Why doesn t my watch swipe up

Swipe-up no longer shows the same features/functions on Apple Watch after the update

marguerite225 wrote:

Not only do you press that side bar/button to get the old swipe options, but if you hold it too long, you get emergency services, AND if you press it quickly twice you finally get your wallet. Dont like these changes!

The flat oval side button has had 3 functions for years.

I have been using the double tap for Apple Pay for at least 5 years.

And long press to power cycle my Apple Watch every so often.

The single tap was favorites, but has just been repurposed to Control Center.

As Idris suggests, send Apple feedback, so your vote for change will be counted.

Fixed: Cant Swipe Up or Down on Apple Watch

One of the handiest features of the Apple Watch is the ability to access Control Center using the swipe up gesture. This is useful especially when youre on the move and need to change some settings on your Apple Watch quickly, such as disabling or enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, accessing the flashlight and more. So, it gets annoying when the Apple Watch swipe up gesture is not working.

Several reports said that the issue of the Apple Watch swipe up gesture not working began with watchOS 8.5.1 The issue also affected swiping down to get notifications for some. It was supposedly fixed in watchOS 9. However, if this still happens with your Apple Watch, dont despair, because I have some troubleshooting tips that should get it working again.

How To Fix Cant Swipe Up or Down on Apple Watch

1. Restart or Force Re-Start Your Apple Watch

The first thing to do, of course, is to restart your Apple Watch. More often than not, this will resolve any misbehaviors your Watch is troubling you with. To restart your Apple Watch, follow these steps.

• Press and hold the side button.
• Tap the Power icon.
• Drag the Power Off slider to the left.
• After your Apple Watch turns off, wait a few seconds then press the side button again to restart your Apple Watch.

Alternatively, you may opt to force reboot your Apple Watch if you dont want to do the normal restart procedures. To do this, simply press and hold the Digital Crown and side button together. Release them when the Apple logo appears.

2. Unpair and Re-Pair Your Apple Watch with Your iPhone

If restarting or force restarting your Apple Watch did not resolve the swipe up issue, you can unpair it with your iPhone and then pair it again.

Hopefully, this will fix your issue of the Apple Watch swipe up gesture not working. If not, try the next tip.

3. Change Watch Face to Fix Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working Issue

This may sound like a long shot, but hey, theres no harm in trying. Who knows, changing your Apple Watch face might actually resolve the swipe up issue. So, to change the Apple Watch face, simply swipe left or right on your current watch face. Then try swiping up and see if it works.

4. Turn Off System Haptics

In case youre not aware, your Apple Watch has an option in Settings called Sounds & Haptics. Although unexplained, some users have reported that turning this off, then back on again, sometimes restores the swipe up gesture on Apple Watch. You can try and see if it will work for your Apple Watch.

Time needed:1 minute

Follow these steps to turn off and on System Haptics on your Apple Watch.

1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.

   

2. Toggle off System Haptics, then wait for a few seconds.

   

3. Toggle on System Haptics, then try swiping up.

5. Remove Your Apple Watchs Screen Protector

If youre using a screen protector on your Apple Watch, this could be causing an issue with swiping up. Unfortunately, it may cost you to remove and then possibly get a new screen protector, its still worth giving it a try, especially if it solves the issue.

6. Its Time to Give Your Apple Watch a Touch-Up

If youre like me and dont really bother to wipe clean your Apple Watch, it might be time for you to do so. Since all models of Apple Watch are water-resistant, it wont hurt to give it a quick wash. Be sure to remove the Apple Watch band before washing it though. Pay attention to residues on the side of the Digital Crown and side buttons since these residues could affect the various functions of your Apple Watch.

Other Things That You Can Do to Fix Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working

Other things you can try include checking the display of your Apple Watch for minor cracks. Some users also tried performing the swipe up gesture at a slower pace. Since that actually worked for them, its definitely worth a shot.

If all of the above troubleshooting tips still wont solve the issue, theres one more thing that you can try before bringing your Apple Watch to the nearest Apple Store service center. That is to factory reset the device. Make sure to back up your Apple Watch before resetting it, since you will lose all your previous data. Follow the steps below to reset your Apple Watch.

1. Go to Settings on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap General > Reset.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the reset.

Top 10 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working

The Apple Watch has one of the best UIs on a smartwatch. The fluidity and ease of use along with its smart features are unmatched. But navigating around the UI on the Apple Watch relies on taps and swipes. You can swipe around on the watch face to get to different menus. However, at times, the Apple Watch swipe up gesture may not work as intended.

If you are facing this problem, you may not be able to access the control center on your Apple Watch. Dont worry, though, as there are simple fixes to help you if your Apple Watch wont swipe up. Lets get straight to the fixes

1. Force Restart the Apple Watch

A lot of times, the solution to most mundane problems is a simple reboot or reset. Press and hold the side button of the Apple Watch along with the digital crown simultaneously for 10 seconds. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Your Apple Watch will now restart.

Note that youre just rebooting your watch by doing this and it will not wipe your data. Check if the swipe up functionality is now working. If not, proceed with the following methods.

2. Try Controlling the Apple Watch Using Your iPhone

Apple introduced the ability to control your Apple Watch using your iPhone with iOS 16 and watchOS 9. Via this method, you can mirror your Apple Watchs screen onto your iPhone and perform various actions on it. So, to check if the issue is with the display on your Apple Watch, try controlling your Apple Watch via your iPhone.

If youre able to swipe up, it means something is wrong with your Apple Watchs display. If your Apple Watch wont swipe up even after this, youll have to try the other fixes mentioned after this.

3. Swipe Up Carefully From the Edge of the Screen

Apples gestures be it on the iPhone or the Apple Watch work only on the edge of the display. So, if youre trying to perform the swipe-up gesture off-axis or a little to the top or bottom, it wont work.

If your Apple Watch wont swipe up or down, try swiping slowly from the edge of the screen. Since the Apple Watch has curved edges, it may take a few tries but you should be able to figure it out.

4. Remove Any Screen Protector or Case

The Apple Watch is an expensive accessory. So, it makes sense to protect it with an Apple Watch case or even a screen protector. However, a lot of times, using a screen protector or a case can turn out to be counter-intuitive.

A thick screen protector or case can prevent the Apple Watch swipe up gesture since it hinders the touch input.

So, if cant swipe up on Apple Watch, it could be due to something that seems as harmless as a screen protector. Get rid of it and try swiping up.

5. Wipe Off Water or Dirt From the Screen

Water is the biggest enemy of touch screens. If youve ever worn your Apple Watch for a swim, you would know that its impossible to use the touch screen when youre underwater. Similarly, if there are water droplets on the screen or youre out in the rain, your Apple Watch wont swipe up.

The best way to address this issue would be to take a microfiber cloth or a dry towel and wipe the display dry. Ideally, you should also dry your hands before using the screen.

6. Try a Different Watch Face

Most Apple Watch faces have multiple complications for various uses. These complications can occupy the bottom of the screen, preventing you from swiping up.

Try changing your Apple Watch face by holding down on the existing one. Then, swipe to the left or right to select a watch face of your choice. Try swiping up on the new watch face.

7. Update to the Latest Version of watchOS

If your Apple Watch becomes unresponsive from time to time, it could be that youre running an older, buggy version of watchOS. Update to the latest version of watchOS and the new software should give you enhanced stability. Heres how to do it.

Step 1:Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Navigate to the General tab.

Step 2:Tap on Software Update.

Step 3:If an update is available, it would be displayed on this screen.

Hit the update button and let your Apple Watch restart. Once done, check if the Apple Watch swipe up gesture is working.

8. Replace the Screen if Damaged

The display on the Apple Watch is made of glass and hence, quite fragile. If you happen to damage the display by accident, you will not be able to select any of the options on the screen.

So, if your display is shattered or badly scratched, we suggest contacting Apple for a replacement.

9. Factory Reset the Apple Watch

If theres an issue with the software and theres no update available, your best option is to factory reset the Apple Watch. This will erase all your data on the Watch so make sure you take a backup before proceeding. Heres how you can factory reset your Apple Watch.

Step 1:Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Navigate to the General tab.

Step 2:Scroll down to find the Reset button. Tap on it.

Step 3:Then, choose the Erase All Content and Settings option. This will reset your Apple Watch back to factory settings.

If none of the above solutions seem to help you with your Apple Watch not swiping up (or down for that matter), its time to take your watch to Apple. There could be a hardware defect in the display thats preventing your touch inputs from being registered.

Head over to the closest Apple Store and the certified technicians should be able to help you resolve the problem.

FAQs for Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working

Unfortunately, theres no way to access the Control Center on your Apple Watch without swiping up from the bottom. You can, however, control your Apple Watch via your iPhone and perform the gesture.

If you take your watch to Apple, they will tell you that the screen cannot be replaced. However, if youre confident about repairing your Apple Watch yourself, you can pick up a screen from a marketplace of your choice and attempt the repair by yourself.

Swipe Your Problems Away

When you use an Apple Watch daily, you would need to access the Control Center for various toggles and settings. And if the Apple Watch swipe is not working, this becomes a difficult task. Dont worry though, as these solutions should positively help you overcome the issue.

Thanks for your feedback!