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If Galaxy Watch alerts seem to arrive at the wrong time—or on both your phone and watch—the setting to check is Phone notifications on watch in the Galaxy Wearable app. Choose Smart device selection to route alerts according to whether you are using your phone, or Always show on both to receive them on both devices. The exact setting behind the original experience is unconfirmed, but this is Samsung’s documented control for that behavior.
Where to find the setting
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On the phone paired with your watch, open Galaxy Wearable.
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Tap Watch settings > Notifications.
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Open Phone notifications on watch and select the behavior you want.
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Menu names and screens can differ by phone, watch model, provider, and software version, so treat this path as a guide rather than an exact match for every device. Samsung’s general Galaxy Watch notification guide and its UK guide to managing watch notifications describe the available controls.
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What the two delivery choices do
| Setting | When you use your phone | Where alerts appear | Battery consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart device selection | Alerts appear on the phone while you are using it. | The watch receives alerts when the phone is locked or its screen is off; alerts are routed according to phone use rather than deliberately duplicated. | No specific battery figure is stated in Samsung’s guidance. |
| Always show on both | Alerts can appear on the phone and watch at the same time. | Both devices receive notifications; Samsung notes they may sound and vibrate on both. | Samsung says this may affect battery usage on the phone and watch; no specific amount is stated. |
Samsung describes these behaviors in its general support instructions and in model-specific guidance for Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Flip7 FE with Watch8 or Watch Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold6 with Watch7 or Watch Ultra. If alerts on both devices are distracting, Smart device selection is the option designed to favor the device currently in use. If you want the watch to alert you even while you are using your phone, choose Always show on both.
If notifications are still missing
Check whether the problem affects one app or every app
If only one app is silent on the watch, return to Galaxy Wearable > Watch settings > Notifications and review App notifications. Make sure notifications are enabled for the relevant phone app or watch app. Also check that the phone itself is allowed to show notifications from that app; a watch setting cannot forward an alert the phone app is not permitted to deliver. Samsung’s notification guide covers app notification controls.
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Check Do not disturb separately
Do not disturb is not a delivery-routing choice. Samsung says it mutes calls, notifications, and other alerts on the watch. It can be enabled on the watch, or synced with a connected Galaxy phone. If alerts are routed to the watch but remain silent, check whether Do not disturb is active. See Samsung’s Do not disturb instructions for Galaxy Watch.
Which option should you choose?
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Choose Smart device selection if you want alerts on the phone while you are using it and on the watch when the phone is locked or its screen is off.
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- YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
- NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
- A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
-
Choose Always show on both if you want notifications delivered to both devices, and are comfortable with the possibility of sound or vibration on each and additional battery use.
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