How can I stop notifications from fading on Apple Watch Ultra 3?

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Level 1

6 points

How can I stop notifications from fading on Apple Watch Ultra 3?

Hello,

since Friday I'm a proud owner of the Ultra 3. But one thing is giving me headaches. When a notification from the iPhone comes in, i feel the vibration, raise the arm and can have a look at it. But after about 5-10 seconds the screen fades to black and only shows the time (see attached picture).

How can I disable this? I went through all the settings multiple times, but wasn't able to identify the corresponding setting.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Notifications faded out and time is shown

Apple Watch Ultra 3, watchOS 26

Posted on Sep 24, 2025 10:58 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 25, 2025 12:03 AM in response to J.Holden

Did you already force restart your watch?

To force restart your watch, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Side button together for about 10sec, until the Apple logo comes back again.

I found similar discussions and possible solutions, might be related to the Always On Display option and/or to "Return to Clock", if there are still apps running in the background.

Apple Watch Ultra - Digital clock display… - Apple Community

Apple Watch "Always On" only shows time - Apple Community

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Answer 2

J.Holden Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 25, 2025 12:35 AM in response to J.Holden

Hallelujah!!! It was the setting to show notifications on the always on display! It makes sense now. After a few seconds, the always on activates and that triggered to show only the time.

Thank you!!!

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Answer 3

Sep 24, 2025 11:35 AM in response to J.Holden

Is your watch in Low Power Mode?

Use Low Power Mode on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Or is it not charged completely or does not charge at all?

If your Apple Watch won't turn on or won't charge - Apple Support

Are you using at least a 20W Apple Power adapter and the charging cable that came with the Apple Watch Ultra?

Also check this discussion:

When I turn on my apple watch it shows th… - Apple Community

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Answer 4

J.Holden Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 24, 2025 12:20 PM in response to Ingo2711

It’s not in low power mode and yes, it charges normally. The behavior is present with a fully charged battery.

maybe I didn’t explained it detailed enough. The watch is working normal. I can use all features. The only thing that’s bugging me is, that’s is showing the time, like seen on the photo, when I look at a fully detailed full screen notification. Do you get what I mean?

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Answer 5

Sep 25, 2025 1:05 AM in response to J.Holden

You're welcome, enjoy your new Apple Watch Ultra 3 🙂

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How can I stop notifications from fading on Apple Watch Ultra 3?

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