Apple Watch includes a helpful feature that allows it to announce the time aloud, making it easy to check the time hands-free. Whether you want a simple time announcement or a fun chime with voice feedback, Apple Watch provides multiple ways to hear the time using VoiceOver, Taptic Time, or the Speak Time function.
This guide explains how to enable and customize the Apple Watch announce time feature, how to use Taptic Time for silent feedback, and troubleshooting common issues.
How Does Apple Watch Announce Time?
Apple Watch can announce the time in three main ways:
- Speak Time: When enabled, the watch will speak the time aloud when you tap and hold the watch face with two fingers.
- Taptic Time: This feature provides a silent way to check the time using vibrations instead of sound.
- Chimes: The watch can play hourly chimes to keep track of time.
These features make Apple Watch accessible for those with vision impairments while also offering a convenient way to check the time hands-free.
How to Enable Speak Time on Apple Watch
The Speak Time feature lets your Apple Watch announce the time aloud when you tap and hold the screen with two fingers.
Enable Speak Time via Apple Watch Settings
- Press the Digital Crown to open the app list.
- Tap Settings and scroll down to Clock.
- Toggle on Speak Time.
- Choose between Always Speak or Control with Silent Mode (to prevent announcements when the watch is muted).
Enable Speak Time via iPhone
- Open the Watch app on iPhone.
- Tap Clock under My Watch.
- Toggle on Speak Time and adjust the settings.
Now, Apple Watch will announce the time when you tap and hold the watch face with two fingers.
Using Taptic Time for Silent Time Feedback
Taptic Time provides a way to check the time through vibration patterns instead of sound. This is ideal for situations where you need silent feedback.
How to Enable Taptic Time
- Open Settings on Apple Watch.
- Tap Clock, then scroll to Taptic Time.
- Toggle on Taptic Time.
- Choose a feedback style:
- Digits: One long tap for every ten hours, short taps for single hours, then a pattern for minutes.
- Terse: Long taps for every five hours, short taps for the remaining hours, and a similar pattern for minutes.
- Morse Code: The time is vibrated in Morse Code.
Taptic Time can be activated by touching and holding two fingers on the watch face.
Setting Up Chimes for Hourly Time Announcements
Apple Watch can play a chime every hour, half hour, or quarter-hour to help users track time without looking at the screen.
How to Enable Chimes on Apple Watch
- Open Settings on Apple Watch.
- Tap Clock and scroll to Chimes.
- Toggle on Chimes and select a schedule:
- Hourly
- Every 30 minutes
- Every 15 minutes
- Choose a sound:
- Bells – A simple chime sound.
- Birds – A soft, nature-inspired chime.
Enable Chimes via iPhone
- Open the Watch app on iPhone.
- Tap Clock under My Watch.
- Toggle on Chimes and adjust the settings.
Customizing Apple Watch Announce Time with Different Voices
Apple Watch uses the standard Siri voice for announcements, but you can change the voice style if desired.
How to Change Siri Voice for Time Announcements
- Open Settings on iPhone.
- Tap Siri & Search > Siri Voice.
- Choose a different voice (varies by language and region).
The selected Siri voice will also be used for time announcements on Apple Watch.
Troubleshooting Speak Time Not Working
If Apple Watch is not announcing the time, try these fixes.
Ensure Speak Time Is Enabled
- Open Settings on Apple Watch.
- Go to Clock and confirm Speak Time is turned on.
Check Silent Mode
If Control with Silent Mode is enabled, the watch won’t announce the time when muted. Switch to Always Speak in Speak Time settings.
Restart Apple Watch
Press and hold the Side Button, then slide to power off. Restart and check if Speak Time works.
Check for Software Updates
- Open Settings on Apple Watch.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Install any available updates.
Ensure Apple Watch Speaker Is Working
Test the speaker by playing a sound. If no sound comes out, check for obstructions or restart the watch.
Benefits of Using the Announce Time Feature
- Accessibility for vision-impaired users.
- Hands-free convenience when unable to check the screen.
- Taptic Time provides discreet time notifications.
- Chimes offer regular time reminders without distractions.
Comparing Speak Time, Taptic Time, and Chimes
| Feature | Function | Best For | Activation Method |
| Speak Time | Announces time aloud | Hands-free, accessibility | Tap and hold two fingers |
| Taptic Time | Vibrates the time in patterns | Silent time check | Tap and hold two fingers |
| Chimes | Plays a sound at set intervals | Regular reminders | Automatically plays |
When to Use Each Feature
- Speak Time – When driving, working, or unable to look at the watch.
- Taptic Time – In meetings or quiet settings where sound is disruptive.
- Chimes – For keeping track of time without manual activation.
Future Improvements for Apple Watch Announce Time
Apple may enhance the feature with:
- Customizable voices for time announcements.
- Additional chime sounds beyond bells and birds.
- Personalized Taptic Time settings for more vibration options.
FAQs
How do I make Apple Watch announce the time aloud
Enable Speak Time in Clock settings and tap the watch face with two fingers.
Can Apple Watch announce time without touching the screen
No, Speak Time requires tapping the watch face unless using Siri.
How do I stop Apple Watch from announcing time in silent mode
Set Speak Time to control with silent mode in settings.
What is the difference between Taptic Time and Speak Time
Taptic Time provides vibration feedback, while Speak Time announces the time aloud.
Why is my Apple Watch not announcing the time
Check if Speak Time is enabled, silent mode is off, and the speaker is functioning.