Why can't I see notifications on Apple Watch while running?

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Level 1

12 points

Why can't I see notifications on Apple Watch while running?

New to Apple Watch (Series 6) and my text notifications work fine -- until I go for a run. I start the workout app, which hands off to iSmoothRun when I start that on my iPhone. I run, and at some point hear the sound of incoming text notifications, but when I raise my wrist, nothing is there. Swiping down does nothing. I switched from a Fitbit where I could see the texts but not respond. Now I CAN respond - if only I could see see them! I do have notifications turn ON, and Do Not Disturb is turned OFF. After my workout, everything works fine again. Has anyone had this issue and resolved it? Thanks!

Posted on May 9, 2021 9:48 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Erica_S1

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 10:00 AM in response to JPAuthor

John,

Thanks for sharing those details.

To clarify, is your iPhone unlocked in the waist belt? If so, it would be expected for the notifications not to show up on your Apple Watch, as they will only deliver to either device but not both. Learn more here: Notifications on your Apple Watch

If the issue persists with the iPhone locked, reach out for additional assistance here: Get Support

Take care.

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Answer 2

Erica_S1

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 9:20 AM in response to JPAuthor

John,

Thanks for that additional information.

To confirm, when you raise your wrist, the Apple Watch turns on as expected, but doesn't show the notification. Is that correct?

If so, double check that Workout Do Not Disturb is not enabled: Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch

Also, restart your Apple Watch, and test for the issue again.

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Randy-12

Level 7

20,169 points

May 31, 2021 12:36 PM in response to JPAuthor

I think it is the app you're using.

Try removing the app from your watch (from your iPhone>Watch>Installed on Apple Watch>iSmoothRun>toggle off)

and use the stock Apple Workout App and see what happens.

If it works as you expect it then it is the app iSmoothRun that is the issue.

If not then if I was you I'd contact Apple directly by clicking the link top right of the screen "Get Support"

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Answer 4

Erica_S1

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 9:35 AM in response to JPAuthor

John,

We appreciate you confirming that for us.

Do you notice the same issue when completing a workout only within the Workout app and without using iSmooth?

If this only happens when using this specific third-party app, try reaching out to the app developer: How to contact an app developer

Cheers!

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Answer 5

JPAuthor Author

Level 1

12 points

May 10, 2021 10:06 AM in response to Erica_S1

Ah... maybe that's the issue. While iSmoothRun is in an activity, the phone does not sleep. The app keeps it active. So, I can't even swipe down if that's the case? I suppose I can press the side button to turn off the screen while I'm running. I think the app still works. I'll try that next run. Thanks.

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Answer 6

Erica_S1

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 8:54 AM in response to JPAuthor

Hi there JPAuthor,

We understand you aren't seeing your notifications within the Workout app, and we'd like to see if we can assist.

Get started with the information below from See and respond to notifications on Apple Watch:

"See notifications you haven’t responded to

If you don’t respond to a notification when it arrives, it’s saved in Notification Center. A red dot at the top of your watch face shows you have an unread notification. To view it, follow these steps:

From the watch face, swipe down to open Notification Center. From other screens, touch and hold the top of the screen, then swipe down.

Note: You can’t open Notification Center when viewing the Home Screen on your Apple Watch. Instead, press the Digital Crown to go to the watch face or open an app, then open Notification Center.

2. Swipe up or down or turn the Digital Crown to scroll the notifications list.

3. Tap the notification to read or respond to it.

To clear a notification from Notification Center without reading it, swipe it to the left, then tap X. To clear all notifications, scroll to the top of the screen, then tap Clear All.

If you use group notifications, tap a group to open it, then tap a notification.

Tip: To keep the red dot from appearing on the watch face, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, tap Notifications, then turn off Notifications Indicator."

We hope this helps.

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Answer 7

May 31, 2021 12:16 PM in response to JPAuthor

Hi there, I believe that the notifications setting is turned off by default when you are working out in order to not distract you during your workout. This can be turned off in settings within your apple watch app on the iphone. I hope that this information that I have provided you with today is helpful.

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Answer 8

JPAuthor Author

Level 1

12 points

May 10, 2021 9:12 AM in response to Erica_S1

This is a generic response that doesn't address the specific issue. I hear the notification sound while running (an incoming text message unrelated to the activity/workout/run, e.g., a text from my wife) and raise my wrist. I should see the notification on the watch face. I do not. I swipe down from the top of the watch face: nothing happens. I'm in the middle of a run, so I don't want to stop to exit the workout app, push the crown button or remove my phone from the holder.

I don't understand why I don't see the notification when I raise my wrist and can't access it by swiping down from the top. When I get home, end the workout, etc., I can then view the notifications by swiping down. I don't know why I don't see them when they arrive and can't swipe down to view them.

Thanks...

-John

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Answer 9

JPAuthor Author

Level 1

12 points

May 10, 2021 9:29 AM in response to Erica_S1

Correct. I see the Apple Workout App or my iSmooth app screens when I raise my wrist, but not any notifications. The Workout Do Not Disturb is NOT turned on. I checked that. (It acts like it IS turned on.) Notifcations are turned on across the board. I was looking forward to replying to text while running. Before, with the Fitibit, I could see but not respond. Now I *could* respond, if only I could see them. I even created a custom response that I will get back to whoever texts me "after my run."

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Answer 10

JPAuthor Author

Level 1

12 points

May 10, 2021 9:51 AM in response to Erica_S1

It wasn't working with the built-in workout app either. I'm not sure what triggers the iSmoothRun app vs built in. I select the workout app from the app screen, select Outdoor Run, then I click Start in iSmoothRun on my watch. For the first several runs, the Apple workout app screens appeared. Then iSmoothRun started popping up. But yesterday, it was back to the Apple Workout app. Notifications still didn't show or appear on swipe-down. (Even though the iSmooth app appears on the watch face, I haven't selected that one during any run. I assumed Apple Watch handed off to iSmoothRun after I tapped START on my iPhone. And I *do* see notifications on the phone, which I carry in a waist belt, which makes it hard to interact with while running.)

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Answer 11

JPAuthor Author

Level 1

12 points

May 31, 2021 11:26 AM in response to JPAuthor

Well, since May 10 (last response), I've switched my home off (not powered off, just sleep-screen mode) and now I never even hear the notification sound/buzz. And I still can't access notifications by sweeping down while I'm in my run activity. So having the phone out of always-on mode didn't solve the issue. Still have no access to notifications by swiping down and none appear on the watch during an activity.

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