As a longtime Apple Watch user, I enable read receipts on my iPhone because I like the transparency—I consciously decide whether to reply. However, the Watch sends read receipts for notifications even if I haven't fully read them, thanks to its reliable but imperfect sensors. Sometimes it triggers falsely when I dismiss a glance, or misses when I actually read it. Until Apple refines this, here's how to turn off read receipts just on your Apple Watch, leaving iPhone and other devices unchanged.
Apple doesn't offer direct Messages settings on the Watch. Instead, use the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
Scroll to Messages and tap it. At the top, you'll see Mirror my iPhone and Custom. 'Mirror my iPhone' syncs your iPhone's message settings to the Watch. For independent control, select Custom.
Now customize: Scroll to the bottom and toggle off Send Read Receipts. This change applies only to your Apple Watch—your iPhone, iPad, or Mac remain unaffected.
With this disabled, Watch notifications won't trigger read receipts, whether you view, dismiss, or ignore them. Receipts will only send from devices where they're enabled.
Another option for precise read receipts: Turn off Watch notifications entirely. Receipts then only send when you open Messages on the Watch and tap to read. Ideal if you prefer no alerts.
In the Watch app on iPhone, tap Notifications > Messages. Select Custom, then toggle off Show Alerts.
For quick access without alerts, add a Messages complication to your watch face.
Read also: 5 Lesser-Known iOS 10 Features Everyone Was Waiting For
