How do I stop iPhone app notifications from appearing on a Garmin Forerunner 965?
Answer
Turn off smart notifications in the Garmin Connect app or on the Forerunner 965, and optionally limit which iPhone apps can send notification access to Garmin. You do not need to disable notifications on the iPhone itself for every app.
Follow these steps
Disable Smart Notifications in Garmin Connect
On the iPhone, open Garmin Connect > devices (watch icon) > Forerunner 965 > Notifications & Alerts or Smart Notifications. Turn notifications Off (or disable phone calls, texts, and apps as preferred).
You should see: Connect shows smart notifications disabled for the watch.
Confirm on the Forerunner 965
On the watch, open Settings > Notifications (or Notifications and Alerts) and set Smart Notifications to Off. Sync once with the phone if prompted.
You should see: The watch no longer lists notifications as enabled.
Limit iOS notification access only if alerts continue
If alerts still appear, open iPhone Settings > Notifications, then check that you did not need to disable Notification Center for Messages or WhatsApp on the phone. Prefer Garmin per-app controls in Connect instead of turning off iPhone alerts entirely.
You should see: Watch stays quiet while the iPhone still shows the apps notifications you want.
Test with a text or WhatsApp message
Send yourself a text or WhatsApp message and place a quick call. Confirm the iPhone alerts as usual but the Forerunner 965 does not vibrate or show the alert.
You should see: Phone notifies; watch does not.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Garmin Connect device settings for Smart Notifications, and Forerunner 965 Settings > Notifications and Alerts
Before you change anything: Keep the watch paired and nearby during changes. Decide whether you want zero notifications or only during activities. Do not factory-reset the watch just to silence alerts. Avoid unofficial apps that request broad notification access.