How to turn on Silent Mode on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 3 steps · Updated 4 October 2026

Device

Apple Watch

Shown on

watchOS 26 (Apple Watch)

App

Settings

Path

Settings › Sounds & Haptics

Real screenshots

3 of 3 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

In Silent Mode the watch makes no sound for calls and alerts, but you can still receive haptic notifications, the taps on your wrist. One exception is written on the watch itself: Silent Mode will not silence alarms and timers when the Apple Watch is charging.

The screenshots show watchOS 26.5 on an Apple Watch Series 11.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings on the watch

   Press the Digital Crown to see your apps and tap the Settings gear.

   Done

2. 

   Scroll down and tap Sounds & Haptics

   It is below Accessibility and Siri.

   Done

3. 

   Switch on Silent Mode

   It is the first switch, under Ringtone and Alerts. In the picture it is off.

   Done

Good to know

From Control Center: press the side button, then tap the Silent Mode button.

To silence one alert while it sounds, Apple gives this gesture: rest your palm on the display for at least three seconds or until you feel a tap. It needs Cover to Mute switched on under Settings, Gestures.

To also stop the screen lighting up, use Do Not Disturb in Control Center. It keeps calls and alerts, except alarms, from sounding or lighting up the screen.

In short: Settings, Sounds & Haptics, Silent Mode on. Or: side button, Silent Mode button.