Get PC Notifications on Apple Watch

This guide shows you how to mirror notifications from your Windows PC or Mac to your Apple Watch, so you can see alerts, messages, and app updates without checking your computer. You’ll need an Apple Watch paired with your iPhone, and either a Windows PC or a Mac. For Windows, you’ll use a free third-party app; for Mac, it’s built-in.

What You’ll Need

Apple Watch paired with your iPhone (both signed into the same Apple ID)
iPhone with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
Windows 10 or 11 PC, or a Mac running macOS Monterey or later
For Windows: a free app like Ping or Windows Notification Mirror (both available on the Microsoft Store)

Step-by-Step

For Mac (Built-in)

Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is enabled on both the Mac and the iPhone.
On your Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) and go to Notifications.
Scroll down and check “Allow notifications to mirror from iPhone” – make sure it’s toggled on.
On your iPhone, open the Watch app, go to Notifications, and ensure that “Mirror iPhone Alerts” is enabled for the apps you want to see on the watch.
Test it: send yourself an email or a message on your Mac. Within a few seconds, the notification should appear on your Apple Watch.

For Windows PC (Using a Third-Party App)

Install a notification mirroring app on your PC – for example, Ping or Windows Notification Mirror from the Microsoft Store. These apps bridge Windows notifications to your iPhone via a companion iOS app.
Install the companion iOS app on your iPhone – search for the same app name in the App Store and install it.
Open the PC app – it will usually show a QR code or a pairing code.
Open the iOS app on your iPhone and scan the QR code or enter the code to pair the two devices. Ensure both are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Grant notification access – on your PC, allow the app to read notifications (Windows will prompt you). On your iPhone, allow the companion app to send notifications.
On your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, and make sure the companion app is allowed to send notifications to your watch.
Test it: send yourself a message on your PC (e.g., a Slack message or a calendar reminder). The notification should appear on your Apple Watch.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same Wi-Fi network – both your PC and iPhone must be on the same network for the bridge to work. If they’re on different networks, the connection will fail.
Bluetooth off – for Mac mirroring, Bluetooth must be enabled on both the Mac and iPhone. Many users forget this.
Notification permissions not granted – on Windows, the mirroring app needs explicit permission to read notifications. If you skipped the prompt, go to Windows Settings > System > Notifications > and enable the app.
Watch app not set to mirror – even if your iPhone receives the notification, your watch might not show it if the Watch app’s notification settings are set to “Custom” instead of “Mirror iPhone.”
Using an outdated app – some notification mirroring apps for Windows are no longer maintained. Check for updates or try a different one if it stops working.

Tips

Use Focus modes – on your iPhone, you can create a Focus mode that allows only certain notifications to reach your watch, reducing distractions.
Prioritize apps – in the Watch app on your iPhone, you can choose which apps mirror notifications. Turn off the ones you don’t need to save battery.
Keep devices close – for Bluetooth mirroring (Mac), keep your Mac and iPhone within about 30 feet for reliable delivery.
Check battery life – constant notification mirroring can drain your watch battery faster. If you notice a drop, consider limiting mirrored apps.
Use a dedicated app for Windows – some apps like Ping are more reliable than others. Read reviews before choosing.

Troubleshooting

Notifications aren’t appearing on the watch at all

Check that your iPhone is receiving the notification. If not, the issue is with the source app, not the mirroring.
Ensure your watch is not in Do Not Disturb or Theater Mode (swipe up on the watch face to check).
Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.

Mac mirroring works but Windows doesn’t

This is common because Windows requires a third-party bridge. Try a different app from the Microsoft Store – some are more stable than others.
Make sure the companion iOS app is running in the background. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and enable it for the companion app.

Notifications appear on iPhone but not on watch

Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, and verify that the specific app is set to “Mirror iPhone” or “Custom” with alerts enabled.
Check that your watch is not connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth only – it should be in range.

Pairing fails between PC and iPhone

Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that no VPN is interfering.
Restart both the PC app and the iOS app, then try pairing again.
If the QR code doesn’t scan, try entering the code manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an iPhone to get PC notifications on my Apple Watch?
Yes, the Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and connectivity. The watch cannot connect directly to a PC or Mac.

Is it possible to get Windows notifications on Apple Watch without a third-party app?
No, Apple does not provide a native way to mirror Windows notifications. You need a third-party bridge app that forwards Windows notifications to your iPhone, which then sends them to your watch.

Will this work if my PC and iPhone are on different Wi-Fi networks?
No, for most mirroring solutions, both devices must be on the same local network. Some apps might use Bluetooth, but that’s less common for Windows.

Can I mirror notifications from my Mac without an internet connection?
Yes, Mac mirroring uses Bluetooth and local Wi-Fi, so it works even if you’re offline, as long as both devices are near each other.

Will mirroring notifications drain my Apple Watch battery faster?
Yes, receiving more notifications will use more battery. You can mitigate this by limiting which apps mirror to your watch in the Watch app settings.

Are there any free apps for Windows notification mirroring?
Yes, apps like Ping and Windows Notification Mirror have free versions, though they may include ads or limited features. Paid versions often offer more reliable connections.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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