I use Now Playing on my apple watch to conveniently control my music. Lately, Now Playing hasn't been connecting to my iPhone. I've even tried factory resetting my apple watch and it still won't work.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Apple Watch SE, watchOS 9
Hi colson48,
Let's ensure that your devices are up to date with the latest software. Software updates contain fixes that can address unexpected behaviors.
Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Kindest regards!
I’ve had the same thing happen since updating to Watch OS 9.4 and iOS 16.4(.1).
NowPlaying no longer activates on the Watch when audio is playing on my iPhone. I can manually start Now Playing on the watch but it defaults to trying to connect to audio on the Watch. (I never play audio directly from the watch). I have to navigate up one level and scroll down to the iPhone connection. About 1/3 of the time, I get an AirPlay error message that it cannot connect to the phone. If you retry it connection it usually connects then.
However a few minutes later, the Now Playing app is auto closed and you have to go through the whole process again. That removes the benefit of using the Watch as a remote control for the phone audio. I regularly use my Watch that way while moving around the house or in the yard while not keeping my phone in my hand or pocket.
This was working until recently but now it is just broken.
Same problem here after updating to iOS 16.4.1. If you force closing “now playing” app, it starts working again temporarily, but after some time, the issue comes back. It is so frustrating.
This defeats one of the best reasons for having an Apple Watch.
It is not restricted to the SE Watch. I have this problem on a Series 7.
It seems to be linked to Watch OS OS 9.4 and iOS 16.4.1.
Hey colson48,
Thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Due to the nature of your issue, you may find more information by contacting Apple Support directly using the link below.
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Take care.
Playing now is not working on my watch since update 9.4 before that it was working no problem.
Some of us have been talking about this problem on the MacRumors forum, too.
This is EXACTLY what is happening to me. Like down to the "can't connect to your iPhone" error message.
Please Apple fix the bug
Now Playing on Apple Watch SE hasn't been connecting to my iPhone
