Troubleshooting Smart Notification Issues Between an iPhone and an Approach Watch

Connecting to an iPhone provides smart notifications on compatible Approach® golf watches. If the connection process fails, there are a number of troubleshooting options that can be performed.

Troubleshooting Smart Notifications on an Approach Watch

• Ensure the mobile device is compatible, you can check compatibility by reviewing related content.
• Ensure the mobile device is running iOS7 or newer.
• Ensure all relevant apps are up to date and optimized for iOS7.
• Ensure the Approach watch has the latest software and courses installed with Garmin Express™ Software.
• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the Approach and mobile device have been paired.
  • On some iOS versions the device may need to be unlocked, even if Bluetooth has been enabled in the Control Center, before Bluetooth will turn on and pair with the Approach watch.
• Ensure alerts are enabled in the notification center on iPhone:
  1. Select Settings.
  2. Select Notification Center.
  3. Select desired App.
  4. Enable "Show in Notification Center".
• Try rebooting the iOS device.
• Ensure Do Not Disturb (iOS 14 and prior) is turned off or your iPhone will silence calls, alerts, and notifications on your iOS device. This means that your Garmin watch will also not receive pop-up smart notifications from your mobile device. Notifications will still display in your notifications widget. To turn off Do Not Disturb, follow these steps:
  1. From the iPhone, select Settings.
  2. Select Do Not Disturb.
  3. Toggle off Do Not Disturb.
• The Focus feature (iOS 15) allows you to customize when you receive alerts and notifications on your phone. When any Focus setting is enabled you will not receive a pop-up smart notification on your Garmin device. Notifications will still display in your notifications widget. To receive smart notifications as pop-up alerts on your Garmin device, you will need to disable the Focus mode by following these steps:
  1. From the iPhone, select Settings.
  2. Select Focus.
  3. Select each focus option to view details.
     • Those listed as "On" will prevent notification alerts on your Garmin device.
     • If TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY is set up, notification alerts will not display when the automation criteria is being met. 

Once the requirements above are met, the Approach watch should receive notifications from the iPhone.