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Galaxy Watch LTE Not Getting Notifications Away from Phone

If your Galaxy Watch LTE model can make calls and access the internet when away from your phone, but doesn't receive app notifications, there are specific settings and limitations you need to understand.

Understanding Connection Types​

Your watch displays different connection states:

  • Connected: Direct Bluetooth connection to phone - full functionality
  • Remotely connected: Via WiFi or LTE - limited notification forwarding
  • Disconnected: No connection to phone - standalone mode only

Critical Setting: WiFi Always On​

The most common fix is changing WiFi behavior.

  1. On your watch, go to Settings Connections WiFi
  2. Change setting from Auto to Always on
  3. This ensures WiFi activates immediately when Bluetooth disconnects

Why this matters: With "Auto" mode, there's a delay when Bluetooth disconnects. Notifications may be missed during this gap.

Enable Remote Connection​

Verify remote connection is properly enabled.

  1. Open Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
  2. Go to Watch settings Advanced features
  3. Enable Remote connection or Connect to device remotely
  4. Keep this enabled for notifications when away

Phone Must Stay On​

For most app notifications, your phone needs to be:

  • Powered on (not fully shut down)
  • Connected to internet (WiFi or mobile data)
  • Running Galaxy Wearable app (can be in background)

Your watch receives notifications by relaying through your phone, even on LTE.

What Works Without Phone​

These features work independently on LTE:

  • Calls: Make and receive calls using watch number
  • Texts: Send and receive SMS to watch number
  • Gemini/Assistant: Voice assistant queries
  • Streaming: Music from watch storage or streaming apps
  • GPS: Navigation and location tracking

What Requires Phone Connection​

These require your phone to be on and connected:

  • App Notifications: WhatsApp, email, social media alerts
  • Notification Actions: Reply, dismiss, interact with notifications
  • Phone Calls: Forwarding calls from your phone number
  • Some Apps: Apps that don't have standalone watch versions

Sync WiFi Passwords​

Your watch needs WiFi access for remote connection.

  1. Open Galaxy Wearable app
  2. Go to Watch settings Connections WiFi
  3. Enable Sync WiFi networks
  4. Known WiFi passwords from phone sync to watch
  5. Watch can connect to these networks when away from phone

Missed Call Notifications Fix​

If you're missing call notifications specifically:

  1. Install Google Phone app on your phone
  2. Set it as your default phone app
  3. Enable Google Phone notifications in Galaxy Wearable
  4. This improves call notification forwarding

Quick Test​

To verify remote connection works:

  1. Turn off Bluetooth on your watch (not phone)
  2. Watch should show "Remotely connected" status
  3. Send yourself a test notification
  4. Verify it appears on watch

If notifications don't appear in this test, revisit the settings above.

See Also: Galaxy Watch Notification Problems|Galaxy Watch Connectivity Issues|Galaxy Watch Non-Samsung Phone

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