Read and respond to messages on Apple Watch
In the Messages app, you can read incoming text messages, then reply with a quick reaction or suggested response.
WARNING: For important information about avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information for Apple Watch.
Read a message on Apple Watch
When you feel a tap or hear an alert sound telling you that a message has arrived, raise your Apple Watch to read it. If the message arrived a while ago, swipe down from the top of the screen to see the notification, then tap it.
Turn the Digital Crown to read more of the message. To return to the beginning, tap the top of the screen.
Tip: Swipe left on a message to see when it was sent. You can also tap information within a message—like dates, flight numbers, package tracking codes, and currency amounts—to see relevant actions, such as creating a calendar event or tracking a package.
Send a reply
In a message conversation, do any of the following:
Send a reaction: Double-tap the message bubble, then choose a tapback—such as a thumbs up or heart.
Send a suggested reply: Scroll down to see the suggestions, then tap one to send it.
Compose a reply: Tap the text field, then dictate, type, or scribble your response.
Reply to a specific message: Double-tap the message bubble, scroll down, then tap Reply.
Mute or delete a conversation
Go to the Messages app
on your Apple Watch.
In the Messages conversation list, swipe left on a conversation, then do any of the following:
Mute the conversation: Tap
.
Delete the conversation: Tap
.
Choose how to be notified of new messages
Go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Tap My Watch, tap Apps, then tap Messages.
Tap Custom to set options for how you want to be notified when you receive a message.
You won’t receive a notification if you’re using a Focus that doesn’t allow Messages notifications.
Detect sensitive content
You can choose to detect and blur sensitive photos and videos before you view them on your Apple Watch.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Privacy & Security, then tap Sensitive Content Warning.
Turn on Sensitive Content Warning, then make sure AirDrop and Messages are turned on.
To view the content after being warned, tap Show, then tap I’m Sure.
To learn how to deal with sensitive content, tap Ways to Get Help.
Turning on this setting affects images and videos on iPhone as well as your Apple Watch.
Note: Apple doesn’t have access to the photos or videos.