Notification Sounds on BOTH Apple Watch and iPhone

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Level 4

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Notification Sounds on BOTH Apple Watch and iPhone

I've not been able to arrange the settings on my Apple Watch and/or iPhone 11 so that I get notification sounds on both devices. If my iPhone is unlocked, I get the sounds on it. But if it's locked (which, let's face it, is the majority of the time) I don't get anything on my iPhone, and instead get notifications on my watch. If I take my watch off, I get notification sounds on my phone even when the phone is locked.

Is this as designed? Is there a way to change things so that I get audible alerts on BOTH devices?

Posted on Oct 23, 2020 11:44 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 23, 2020 11:47 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Yes, it's by design. When wearing Apple Watch, it is dominant and alerts come to the watch, not the phone. The logic of course is your watch is strapped to your wrist. It is the constant where notifications would be most appreciated. And the people around you appreciate your not ringing on two devices at the same time.

This link provides more detail --> Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 23, 2020 12:00 PM in response to MacMikeInOK

You can provide feedback to Apple via this link -- > https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

Personally, I find using Haptic Touch, NOT notification sounds ensures I'm well aware of a notification coming in. You can set the haptic touch to be VERY noticeable. And the advantage of a strong haptic touch is NO ONE is aware I'm getting a notification except me.

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Answer 3

MacMikeInOK Author

Level 4

3,722 points

Oct 23, 2020 11:55 AM in response to lobsterghost1

While I completely understand the logic of this design, I'd still prefer sounds on both devices. My main rationale is that the sounds on my Apple Watch are VERY difficult to hear, so I'll miss text messages and/or notifications sometimes, as my phone resides in my pocket, locked, most of the time. Because notifications aren't persistent on Apple Watch, by the time I look at it, sometimes the notifications are gone. (Yes...I know the red dot appears on top when I have emails/messages, etc.).

But thanks for letting me know things are working as designed, Lobster!

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Answer 4

MacMikeInOK Author

Level 4

3,722 points

Oct 23, 2020 12:29 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Again, thanks Lobster.

So I thought I’d try changing the haptic alert from Default to Prominent, and see if eliminates most missed messages. If that doesn’t work, I’ll ask Apple to add a Face Slap option. 😁

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Answer 5

javaliga

Level 10

120,179 points

Oct 23, 2020 11:48 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Yes, this is how it is designed to work. Notifications go to either your Apple Watch or iPhone, but not both. If your iPhone is unlocked, you'll get notifications on your iPhone, instead of your Apple Watch. If your iPhone is locked or asleep, you'll get notifications on your Apple Watch, unless your Apple Watch is locked with your passcode. For more info, see:

Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Answer 6

Oct 23, 2020 12:34 PM in response to MacMikeInOK

LOL. Face Slap Option is a hoot!! I think you'll find you can't miss a prominent haptic touch.

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Notification Sounds on BOTH Apple Watch and iPhone

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