Apple Watch contact names not showing

All of the sudden, when I receive text messages, my watch only shows the number and not the Contact name as it always has in the past. How to fix? I haven't changed anything, besides installing the update last week. This problem didn't start right after the update, so I don't know what's causing it.

[Edited by Host]

Apple Watch, iOS 10.2.1

Posted on Feb 6, 2017 1:32 PM

Top-ranking reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Posted on Feb 9, 2017 12:22 PM

The following steps may help:

Reset your sync data:

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > General > Reset > tap once on Reset Sync Data.
The process will run in the background / invisibly to you, so allow some time afterwards for it to complete.

If the issue persists, next restart both your iPhone and your watch:

Close the Watch app and Contacts app (if open) on your iPhone:
- Double-click the Home button, then swipe up on each app preview.
Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first:
- Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
- Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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20 replies

SanMcK70

Level 1

29 points

Apr 3, 2018 10:01 AM in response to Cscarpati

Once I did the data re-sync in Jonathan's post, the problem went away.

Apr 3, 2018 12:17 PM in response to SanMcK70

Did that. Issue still there.

Apr 19, 2018 8:44 AM in response to iamkdub

I’m having the same issue, and it’s hapoened on its own all of a sudden. When I press reset sync data, it doesn’t even do anything. It’s a dead button for me. SOMEONE HELP!

iamkdub Author

Level 1

53 points

Feb 9, 2017 12:28 PM in response to Jonathan UK

I spoke too soon before. It's now working. Thank you!

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Feb 9, 2017 4:03 PM in response to iamkdub

You're welcome! 🙂

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Apple Watch contact names not showing