Set ordinary app alerts in the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone, then configure health features separately in the Heart, Vitals, Sleep, and Health settings. Apple Watch and iPhone normally deliver a notification to one device at a time. Exact options vary by watch model, age, software version, and country or region; health notifications can flag patterns, but they do not diagnose a condition.
Set up ordinary app notifications
Use the paired iPhone to choose which app alerts reach your watch and how they appear.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap My Watch, then Notifications.
- Select an app. Choose Mirror my iPhone to use its iPhone notification settings, if that option is available. Or choose Custom to configure the watch separately.
- For a custom setup, choose the available alert behavior: Allow Notifications, Send to Notification Center, or Notifications Off. Some apps also offer grouping and controls for specific alert types.
On the watch, open Settings > Notifications to adjust lock-screen presentation. Depending on your settings, you can control whether a summary appears while the watch is locked, whether you must tap to view the full notification, and whether alerts appear when your wrist is down.
Understand which device receives an alert
Apple’s guidance is direct: “Notifications will appear on your Apple Watch or iPhone, but not both.” If your iPhone is unlocked, an alert appears on the iPhone. If it is locked or asleep, the alert generally goes to the Apple Watch, provided the watch is not locked. A locked watch, a disconnected device, or Do Not Disturb or another Focus setting can change delivery. Third-party app notifications also require the paired iPhone to be connected to a network. See Apple’s Notifications on your Apple Watch guidance if an alert is missing.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Choose the health settings you want
Health notifications are separate from ordinary app alerts. Configure each feature for its particular purpose; available controls and measurements depend on your watch, software, and region.
| Feature | Where to set it up | Purpose and key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| High- and low-heart-rate notifications | iPhone: Apple Watch app > My Watch > Heart | Alerts when measured heart rate is above or below a threshold you set. Apple lists Apple Watch Series 1 or later and age 13 or older as requirements. |
| Irregular-rhythm notifications | iPhone: Health > Browse > Heart > Irregular Rhythm Notifications > Set Up | Can notify you of an irregular rhythm that may be suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AF). Eligibility and regional availability apply; it is not a diagnosis. |
| Vitals notifications | Watch: Settings > Vitals; turn on Notifications | Flags when multiple overnight measurements are outside your typical ranges. Which measurements are available varies by watch model and region. |
| Sleep tracking | iPhone: open Health and follow the Sleep setup prompts | Tracks sleep when the watch is set to track sleep and worn overnight. A sleep schedule is a separate setting for intended sleep and wake times. |
| Medical ID | iPhone: set up Medical ID in Health | Keeps important health information and emergency contacts available on the watch. Emergency-service sharing has regional limits. |
Set up heart-rate alerts
High and low heart rate
On the iPhone, open Apple Watch > My Watch > Heart. Tap High Heart Rate or Low Heart Rate, then choose the threshold you want. Apple says these notifications are available on Apple Watch Series 1 or later for people age 13 and up. They report readings that cross a threshold; they do not determine the cause.
Rank #2
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Irregular-rhythm notifications
On the iPhone, open Health > Browse > Heart > Irregular Rhythm Notifications and tap Set Up. Follow the eligibility prompts. Apple’s availability guidance is country- and region-dependent and requires supported, up-to-date iOS and watchOS. The feature is not intended for people younger than 22 or people already diagnosed with AFib, and AF History must not be enabled. A notification indicates a rhythm that may be suggestive of AF; it does not diagnose AFib. Check Apple’s Irregular Rhythm Notifications guidance for current eligibility and availability.
Turn on Vitals notifications
On the watch, open Settings > Vitals and turn on Notifications. The Vitals app can show overnight heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration. It establishes typical ranges during sleep and can notify you when multiple metrics fall outside those ranges. Apple says notifications are on by default when at least two metrics are outside their typical ranges.
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![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YiTby0pOL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
Not every watch or region supports every measurement. Apple specifically says blood oxygen is unavailable in Vitals on certain models purchased in the United States with part numbers ending in LW/A, for purchases on or after January 18, 2024. A good fit and proper skin contact help the watch take measurements and deliver haptic alerts. Vitals describes measurements and personal patterns, not a medical diagnosis. See Apple’s Vitals user guide for details.
Set up sleep tracking
- Open the Health app on your iPhone and follow the prompts to set a sleep goal and schedule.
- In the Sleep settings, turn on Track Sleep with Apple Watch.
- Before bed, charge the watch to at least 30%, then wear it for at least one hour while sleeping.
A schedule sets your intended sleep and wake times; it does not by itself track sleep. Tracking requires the setting to be on and the watch to be worn. Apple’s Track your sleep with Apple Watch guidance gives the setup requirements.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Gq8SToFJL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
Add Medical ID information
In the iPhone’s Health app, set up Medical ID with relevant health details and emergency contacts. To view it on Apple Watch, hold the side button until the sliders appear, then slide Medical ID.
Apple says Medical ID information sharing with emergency services when calling or texting 911, or using Emergency SOS, is available in the United States and Canada. Do not assume the same sharing process is available in every country or region. See Apple’s Set up your Medical ID instructions.
Best Value
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s72HIk5TL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Check permissions if Health data is missing
- Confirm Fitness Tracking is on: On iPhone, open Health > profile > Devices > Apple Watch > Privacy Settings, then enable Fitness Tracking.
- Review third-party app access: In Health, open profile > Apps and allow the health categories you want the app to read or share. The app may have a separate permission setting of its own.
- Check the data source: In Health, open the relevant category and its Data Sources & Access area to view or reorder sources. Health can organize measurements from more than one source.
These checks can help distinguish a permission or source setting from a watch problem. Apple’s Manage Health data on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch explains how to review access.
Quick Recap
Troubleshoot a notification that does not appear
- Check where it should appear: Unlock state determines whether an alert goes to iPhone or watch; they ordinarily do not both alert for the same notification.
- Check the watch’s state: Confirm it is not locked and that the devices are connected. Review Do Not Disturb and other Focus settings.
- Check the app setting: In Apple Watch > My Watch > Notifications, confirm the app is set to mirror iPhone alerts or is configured to allow watch notifications.
- For a third-party app, check connectivity: The paired iPhone needs a network connection for third-party app notifications.
- For health data, check tracking and permissions: Review Fitness Tracking, the app’s Health access, and the category’s data sources.
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