Is your Apple Watch not showing incoming call notifications? You’re not alone. Many users experience this issue, especially after software updates or changing settings. Whether you’re missing calls entirely or just not getting alerts on your wrist, there are several reasons why this could happen — and luckily, multiple ways to fix it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to get your Apple Watch notifications working again for incoming calls. Follow these in order for the best results.
Steps to Resolve Issue Apple Watch Not Showing Caller ID on Incoming Calls
Solution 1: Check Bluetooth Connection
Make sure your Apple Watch is properly connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. If the connection drops, your watch won’t receive call notifications.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Look for your Apple Watch under My Devices and make sure it shows Connected.
- If it says Not Connected, toggle Bluetooth off and back on, or restart both devices.
Solution 2: Keep Your iPhone Nearby and Unlocked
For incoming call alerts to push to your watch, your iPhone should be nearby. If the phone is too far or locked, notifications may not get forwarded correctly.
- Place your iPhone within Bluetooth range of your Apple Watch.
- Make sure your iPhone is not locked with Face Down Detection enabled (as this can mute alerts).
Solution 3: Turn Off Do Not Disturb, Focus, or Silent Mode
If Do Not Disturb or any Focus mode is turned on, it might block call notifications from showing on your watch.
- Swipe up on your Apple Watch screen to open Control Center.
- Check if the crescent moon icon (Do Not Disturb) or Focus is active and disable it.
- Also, make sure your watch isn’t in Silent Mode (bell icon with a line through it).
Solution 4: Check Notification Settings in Watch App
Your Apple Watch gets its call notifications based on the settings in your Watch app on iPhone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to Notifications > Phone.
- Set it to Mirror my iPhone or Custom > Allow Notifications.
- Make sure Sound and Haptics are turned on.
Solution 5: Enable Wrist Detection
Wrist Detection is necessary for notifications to appear when the watch is on your wrist. If it’s off, you may not get call alerts.
- Go to the Watch app > Passcode.
- Make sure Wrist Detection is enabled.
- If disabled, turn it on and restart your Apple Watch.
Solution 6: Make Sure Watch Isn’t Locked or in Airplane Mode
If your Apple Watch is locked or in Airplane Mode, it won’t receive any calls or alerts.
- Swipe up on your watch to open Control Center.
- Check that Airplane Mode (airplane icon) is not turned on.
- Also, make sure your watch is not asking for a passcode or showing the lock icon.
Solution 7: Restart Both iPhone and Apple Watch
A simple restart often fixes minor glitches that block notifications.
- Power off and restart your iPhone.
- Press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch, then slide to power off.
- Turn both devices back on and test with a call.
Solution 8: Check iPhone Call Alert Settings
Sometimes, the issue is with the iPhone call settings, not the watch.
Go to Settings > Phone > Announce Calls on your iPhone.
Set it to Always or Headphones & Car to ensure calls are properly alerted.
Solution 9: Update iOS and watchOS
Outdated software can lead to bugs and issues with notifications.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
On your Apple Watch, check for updates in the Watch app > General > Software Update.
Download and install the latest updates on both devices.
Solution 10: Unpair and Re-Pair Your Apple Watch
If none of the above works, a fresh start might fix the problem.
Open the Watch app > tap your watch at the top > select Unpair Apple Watch.
Follow the prompts to back up your watch data.
After unpairing, restart both devices and pair your watch again.
