How to Adjust Apple Watch Sound Settings

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Lower the volume level

   Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Scroll down and tap Sounds & Haptics, then tap the volume down icon on the left side of the Alert Volume slider to decrease the intensity.

   Note: You can also adjust this by rotating the Digital Crown while the volume slider is active.
2. 45 sec

   Enable Silent Mode

   Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to access the Control Center. Locate the bell icon and tap it to enable Silent Mode; the icon will turn red, indicating that all audible alerts are now muted.

   Note: Silent mode mutes sounds but allows haptic vibrations to notify you of incoming alerts.
3. 45 sec

   Adjust haptic intensity

   Navigate back to Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Scroll to Haptic Alerts and select Prominent to change the vibration pattern or simply ensure the toggle is set to your preferred intensity to reduce the physical noise of the vibration.

   Note: Prominent haptic alerts provide an additional tap before standard notifications.
4. 1 min

   Silence notifications via iPhone

   Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Navigate to My Watch tab > Sounds & Haptics and ensure Mirror my iPhone is selected if you want your watch to match your phone’s global silence settings.

   Note: Custom settings allow you to choose specific alert styles independent of your phone.
5. 30 sec

   Use Cover to Mute

   If your watch begins to ring or sound an alert, place your entire palm firmly over the watch display for at least three seconds. This will immediately mute the active alert sound.

   Note: Ensure the Cover to Mute setting is enabled in the Watch app under Sounds & Haptics.