Apple Watch: Stop 'Send as Text' Prompt - Guide

Managing Message Sending Preferences on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch’s Messages application enables voice-based text messaging. However, each time you utilize this feature, a prompt appears, inquiring whether you wish to transmit the message as standard text or a voice recording.

This article details how to bypass this recurring prompt and establish a default sending method.

Setting Your Default Message Type

If you consistently prefer sending messages as traditional text – and not voice recordings – you can configure your Apple Watch to automatically send all messages in text format. Conversely, the device can be set to default to voice messages if that aligns with your preference.

Important Note: Audio message transmission is unavailable to recipients who do not possess an iPhone.

Related: How to Configure Custom Replies for Text and Email Messages on Your Apple Watch

Configuration Steps via iPhone

The necessary settings adjustment must be performed on your paired iPhone. Begin by launching the “Watch” application on your iPhone’s Home screen.

Ensure that the “My Watch” tab is currently selected. If not, tap the “My Watch” icon located at the bottom of the screen to activate it.

Within the “My Watch” interface, locate and tap the “Messages” option.

On the subsequent “Messages” screen, select “Audio Messages”. The currently active setting will be displayed to the right of “Audio Messages”.

A new screen dedicated to “Audio Messages” will appear. Here, choose either “Always Dictation” to consistently send messages as text, or “Always Audio” to default to voice recordings. Selecting “Always Dictation” will ensure all messages are sent as text.

Verifying the Change

Following this adjustment, when composing a new text message on your Apple Watch, the “Send as Audio/Send as Text” prompt will no longer appear.

The selected message format will be automatically applied to your outgoing text.

By implementing this change, you can streamline your messaging experience and save time by eliminating the need to repeatedly choose your preferred message format.