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zoë80
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch Workout app keeps reopening

Is anyone else experiencing this issue? It has started happening in the last two days, and it’s driving me absolutely insane.


Every time I turn my wrist to check the time, my Apple Watch opens the Workout app instead. I have closed the app numerous times, but it keeps reopening itself.


My settings have not changed, and this has never happened before. Everything was working perfectly fine until two days ago.


I already have the relevant settings enabled, and I haven’t changed anything. So please don’t just tell me to check the same settings that were already enabled before this problem started.


Has anyone else experienced this recently, particularly in October 2026? Is this a known watchOS bug, or has anyone found an actual fix?


I want to be able to raise my wrist and check the time without the Workout app opening every single time. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 4:57 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 12, 2026 8:36 AM in response to zoë80

Hi there


try this

  • Check "Return to Clock" Settings:
    1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
    2. Tap General > Return to Clock.
    3. Scroll down and find Workout.
    4. Ensure it is set to Always return to the clock face, or turn off Return to App. 
  • End a Paused Workout:
    1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
    2. Check if a workout is paused or running in the background. If one is active or paused, completely end or finish it. 
  • Check "Wake Screen" Behavior:
    1. In the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > Wake Screen.
    2. Verify that On Screen Wake Show Last App is adjusted to your preference (such as turning it off for session apps).


zoë80 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 12, 2026 8:56 AM in response to WheelieNick

Hi, thanks for the reply! 😊


I’ve actually already tried all of those suggestions before posting here. Generally, by the time I come to the Apple Community, it’s because I’ve already tried pretty much everything I can think of. This is basically my Hail Mary 😂


What’s making this especially frustrating is that these settings have been the same for ages, and this behaviour only started happening in the last couple of days. I’m pretty sure it started after the update I installed on Saturday, which makes me think this could potentially be a bug rather than a settings issue.


I really appreciate you taking the time to suggest these though!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256374731