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typ1dst
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch Ultra 2 medication reminders 'Taken' changed in watchOS 27

Hi everyone,

since updating my Apple Watch Ultra 2 to watchOS 27, I’ve noticed a change in how medication reminders work.


Before (watchOS 26):

I track my medications in the Health app. At the scheduled time, my watch showed a reminder asking whether I had taken my medication. The “Taken” button was pre-selected, so I could simply confirm it with a Double Tap (index finger and thumb), without touching the screen.


Now (watchOS 27):

I still get the reminder at the scheduled time, but “Taken” is no longer pre-selected. Instead, a new options/settings button is highlighted. When I use Double Tap, it triggers that button instead of logging my medication. So I have to tap the screen manually again, which makes the gesture useless for this purpose.


My questions:

  1. Is there a setting to make “Taken” the default action again?
  2. Has anyone found a workaround that still lets me log medications hands-free?
  3. Is anyone else seeing the same behavior?


Device details:

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • watchOS 27.0.1
  • iPhone with iOS 27.0.1


Thanks!

Posted on Oct 19, 2026 10:28 PM

2 replies

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

Oct 20, 2026 2:23 PM in response to typ1dst

Hi there


please try this


Since your Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports on-device Siri commands, you can completely bypass the physical notification. When the reminder goes off (or anytime after), activate Siri and use one of these phrases: 


  • "Log my morning medications as taken."
  • "Log my [Medication Name] as taken." 

2. The Apple Watch Action Button Shortcut

If you prefer a physical interaction over voice commands but still want to avoid precision screen-tapping:


  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch Ultra 2.
  2. Scroll down and tap Action Button.
  3. Set the Action to open the Medications app. 
  • How it helps: When a reminder triggers, pressing the physical Action Button will instantly launch you into the Medications interface, reducing the number of precise screen taps needed to log your doses.


KiltedTim
User level: Level 10 (238,530 points)

Oct 20, 2026 2:35 PM in response to typ1dst

I'll have to wait until 6:30 EDT to see if my Ultra 3 behaves the same way. I usually end up logging it on the phone as It takes me a few to get to the medicine cabinet most of the time.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256379368