A new watchOS means new features, new tools, and new fixes for your Apple Watch. So it’s very important to always keep an eye out for new updates and install them right away. But how do you actually install Apple Watch updates?
To update your Apple Watch from your iPhone, navigate to Watch App > My Watch > General > Software Update > Install Now. You can also update directly from your watch, provided it’s got watchOS 6 or later. To do so, go to Settings > General > Software Updates > Install.
If that all sounds a bit complicated, you can always set your phone to detect and automatically install new watchOS updates. Let’s take a closer look at the updating process as well as a few troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems.
How to Update Your Apple Watch
Requirements for Apple Watch Updates
Before you begin the process, here are a few things you must do for the update process to work:
- Charge your Apple Watch to 50% or more.
- Connect both your Apple Watch and iPhone to WiFi.
- Keep your Apple Watch close to your iPhone throughout the update process.
How to Update Using an iPhone
Now that you’re ready to update your Apple Watch, here’s how to do it:
- On your iPhone, open the Watch App.
- Go to the My Watch tab and select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Install Now to download and install any available update. Enter your password if prompted.
- Your watch will display a progress wheel on its screen. Leave it on charge and close to the iPhone until the update is complete.
- If there are no updates available, your iPhone will display the message ‘Your software is up to date.’ No action will be required.
How to Update Using the Apple Watch
You don’t need to use your iPhone for updates if you have watchOS 6 or later already installed on your watch. You can do the update directly from your watch, as follows:
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Wait for a few seconds for your watch to detect a new update. Once it does, tap Install.
- Follow the next few onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
Don’t quit the watch app or restart your Apple Watch or iPhone during the update.
How to Set Automatic Apple Watch Updates
You can also set up your phone to detect and automatically install new updates. This way, you don’t have to keep on going through the process manually each time there’s an update.
Here’s how to enable automatic updates on Apple Watch:
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Go to the My Watch tab and select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Toggle on Automatic Updates.
What to Do if Your Apple Watch Won’t Update
Here are a few troubleshooting tips to follow if you encounter any problems updating your Apple Watch:
Check Internet and Power Connections
Your Apple Watch and iPhone need to be connected to WiFi for the update to succeed. Confirm that this is the case.
Here’s how to check for a WiFi connection on your iPhone:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings.
- Select WiFi.
- Check for a network with a blue check mark. It means that your iPhone is connected.
Your Apple Watch also needs to have at least 50% power for it to update. WiFi connections may consume more power, so charge it to 75% just to be on the safe side. If you run low on battery, your iPhone will pause the process until you connect it to a charger.
Insufficient Space
Your update may consume a few hundred megabytes of storage. So, make sure you have sufficient storage before you begin the process.
Here’s how to check the amount of storage space on your Apple Watch:
- On your iPhone, open the Watch App.
- Select General and then Usage.
- Your phone will show you how much storage you have left on your Apple Watch.
Restart Apple Watch
Restarting (or resetting) your watch will help fix any bug that may be stalling the process.
Here’s how to restart your Apple Watch:
- Press and hold the Digital Crown and Side button.
- Slide the Power Off slider to the right.
- Wait for around 30 seconds and turn your watch on again. To do so, hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Unpair Apple Watch From iPhone
Another possible solution to any issues you may encounter is to try unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone and then pair the two back again.
Here’s how to unpair your Apple Watch from iPhone:
- On your iPhone, open the Watch App.
- Go to the My Watch tab and select All Watches.
- Tap the info (i) icon next to your watch.
- Choose Unpair Apple Watch.
- Tap Unpair (Name) Apple Watch again to confirm.
Wait for a few seconds, and then pair the two again.
Here’s how to pair your Apple Watch to your iPhone:
- First, ensure that your Apple Watch is on. Follow the steps provided above to turn it on.
- On your iPhone, open the Watch App.
- Select Start Pairing.
- You’ll be given two options, Set Up for Myself and Set Up for a Family Member. Choose the most viable option.
- Position your watch in the frame on the phone’s screen. Your two devices will pair.
- Tap Restore from Backup to continue where you left off.
- Follow the next few onscreen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Up to Date
An updated watchOS means that your data is protected from any previous glitches or bugs. You can now also enjoy all of watchOS’ newest features. Remember, the update process may take a while, so patience is a virtue you’ll apply here. Good luck!