Apple Watch "Wrist Detection" Interferes with iPhone Lock Screen Wake Up for Notifications

Hello,


Before adding the Apple watch, the iPhone used to wake up when it lock screen. After adding the Apple watch, this stopped. The only way I could get it to wake up again was to disable "wrist detection". However, doing this would disable other functions.


The question I have is why would "wrist detection" need to disable the iPhone lock screen notification? Is this a feature or a bug? Either way, I would say that it should not disrupt waking up the iPhone lock screen notifications. In a crowded or loud place or driving, it is still useful to see the phone light up rather than rely on just on the haptic vibrations of the watch. Reading it also easier at a glance.






Posted on Oct 8, 2023 12:16 PM

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2 replies

Dec 11, 2023 10:34 PM in response to ForTheElderly

So I think it has to do with Apple's (not sure how recent) optimization around push notifications. See culprit: Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support (IE)


It's a well intentioned (tries not to be noisy and ping you on too many devices), but rather short-sighted. For reasons like you mentioned, and many others, we would want the notification on the watch AND the iPhone still.


I filed a feature request for them to undo this change, but maybe you can do the same and explain your specific case.

Oct 9, 2023 2:18 PM in response to ForTheElderly

Hi ForTheElderly,


Just to confirm, did you previously go through the process to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch when you're wearing a face mask or sunglasses? If so, that may be related to the behavior you're noticing.


Please check out this link, which explains that option, and how to manage those settings, which may be helpful: Unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch when you're wearing a face mask or sunglasses


How to set up Unlock with Apple Watch

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode, then type your passcode.
3. Scroll down to Unlock with Apple Watch, then turn on the feature next to your watch's name. If your watch doesn't have wrist detection enabled, you're asked to turn it on.


Thanks!

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Apple Watch "Wrist Detection" Interferes with iPhone Lock Screen Wake Up for Notifications

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