How to Fix an Apple Watch That's Not Getting Notifications

If your Apple Watch isn't receiving any notifications, it's likely not a permanent problem. Here's how to get notifications working correctly on your Apple Watch again.

Why Is My Apple Watch Not Receiving Notifications?

When your Apple Watch stops receiving notifications, it's usually because it lost connection with your iPhone. When the two devices disconnect, your notifications don't go to your Apple Watch from the iPhone. There are also numerous settings that disable notifications by default.

How to Fix It When an Apple Watch Won't Receive Notifications 

If your Apple Watch doesn't receive any notifications, there are some things you can do to check where the issue lies.

1. Reboot your Apple Watch. Like most tech gadgets, switching your Apple Watch off and back on again can fix a lot of issues. 

2. Re-pair your Apple Watch. Look on your Apple Watch for a red iPhone icon or a red X icon. If either is present, it means the connection has been lost, and you may need to move the devices closer to each other or re-pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.

3. Check your Apple Watch notification settings. Check that your Apple Watch and iPhone are set up to share notifications. 

   If your Apple Watch isn't vibrating when you get notifications, check your notification settings and the individual app settings to make sure they are set to receive notifications with haptic feedback. 

4. Make sure you're wearing your Apple Watch correctly. You'll only receive notifications if your Apple Watch is on your wrist. 

5. Turn off Wrist Detection. If you're wearing your Apple Watch but it doesn't detect it, switch off wrist detection to circumvent the sensor. Go to Settings > Passcode > Wrist Detection to turn it Off.

6. Turn off Do Not Disturb. If Do Not Disturb is active on your Apple Watch, you won't receive notifications.

7. Turn off Cover to Mute. Similar to the Apple Watch's Do Not Disturb mode, Cover to Mute silences notifications. In the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Sounds & Haptics to turn off Cover to Mute.
   

8. Turn off AirPlane mode. You might not receive notifications while in Airplane mode.

9. Update your Apple Watch and iPhone. Sometimes, both devices need an update to work properly again.

10. Contact Apple Support. If you've tried all these fixes and your Apple Watch still won't receive notifications, you may need to have it repaired by Apple. Get in touch with Apple Support for more advice.