How to Disable Phone's Media Sound Being Played on a Smartwatch
Smartwatches have revolutionized the way we interact with our devices, offering convenience and features that enhance daily life. However, one common frustration among users is when their phone's media sound, such as music or videos, starts playing through their smartwatch instead of their phone's speaker or connected earbuds. If this happens frequently, it can disrupt your experience and raise privacy concerns, especially in public places.
In this blog, we’ll explore step-by-step methods to disable your phone’s media sound from playing on your smartwatch. Whether you’re using a Samsung Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or other popular smartwatches, we’ve got you covered.
Why Does Media Sound Play on a Smartwatch?
Media sound playing on your smartwatch is often due to the watch being set as a default audio output device. This behavior can be triggered by:
Auto-Connect Features: Smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch automatically take over audio when paired with a smartphone.
Audio Routing Settings: Your phone's system may prioritize the smartwatch as an output device.
Bluetooth Audio Issues: Misconfigured Bluetooth settings can lead to sound being redirected.
App-Specific Behavior: Certain apps may force audio playback on connected devices like smartwatches.
While these features are intended to improve usability, they can cause inconvenience if you don’t want media sound routed to your watch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Media Sound on Smartwatches
1. Adjust Settings on Samsung Galaxy Watch
If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy Watch, you can prevent media sound from playing through the watch by adjusting its settings.
Steps:
Open the Galaxy Wearable App:
On your phone, open the Galaxy Wearable app.
Navigate to Sound Settings:
Go to Watch Settings > Sound and Vibration.
Disable Media Audio:
Toggle off the Media Audio option. This prevents media sound from being routed to your watch.
Restart the Devices:
Restart both your phone and smartwatch to ensure the settings take effect.
2. Configure Audio Output on Android Phones
On Android devices, you can control which device receives media sound through the audio output settings.
Steps:
Access Quick Settings:
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
Tap on the Audio Output Icon:
Look for an icon resembling a speaker or audio waves.
Select Your Preferred Output:
Choose your phone's speaker or another connected device like earbuds instead of the smartwatch.
Pro Tip: Some phones allow you to set a permanent default audio output through developer settings or third-party apps like “Bluetooth Audio Device Widget.”
3. Disable Handoff and Auto-Connect on Apple Watch
For Apple Watch users, the Handoff and Auto-Connect features can cause media sound to play through the watch. Here’s how to disable them:
Steps:
Open the Watch App:
On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
Turn Off Handoff:
Navigate to General > Handoff and toggle it off.
Disable Auto-Connect:
Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
Tap the info icon (““i””) next to your watch and turn off Audio.
Restart Devices:
Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
4. Use Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode
Activating Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode can prevent media sound from being redirected to your smartwatch.
Steps:
Activate Do Not Disturb on Your Watch:
Swipe down on your smartwatch and tap the Do Not Disturb icon.
Enable Focus Mode on Your Phone:
On Android, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Focus Mode.
On iPhone, navigate to Settings > Focus and customize your preferences.
Exclude Media Playback:
Customize Focus Mode to exclude media playback from notifications or automatic routing.
5. Modify Bluetooth Settings
Changing the Bluetooth audio routing can resolve issues across most smartwatch brands.
Steps:
Unpair and Reconnect Your Watch:
Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your phone.
Forget the smartwatch and reconnect it.
Disable Media Audio for the Watch:
In the Bluetooth settings, tap the settings gear next to your watch.
Toggle off Media Audio while keeping Call Audio enabled.
6. Update Software
Sometimes, software glitches can cause audio routing issues. Ensure your devices are running the latest firmware.
Steps:
Update Smartwatch Firmware:
Use the companion app (Galaxy Wearable, Watch app, etc.) to check for updates.
Update Phone Software:
Navigate to Settings > Software Update and download the latest version.
7. Use Third-Party Apps for Advanced Control
Apps like SoundAssistant (for Samsung devices) or Audio Router can give you granular control over audio routing.
Steps:
Download the App:
Install the desired app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Customize Audio Routing:
Open the app and set rules for audio output devices.
Test Playback:
Play media on your phone to ensure sound doesn’t route to your smartwatch.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If media sound continues to play on your smartwatch despite following the steps above, try these troubleshooting tips:
Reboot Devices:
Restart both your phone and smartwatch to refresh settings.
Reset Network Settings:
On your phone, go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Factory Reset the Watch:
As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your smartwatch through its companion app.
When You Might Want Media Sound on Your Watch
While disabling media sound on your smartwatch is helpful in many situations, there are times when it’s advantageous to keep it enabled:
During Workouts: Use your smartwatch to play music directly while running or exercising.
For Hands-Free Calls: Route audio to your smartwatch for quick conversations.
As a Backup Device: In case your primary audio device isn’t available, your smartwatch can serve as a secondary option.
Final Thoughts
Disabling your phone’s media sound from playing on your smartwatch can greatly enhance your user experience, especially in scenarios where privacy and convenience are priorities. By adjusting settings through your phone’s Bluetooth options, the smartwatch companion app, or third-party tools, you can ensure audio routing behaves as expected.
Explore the methods discussed in this guide to take control of your device’s audio output and enjoy seamless interaction with your smartwatch. Whether you’re using a Samsung Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or another brand, these solutions will help you stay connected—on your terms.