By default, your Apple Watch makes a sound for incoming notifications or calls, something you can easily disable. Since watchOS 26 it is also possible to have the volume adjusted automatically.
You can make phone calls with the built-in speaker of the Apple Watch. From the Apple Watch Series 10, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can also listen to music through this speaker. However, it is doubtful whether this is actually practical. The Apple Watch’s speaker is mainly used for playing notification sounds.
To play sounds or not?
Many users find it annoying when the Apple Watch emits a sound with every notification. Of course, you can always quickly silence your Apple Watch or adjust the volume of the speaker. Since watchOS 26, this is even possible automatically.
Turn off the sound on your Apple Watch
If you do not want your Apple Watch to make a sound when receiving a notification or call, you can silence the Apple Watch. To do this, go to Settings ▸ Hearing and feeling ▸ Silent mode. But this can also be done a lot faster:
- Open Control Center by pressing the side button on your Apple Watch.
- Swipe up and tap the bell button.
- The button will now turn red, your Apple Watch is on silent.
Change Apple Watch notification volume
Do you want a notification tone, but as discreet as possible? Then set the volume to the lowest level.
It is not possible to adjust the notification volume of your Apple Watch via Control Center. Although there is a volume control, this only applies to playing music via the speaker or wireless earbuds.
Here’s how to adjust the volume of notifications on your Apple Watch:
- Go to Settings ▸ Hearing and feeling (red symbol with speaker).
- Change the volume by tapping one of the speaker symbols.
- After this, you can change the volume more precisely by turning the Digital Crown.
Adjust Apple Watch volume automatically
With the introduction of watchOS 26, a new feature is available that automatically adjusts the sound volume based on the ambient noise. The Apple Watch analyzes the ambient noise and automatically adjusts the volume accordingly. For example, if you are in a silent meeting, notifications will be displayed with a subtle sound.
In a noisy environment the sound is at its loudest. If you choose automatic mode, you can no longer adjust the volume of your notifications yourself.
To set the automatic volume level for notifications on your Apple Watch:
- Go to Settings ▸ Hearing & Feel.
- Activate the function: Adjust volume automatically.
- If necessary, choose a standard sound level: Louder, Standard or Softer.