Why does my Apple Watch ring but my iPhone doesn’t?

The issue you’re experiencing could stem from various factors, including both hardware and software configurations. Here’s an extensive guide to help you identify and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Check the Ringer Volume and Silent Mode:
   • First, ensure that your iPhone isn’t on silent mode. This can be done by checking the Ring/Silent switch on the side of the device. If you see orange, it means the silent mode is enabled.
   • Adjust the ringer volume by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Sounds & Haptics’. Make sure the ‘Ringer and Alerts’ slider is set to an audible volume.
2. Verify Do Not Disturb Settings:
   • Make sure Do Not Disturb is not turned on. Sometimes, this setting can silence incoming calls. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Focus’ > ‘Do Not Disturb’, and ensure it’s disabled.
3. Review Call Forwarding Settings:
   • Check if call forwarding is enabled and directing your calls elsewhere. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Call Forwarding’. If this setting is active, disable it to ensure calls are received on your iPhone.
4. Examine Notification Settings on Both Devices:
   • On your iPhone, head over to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Notifications’. Ensure that ‘Allow Notifications’ is turned on and that your chosen alert style is configured correctly.
   • Likewise, open the Watch app on your iPhone. Under the ‘My Watch’ tab, navigate to ‘Phone’ and ensure that ‘Mirror my iPhone’ is selected.
5. Scrutinize Bluetooth and Network Connectivity:
   • Verify that the Bluetooth feature is active and connecting appropriately on both devices. You can toggle Bluetooth off and on again via the Control Center.
   • Sometimes a network reset helps. On your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset’ and select ‘Reset Network Settings’. This action resets Wi-Fi networks and paired devices, so you will need to reconnect them after.
6. Update Firmware:
   • Ensure that both your Apple Watch and iPhone have the latest software updates. For the iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’. For the Apple Watch, access the Watch app on your iPhone and navigate to ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’.
7. Focus Modes and Custom Configurations:
   • With the introduction of Focus modes in iOS, specific settings for modes like Work or Sleep could affect how notifications are handled. On your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Focus’ and check the custom settings for each active mode.
   • Under ‘Settings’ > ‘Focus’ > ‘Phone’, review if there are any distinct focus configurations that might silence your iPhone while allowing notifications on your watch.
8. Consider Hardware Issues:
   • If none of the software-based solutions seem to solve the issue, contemplate possible hardware malfunctions. The speaker or other components of your iPhone might be failing, necessitating a professional inspection.
9. Factory Reset as a Last Resort:
   • If the problem persists, back up your data and consider performing a factory reset on your iPhone. This is an extreme measure but often helpful in resolving complex software corruption issues. To reseat, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Erase All Content and Settings’. Remember to restore from backup afterward.

Hopefully, one of these methods helps you get your iPhone and Apple Watch synced up again!

You might want to check the notification settings on your iPhone. Here’s how:
1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. Select ‘Notifications’.
4. Ensure that ‘Allow Notifications’ is turned on.

Next, check the ‘Sounds & Haptics’ settings:
1. From the ‘Settings’ app, go to ‘Sounds & Haptics’.
2. Make sure the volume is turned up and that the ‘Ringer and Alerts’ section reflects your desired ring volume.
3. Also, toggle the ‘Vibrate on Ring’ and ‘Vibrate on Silent’ options if you prefer.

Finally, double-check that your iPhone is not in Silent Mode. You can do this by looking at the side of your iPhone and flipping the Ring/Silent switch so it doesn’t display orange.

Ensure you haven’t accidentally enabled ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ in your iPhone’s settings. To check this, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Silence Unknown Callers’. When this option is turned on, your iPhone won’t ring for calls from unknown numbers, but your Apple Watch will still notify you. This discrepancy might be what’s causing your iPhone to remain silent.

There could be several reasons why your Apple Watch rings while your iPhone remains silent. Here are a few more things you should consider:
1. Bluetooth Issues: Your Apple Watch relies on a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone. If the connection isn’t stable, it might affect how notifications are processed. Try toggling Bluetooth off and on from both devices.
2. Network Settings: Sometimes, network settings can create conflicts. On your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset’, and then select ‘Reset Network Settings’. Note that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations, which you will need to reenter afterward.
3. Apple Watch Settings: It’s worthwhile checking if there are specific settings on your Apple Watch that might override your iPhone. On your iPhone, go to the Watch app > ‘My Watch’ tab > ‘Phone’. Ensure ‘Custom’ is not selected, or if it is, confirm that the notification settings align with your preferences.
4. Focus Modes: With the introduction of Focus Modes, new complications arise. Check if you have a Focus mode enabled that silences your iPhone but not your Apple Watch. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Focus’ on your iPhone, and review the custom settings for each mode.
5. Hand-off Feature: Sometimes the hand-off feature between devices doesn’t work as expected. Disable this by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Handoff’.
6. Airplane Mode: Ensure neither device is in Airplane Mode. Sometimes one could accidentally switch on, silencing your notifications.
7. Firmware Updates: Ensure both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest software. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’ on both devices to check for updates.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact Apple Support for further assistance.