Apple Watch timer doesn’t go off until I move my wrist

I have exactly the same problem. The timer is working properly as long as I keep it in the background. It will then sound the alarm. But when I start a timer and do nothing else afterwards and just let the timer count down it won't sound the alarm unless I move my wrist. The alarm won't sound until I move my wrist. It then immediately shows 0:00 and starts ringing.

My "solution" is to start the timer and then press the dial to go back to the watch face. The timer needs to be in the background.

Hi TLHKayaker,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities! Since the timer is not working correctly on your Apple Watch, check to ensure the software is updated to the latest version. Outdated software can cause things to not work as expected. The article Update your Apple Watch walks you through updating and provides the recommendations below to get your Apple Watch ready to update:

1. "Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
2. Make sure that your Apple Watch is at least 50 percent charged.
3. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
4. Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch, so that they're in range."

If a software update is needed, this may resolve the issue you're having with Timer. If it continues, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Cheers!

Hi TLHKayaker,

As the steps didn't work, reach out to Apple Support directly as recommended by LeleN1.

If needed again, you can connect using the links below.

Contact - Official Apple Support

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Cheers.