The Talking Watch Face
The Apple Watch features several highly animated, character-based watch faces, such as Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse. As a fun easter egg, Apple integrated a feature called “Speak Time.” If you are using one of these character faces and you tap the screen with two fingers, the character will literally speak the current time out loud in their iconic voice. While this is entertaining the first time you do it, it is incredibly easy to trigger by accident when crossing your arms or brushing the screen. If Mickey Mouse randomly yells the time during a quiet meeting, you must disable the audio trigger.
How to Turn Off Speak Time
You can permanently mute the interactive watch faces via the Clock settings.
- Open the Settings app directly on your Apple Watch (the grey gear icon).
- Scroll down the main list and tap on Clock.
- Look for the master toggle switch labeled Speak Time.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Silent Animation
The change is instantaneous. The Apple Watch will completely sever the touch gesture from the audio engine. You can continue to use the Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse watch faces, and the characters will continue to animate and tap their feet. However, if you press two fingers against the glass, the watch will completely ignore the gesture, and the characters will remain perfectly silent.