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Martin Post
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

How to stop Apple Watch “Workout paused/resumed” announcements for Outdoor Cycling?

When I use the Workouts app on my Apple Watch [watchOS 27.0.1] for outdoor cycling, it announces “Workout paused” and “Workout resumed” at every traffic light, and I can’t switch this off.


On my iPhone:


- Settings → Apps → Fitness → Notifications → off


- Watch app → Apps → Workout → Voice Feedback → off


On the Apple Watch:


- Workout → Workout Buddy and Alerts (Bell icon) → Workout Buddy → off


And yet it keeps on yapping. 😕


Any idea how to suppress this?


Thank you.


Posted on Oct 14, 2026 11:36 PM

2 replies

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

Oct 15, 2026 4:08 AM in response to Martin Post

Hi there


Please try this


  1. Turn Off Auto-Pause (Stops the watch from pausing when you stop):
    • On your iPhone: Open the Watch app, go to My Watch, tap Workout, and toggle off Auto-Pause.
    • On your Apple Watch: Go to Settings > Workout > Auto-Pause and turn it off. 
  1. Check the Cycling Workout Specific Preferences:
    • Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch, tap the three dots (or edit/preference icon) next to Outdoor Cycling.
    • Scroll through the workout alerts, splits, and Workout Buddy options to ensure audio prompts are completely disabled for that specific activity. 
  1. Disable "Press to Pause" (If accidental button presses trigger it):
    • In the Watch app on your iPhone or Settings > Workout on your watch, scroll down and turn off Press to Pause (which prevents simultaneous clicks of the Digital Crown and side button from firing a pause state).
  1. Mute Workout Audio Directly During a Session:
    • While an outdoor cycling workout is active, swipe left on the watch screen to reach the workout controls screen, scroll down, and tap the Mute icon to silence the Workout Buddy.


Martin Post Author
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 15, 2026 4:25 AM in response to WheelieNick

Thanks for the (highly specific and well-formatted) recommendation.


You suggest switching off auto-pause. I had it switched off, and currently, it’s switched on, but the problem was present in both cases. Every pause (wether detected automatically or activated manually) is proudly annunced.


Just to clarify: I want the Apple Watch to detect short stops, this is a great feature. I just don’t want the Watch to report/announce them. 😊


Also, I have already switched off Workout Buddy, and accordingly, scrolling down during a workout shows no mute option.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376488