As an Apple Watch user, receiving notifications on your wrist is one of the most convenient features of this smart device. However, it can be frustrating when your Apple Watch is not getting notifications as it should. Don’t worry, though, because in this article, I will guide you through various troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue and get your notifications working again.
Important Things You Need to Know About How Notifications Work on Apple Watch
Before we delve into the solutions, it’s important to understand how notifications work on your Apple Watch. When you receive a notification on your iPhone, it is automatically mirrored to your Apple Watch, unless you have customized the settings to limit certain app notifications. The notifications appear on your watch face, and you can view them by raising your wrist or tapping the screen.
To interact with a notification, simply tap on it. You can dismiss a notification by swiping it to the left, or clear all notifications by force touching the screen and selecting “Clear All”. Additionally, you can customize the notifications on your Apple Watch by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and adjusting the settings for each individual app.
Ways to Fix ‘Apple Watch Not Getting Notifications’ Issue
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s explore some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue of your Apple Watch not receiving notifications.
Ensure That You Have Perfectly Customized Your Apple Watch Notifications
The first step is to ensure that you have customized your Apple Watch notifications according to your preferences. To do this, open the Watch app on your iPhone and select “Notifications”. Here, you will see a list of all the installed apps on your Apple Watch. Tap on each app and configure the notification settings as desired. Make sure that the “Mirror iPhone alerts” option is enabled for the apps you want to receive notifications from.
Check Your Connection
Sometimes, the issue of not receiving notifications on your Apple Watch can be due to connectivity problems. Ensure that your Apple Watch is properly connected to your iPhone. You can check the connection status by swiping up on your Apple Watch screen to access the Control Center. If the connection icon is not green, it means that your Apple Watch is not connected to your iPhone. To fix this, make sure that your iPhone is nearby and both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or paired via Bluetooth.
Make Sure You Have Allowed Apps to Send Notifications
Another reason why your Apple Watch may not be receiving notifications is that you have disabled notifications for certain apps. To check this, go to the Watch app on your iPhone and select “Notifications”. Scroll down to the “Include” section and ensure that the apps you want to receive notifications from are listed here. If an app is not listed, tap on “Customize” and add it to the list.
Turn OFF/ON Bluetooth on Your iPhone and Apple Watch
Sometimes, toggling the Bluetooth connection between your iPhone and Apple Watch can help resolve the issue of not getting notifications. On your iPhone, open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and tap on the Bluetooth icon to turn it off. Similarly, on your Apple Watch, swipe up on the screen to access the Control Center and tap on the Bluetooth icon to turn it off. Wait for a few seconds, and then turn Bluetooth back on for both devices.
Make Sure Do Not Disturb Mode is Disabled
If your Apple Watch is in Do Not Disturb mode, it will not receive any notifications. To check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, swipe up on your Apple Watch screen to access the Control Center. If the crescent moon icon is highlighted, it means that Do Not Disturb mode is turned on. To disable it, simply tap on the crescent moon icon.
Force Restart/Hard Reset Your Apple Watch
Performing a force restart or hard reset on your Apple Watch can also help resolve the issue of not receiving notifications. To do this, press and hold the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release both buttons and wait for your Apple Watch to restart.
Update Apps on Your Apple Watch
Outdated apps can sometimes cause issues with notifications on your Apple Watch. To ensure that your apps are up to date, open the App Store on your iPhone and go to the “Updates” tab. If there are any pending updates for your installed apps, tap on “Update All” to install them. Once the updates are installed, check if the notifications are working on your Apple Watch.
Delete the Problematic Apps and Reinstall Them
If you are still facing issues with notifications on your Apple Watch, it’s possible that a specific app is causing the problem. To troubleshoot this, delete the problematic app from your Apple Watch and then reinstall it. To delete an app, press and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling, then tap on the “x” button. Confirm the deletion and go to the App Store to reinstall the app.
Update Your Apple Watch
Keeping your Apple Watch up to date with the latest software is crucial for optimal performance and bug fixes. To update your Apple Watch, ensure that it is connected to Wi-Fi and placed on its charger. On your iPhone, open the Watch app and go to “General” > “Software Update”. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install” to update your Apple Watch. Once the update is complete, check if the notifications are working properly.
Last Resort: Erase Your Apple Watch and Re-Pair It With Your iPhone
If all else fails, you can try erasing your Apple Watch and re-pairing it with your iPhone. This will reset all settings and data on your Apple Watch, so make sure to backup any important information beforehand. To erase your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to “General” > “Reset” > “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings”. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once your Apple Watch is erased, you can pair it with your iPhone again and set it up as a new device.
