The Hidden Downloads
If you subscribe to Apple Fitness+, the Apple Watch automatically downloads a series of audio workouts called “Time to Walk” or “Time to Run.” By default, whenever you place your watch on the magnetic charger, it silently connects to your Wi-Fi network and begins pulling these massive audio files into its internal storage. If you only own a GPS-only Apple Watch with limited storage capacity, these unsolicited audio files will rapidly fill up your hard drive, preventing you from installing system updates or syncing your own music. You must completely block these background downloads.
How to Turn Off “Add New Workouts to Watch”
You can permanently sever the automatic download pipeline via the companion Watch app on your iPhone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Ensure you are on the “My Watch” tab at the bottom left.
- Scroll down the main list of apps and tap on Workout.
- Scroll down to the “Time to Walk” or “Time to Run” section.
- Locate the toggle switch labeled “Add New Workouts to Watch.”
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Manual Control Only
The change is instantaneous. The Apple Watch will completely terminate the background daemon responsible for scheduling Fitness+ downloads. The next time you place the watch on its charger, it will pull absolutely zero data. If you wish to listen to a “Time to Walk” episode, you must now manually select and stream it, ensuring your watch’s internal storage remains completely under your control.