Apple Watch SE can’t swipe up or down for notifications

My brand new Apple Watch 6 sometimes won't swipe up or down. There will be a red dot indicating a notification, but it won't swipe. It will swipe side to side, but not up or down. I did a force restart on it and that helped, but then it did it again. The software is up to date. What's the problem? Anyone have this issue?

Hi Aoarias915,

We're happy to help with this trouble you're having swiping up and down on your Apple Watch SE. First, let's make sure this isn't a software issue you're having. Follow the steps here to check and update the iOS and watchOS if needed:

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Update your Apple Watch

Let us know the outcome, and we can go from there if needed.

Have a great day!

Hello again Aoarias915,

Thanks for checking that for us. We want to make sure you get the best help for this issue you're having. Going forward, you will need to get in touch with the Apple Support team for further assistance. You can reach them here:

Get Support

Take care and be safe.

I had the same problem - and turned off zoom using the Watch app. Seemed to fix the problem.

I have the exact same problem on my series 6. I have done the same troubleshoting that Aorias has done. This still keeps happening.

I have same problem in the swipe up and down locking.

So, I request refund and reordered.

I have the same issue with my series 4 on watchOS 7.1.

Just notice the same issue with my 1week old SE, so what the solution?, it a bug?

It seem like turning off the zoom will solve the issue as suggested by one of the user here

i was able to get my series 4 to work again after resetting it and re-pairing it 2 or 3 times. Annoying, yes. It’s been good for a month or so now. Fingers are crossed.

I have the same issue with my SE. I think you have enable the Zoom function. By disabling it, I think your issue will be resolve, you try, it work for me