Apple Watch Series 8 notifications appear on both iPhone and Watch, instead of just Watch

I have an Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS) that is showing notifications the same time as my iPhone. Previously, this was not the case. Notifications would only show up on my Watch - and not my iPhone. How do I change the settings so that notifications only show on my watch when I am wearing it?

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 7:58 PM

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4 replies

Dec 2, 2025 6:17 AM in response to Antthatcouldnt

Antthatcouldnt wrote:

already done that, and that's how i managed to get notifications back to my watch - issue is, I want them only on my watch like it was pre-update :$
I hate having my phone buzz, then my watch buzz. I miss how it used to be! Only the watch would go off, and the phone stayed silent

Yes, but you only get them on the watch if the iPhone is locked. When iphone is in use you will get them on the phone instead. That has been the case since Watch was invented, not just after this update.

The only option is to force all notifications to iphone only, not watch only.

Apple Watch Series 8 notifications appear on both iPhone and Watch, instead of just Watch

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