The Now Playing app on the Apple Watch offers quick access to controls for your music and other audio on your Apple devices, particularly your iPhone. But by default, Now Playing pops up automatically, and that can get really annoying, especially if you're trying to keep an eye on a timer and your Apple Watch keeps switching over to Now Playing. I mean, would it kill you to prioritize, Apple Watch? But I digress.
If you're similarly annoyed by the incessancy with which the Now Playing app behaves, there are solutions for keeping it from launching automatically.
- How to stop Now Playing from launching on your Apple Watch
- How to stop Now Playing from launching on your Apple Watch using your iPhone
How to stop Now Playing from launching on your Apple Watch
- Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch.
- Tap Settings on the list of apps or in the grid view.
- Tap General.
- Tap Wake Screen.
- Tap the switch next to Auto-Launch Audio Apps so it's in the gray "off" position.
How to stop Now Playing from launching on your Apple Watch using your iPhone
Of course, you can also turn off auto-launching audio apps using the Watch app on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap Wake Screen.
- Tap the switch next to Auto-Launch Audio Apps so it's in the black "off" position.
Great accessories for your Apple Watch
Here are some accessories that will go great with your Apple Watch.
Apple AirPods ($160 at Apple)
AirPods quickly connect to your devices, and with the latest generation earphones, switching them over to your Apple Watch is faster than ever.
Marge Plus leather band ($11 at Amazon)
This leather band is soft and features beautiful white stitching for a great accent. Comes in a nice variety of colors.
Updated May 2019: Updated through watchOS 5.2.
