The Audio Governor
The Apple Watch features a strict environmental monitoring system called “Headphone Safety.” Operating constantly in the background, this feature monitors the decibel level of audio playing through your connected Bluetooth headphones. If the watch calculates that you have been listening to loud music for too long, it will forcefully intercept your volume controls, capping the maximum output and displaying a permanent warning notification on your wrist. For audiophiles using high-impedance headphones that require high volume levels from a connected amplifier, this artificial software cap is incredibly frustrating.
How to Turn Off Headphone Safety (Reduce Loud Sounds)
You can permanently paralyze the background audio governor via the Sounds & Haptics settings.
- Open the Settings app directly on your Apple Watch (the grey gear icon).
- Scroll down the main list and tap on Sounds & Haptics.
- Tap on Headphone Safety.
- Locate the master toggle switch labeled Reduce Loud Sounds.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Unrestricted Volume Control
The change is instantaneous. The Apple Watch will completely terminate the background decibel-monitoring daemon. The operating system will sever its connection to the volume limiter bridge. You can now push your Bluetooth headphones to their maximum hardware limits, and the Apple Watch will absolutely refuse to intercept the signal or lower the volume to protect your hearing. You now possess absolute, unmitigated manual control over your audio output levels.