Clearing Tapback message “unreads” on Apple Watch

[Canyda]

So we have a group family chat thread on iMessage.

The thread has a lot of “like” “love” and other tapbacks all the time.

I have noticed that if I click into the IMessage complication on my AW s6, and look at the messages the “unread” number on the complication does not change and disappear.

The only way I can get the “unread” number to change on the watch complication is to open the thread on my iPhone.

Is there a way to change this behaviour?

I have googled the problem and can’t find any answers.

My wife has also noticed the same behaviour on her new Watch SE, so it’s not something unique to my setup.

 

[bransoj]

I have the same issue, not so sure there is a way of doing it as much its probably a bug in the software. I've managed to do it sometimes by opening the message and scrolling all the way down to the auto reply buttons etc and then going back to the messages list rather than closing the messages app completely on the phone.

 

[Canyda]

FWIW, iOS 15 and WatchOS8 appear to have fixed this. Tapbacks are easier to clear now.