session. Turning it off prevents the tuner from being dismissed unintentionally.
3
Return to Clock — After 2 minutes
Settings → General → Return to Clock → Custom → After 2 minutes
By default your watch returns to the watch face after 2 minutes, closing StrobeTuner. We recommend leaving this at the 2‑minute default — long enough for a tuning session, short enough that the watch behaves normally otherwise. If you've previously changed it, double‑check it here. You can go as high as After 1 hour if you want longer uninterrupted sessions.
4
Always On Display — your call
Settings → Display & Brightness → Always On
If enabled, you'll see a dimmed version of the tuner when your wrist is down. The strobe animation won't run smoothly in this dimmed state — that's a watchOS limitation, not a bug. Some prefer it on for a quick glance; others prefer it off for cleaner battery use. Either works.
Frequently Asked Questions
My iPhone screen keeps going dark while I'm tuning. How do I fix it?
That's iOS Auto-Lock turning the screen off automatically. You can extend it or disable it entirely in Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock. Options range from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes, or Never to keep the screen on indefinitely while tuning or using your phone.
Does StrobeTuner work on Apple Watch?
Yes. StrobeTuner includes a full Apple Watch app that uses the watch's built-in microphone. Tune right from your wrist — no phone needed.
How do I install the Apple Watch app?
The watch app installs alongside the iPhone app. If it doesn't appear on your watch automatically, open the Watch app on your iPhone, scroll down to the list of available apps under "Available Apps," find StrobeTuner, and tap Install. You can also enable "Automatic App Install" in the Watch app's General settings so future updates install on their own. Once installed, launch StrobeTuner from your watch's app grid and grant microphone access the first time you open it.
Is there an Apple Watch complication or widget?
Yes. StrobeTuner includes an Apple Watch complication you can add to your watch face for one-tap access to the tuner. To add it, long-press your watch face, tap Edit, swipe to the Complications screen, tap a slot, and choose StrobeTuner from the list — look for the waveform icon .
Does StrobeTuner work on iPad?
Yes. StrobeTuner runs natively on iPad and uses the iPad's built-in microphone. The larger display makes the strobe pattern especially easy to read at a glance — great for music stands, lessons, and studio use.
Does StrobeTuner need an internet connection?
No. StrobeTuner works completely offline. All audio processing happens on-device in real time.
Is my data private?
StrobeTuner does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. Microphone audio is processed in real time on your device and is never recorded or saved. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Can I change the reference pitch (A4)?
Yes. StrobeTuner lets you adjust the reference frequency from the default A4 = 440 Hz to suit your needs. The reference pitch can only be changed in the iPhone app, not on the watch — but once you update it, the change is reflected on the Apple Watch automatically.
What instruments does StrobeTuner work with?
StrobeTuner is a chromatic tuner that works with any pitched instrument — guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, cello, brass, woodwinds, and more. If it produces a pitch, StrobeTuner can tune it.
How does a strobe tuner differ from a regular tuner?
A strobe tuner shows pitch as a moving pattern rather than a simple needle. When the pattern stops moving, you're in tune. This gives you much finer accuracy than a standard tuner — you can see even tiny pitch deviations in real time.