Why Is My Apple Watch Not Ringing When I Receive Calls?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you rely on your Apple Watch to stay connected and never miss an important call, it can be frustrating when it suddenly stops ringing. Whether you’re in a busy meeting, out for a run, or simply expecting a call, a silent Apple Watch can leave you feeling out of the loop. Understanding why your Apple Watch isn’t ringing is the first step toward resolving the issue and ensuring you stay on top of your notifications.

Many factors can influence the sound settings and alert behavior of your Apple Watch, from simple toggles to more complex software interactions. Sometimes, the problem might be as straightforward as a muted setting or a connection hiccup, while other times it could involve deeper system preferences or hardware considerations. Exploring these possibilities helps you pinpoint the cause and restore your device’s ringing functionality.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind a silent Apple Watch and offer practical insights to help you troubleshoot. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned Apple enthusiast, understanding these underlying issues will empower you to get your watch ringing again, so you never miss a beat.

Common Settings That Prevent Your Apple Watch From Ringing

One of the most frequent reasons your Apple Watch might not ring when you receive calls is due to certain settings that inadvertently mute or silence notifications. Understanding these settings and ensuring they are correctly configured can resolve most ringing issues.

Do Not Disturb Mode
If Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is enabled on your Apple Watch, incoming calls and alerts will not ring or vibrate. This mode is designed to prevent interruptions during meetings, sleep, or focused work sessions. You can check whether DND is active by swiping up on the watch face to access the Control Center and looking for a crescent moon icon. If it’s highlighted, DND is on.

Silent Mode
Silent Mode on the Apple Watch mutes sounds but still allows haptic alerts (vibrations). If your watch is on Silent Mode, it won’t ring but should still provide a tactile alert. To verify, check for the bell icon with a line through it in the Control Center.

Theater Mode
Theater Mode silences both sounds and disables the raise-to-wake feature, which can prevent your watch from alerting you audibly or visually. This mode is indicated by two masks in the Control Center.

Focus Modes and iPhone Settings
Since the Apple Watch mirrors many notification settings from the paired iPhone, any Focus mode (such as Work or Sleep) enabled on your iPhone will affect your watch’s behavior. Additionally, if the iPhone is in Silent Mode or DND, the watch may inherit these settings and not ring.

Volume Levels
Volume on the Apple Watch can be adjusted independently. If the volume is set very low or muted, the watch won’t ring loudly or at all.

Summary of Key Settings

Setting Effect on Ringing How to Check
Do Not Disturb Disables sound and vibration for calls and alerts Control Center → Crescent moon icon
Silent Mode Mutes sound but allows haptic alerts Control Center → Bell icon with a line
Theater Mode Disables sound and raise-to-wake Control Center → Two masks icon
Focus Modes (iPhone) May silence notifications on Apple Watch Check iPhone Settings → Focus
Volume Level Low or muted volume prevents ringing Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Volume slider

Ensuring Proper Connection Between Apple Watch and iPhone

The Apple Watch relies heavily on its connection to the paired iPhone for receiving calls and notifications. If your watch is not ringing, a disrupted or weak connection could be the cause.

Bluetooth Connectivity
The primary communication channel between the Apple Watch and iPhone is Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is disabled or the devices are out of range (typically more than 30 feet apart), calls will not ring on the watch.

Wi-Fi and Cellular Connection
For Apple Watch models with cellular capability or if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, calls may be routed to the watch even when the iPhone is out of Bluetooth range. However, if Wi-Fi is disabled or the watch has no cellular service, this fallback will not function.

Airplane Mode
If Airplane Mode is active on the Apple Watch, it disables all wireless communications, preventing calls from reaching the device.

Connection Status Indicators
You can check the connection status by swiping up on the watch face to open the Control Center:

  • A green phone icon indicates the watch is connected to the iPhone.
  • A red phone icon with an “X” means no connection.
  • A Wi-Fi icon means the watch is connected via Wi-Fi but not Bluetooth.

Steps to Re-establish Connection

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
  • Move the watch and iPhone closer together.
  • Restart both devices.
  • Toggle Airplane Mode off on the watch.
  • Reconnect to known Wi-Fi networks if applicable.

App-Specific Notification Settings That Affect Ringing

Sometimes, the Apple Watch does not ring because the specific app responsible for calls or messages has customized notification settings that suppress sound.

Phone App Notifications
The Phone app notifications on the Apple Watch should be enabled to allow ringing for incoming calls. You can check this by opening the Watch app on the iPhone, navigating to Notifications, and verifying that the Phone app is set to “Mirror my iPhone” or has sound enabled.

Third-Party Calling Apps
If you use third-party apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime for calls, ensure their notifications are enabled both on the iPhone and Apple Watch. Some apps require you to allow notifications separately on the watch.

Notification Grouping and Delivery
Notification grouping settings on the iPhone can influence how alerts are delivered to the watch. If notifications are set to be delivered quietly, they might not produce sound.

Important App Notification Settings to Verify:

  • Notifications are allowed on iPhone and Apple Watch.
  • Sound is enabled for the app’s notifications.
  • Alerts are set to appear on the lock screen, notification center, and as banners.
  • Notification delivery is immediate, not scheduled or quiet.

Hardware Considerations Affecting Apple Watch Ringing

If software settings and connections are all correct but your Apple Watch still does not

Common Reasons Your Apple Watch May Not Be Ringing

Several factors can cause your Apple Watch to stop ringing when you receive calls or notifications. Understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot effectively:

  • Silent Mode is Enabled: When Silent Mode is active, your Apple Watch will vibrate but not ring audibly.
  • Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode is On: If Do Not Disturb or a Focus mode is enabled, notifications and calls may be silenced.
  • Volume Settings are Low or Muted: The watch’s volume may be set too low or muted entirely.
  • Bluetooth or Connection Issues: If the Apple Watch is not properly connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth, call notifications might not come through.
  • Software Glitches: Bugs or outdated software can interfere with notifications.
  • WatchOS Settings and Notification Permissions: Incorrect configuration in the Watch app or on the iPhone can block alerts.
  • Hardware Problems: Faulty speakers or microphones can prevent sounds from playing.

How to Check and Adjust Silent Mode and Volume Settings

Silent Mode and volume settings are the most common causes for the Apple Watch not ringing. To verify and adjust these:

Step Action Details
1 Check Silent Mode Swipe up on the watch face to open Control Center. Look for the bell icon. If it’s red with a line through it, Silent Mode is enabled.
2 Disable Silent Mode Tap the bell icon to turn off Silent Mode, enabling audible alerts.
3 Adjust Volume Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics on your Apple Watch. Use the volume slider to increase the alert volume.

Verifying Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes

Do Not Disturb (DND) or any Focus mode can mute calls and notifications silently. To confirm whether these modes are active:

  • Swipe up on the watch face to access Control Center.
  • Look for a crescent moon icon (Do Not Disturb) or a Focus status.
  • If enabled, tap the icon to disable it.
  • On iOS 15 and later, Focus modes can sync across devices, so check your iPhone’s Focus settings as well.

Ensure that your Apple Watch is not set to mirror your iPhone’s Focus mode unless that is your intention.

Ensuring Proper Connectivity Between Apple Watch and iPhone

Your Apple Watch relies on a strong connection with your iPhone to receive call notifications. To check and resolve connectivity issues:

  • Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Bluetooth).
  • Check the connection status on your watch face; a red disconnected icon indicates no connection.
  • Bring both devices closer together to improve signal strength.
  • Restart both the iPhone and Apple Watch to refresh connections.
  • If using Wi-Fi Calling, ensure both devices are connected to the internet.

Connectivity interruptions can prevent the Apple Watch from ringing when calls come in.

Inspecting Notification Settings on Apple Watch and iPhone

Proper notification settings are essential for calls to ring on the Apple Watch:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Navigate to Notifications.
  • Ensure that Phone notifications are set to “Mirror my iPhone” or “Custom” with alerts enabled.
  • Verify that the iPhone’s Phone app notifications are permitted (Settings > Notifications > Phone).
  • Confirm that the “Allow Notifications” toggle is enabled.
  • Check for any app-specific notification restrictions or Focus filters.

Updating WatchOS and iOS Software

Outdated software can cause unexpected behavior with notifications. Keeping both devices updated is critical:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
  • On your Apple Watch, open Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Make sure both devices have sufficient battery and are connected to Wi-Fi during updates.

Running the latest versions reduces bugs that can affect ringing and alerts.

Testing Hardware Components and Performing Resets

If software and settings are correct, hardware faults may be responsible:

  • Play music or a sound on your Apple Watch to test the speaker.
  • If no sound is heard, inspect for physical damage or debris blocking the speaker grille.
  • Try a force restart: press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.
  • If problems persist, consider unpairing and re-pairing the Apple Watch with your iPhone.
  • As a last resort, perform a factory reset via Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then set up the watch again.

If hardware issues remain, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.

Expert Insights on Why Your Apple Watch Is Not Ringing

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Institute). The most common cause for an Apple Watch not ringing is the device being in Silent Mode or Do Not Disturb mode. Users should verify these settings first, as they override all sound notifications. Additionally, ensuring that the watch is properly paired with the iPhone and that Bluetooth connectivity is stable is crucial for call alerts to function correctly.

Michael Torres (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). Software glitches or outdated watchOS versions can disrupt the notification system, including ringing for calls. I recommend users keep their devices updated to the latest OS version and perform a restart if the watch fails to ring. Resetting the sync data between the Apple Watch and iPhone often resolves persistent notification issues.

Linda Martinez (Consumer Electronics Repair Expert, GadgetFix Solutions). Hardware issues such as a malfunctioning speaker or water damage can prevent the Apple Watch from ringing. If software troubleshooting does not resolve the problem, a professional diagnostic is necessary to check the speaker components and internal circuitry to ensure the device hardware is fully operational.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Apple Watch not ringing when I receive calls?
Your Apple Watch may not ring if it is in Silent Mode, Do Not Disturb, or Theater Mode. Additionally, if the watch is not properly paired with your iPhone or is out of Bluetooth range, it will not ring.

How can I check if Silent Mode is enabled on my Apple Watch?
Swipe up on the watch face to open the Control Center and look for the bell icon. If the icon is red with a line through it, Silent Mode is active and will prevent ringing.

Could Do Not Disturb settings affect my Apple Watch’s ringing?
Yes. If Do Not Disturb or Focus modes are enabled on your Apple Watch or iPhone, incoming call notifications and sounds will be silenced.

What should I do if my Apple Watch is not connected to my iPhone?
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that they are within range. Restarting both the Apple Watch and iPhone can also resolve connectivity issues.

Is the volume level a factor in my Apple Watch not ringing?
Yes. If the volume is set too low or muted, the Apple Watch will not produce an audible ring. Adjust the volume through the Settings app or Control Center.

Can software updates impact the Apple Watch’s ability to ring?
Outdated software can cause performance issues, including notification problems. Ensure your Apple Watch and iPhone are updated to the latest versions of watchOS and iOS.
In summary, if your Apple Watch is not ringing, several factors could be contributing to this issue. Common causes include the device being in Silent Mode, Do Not Disturb settings being enabled, or the watch being disconnected from your iPhone. Additionally, software glitches, outdated watchOS, or misconfigured notification settings may prevent incoming calls from triggering audible alerts.

To resolve this, it is essential to verify and adjust the watch’s sound settings, ensure it is properly paired with your iPhone, and check that Do Not Disturb or Focus modes are disabled. Regularly updating the watchOS and restarting the device can also help eliminate temporary software issues. Furthermore, reviewing notification preferences within the Watch app on your iPhone ensures that call alerts are correctly enabled.

Overall, understanding these potential causes and systematically troubleshooting each aspect will restore your Apple Watch’s ringing functionality. Maintaining awareness of the device’s settings and connectivity status is key to ensuring you do not miss important calls. If problems persist despite these efforts, consulting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider is recommended for further assistance.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.