It’s important that you always update your Apple Watch to its latest version to ensure everything operates normally. Although updating your watch through your iPhone may be the easiest way to do it, you can also update your Apple Watch directly from the device itself.
To update watchOS directly from the Apple Watch, go to Settings > General and then tap ‘Software Update.’ Tap ‘Install’ if an update is available and then follow the onscreen instructions. Leave your watch on charge during the update process, and don’t restart it; it will restart on its own.
Now that you’ve got an idea of how it works, let’s take a closer look at how to update your Apple Watch without an iPhone. We also discuss the latest watchOS release and what you can expect from it.
Do You Need an iPhone to Update an Apple Watch?
You don’t need an iPhone to update the latest Apple Watch models. For Apple Watches running on watchOS or later, like the Apple Watch Series 8 (on Amazon), you can install the update directly using your watch without using your iPhone.
For older versions, however, you need the iPhone paired with your watch for the update.
What to Do Before Updating
Before updating your Apple Watch, ensure that you meet the following requirements:
- Your Apple Watch must have at least 50% of the battery charged. But to be on the safe side, leave it charging during the update process.
- Your Apple Watch must be connected to WiFi.
How to Update Your Apple Watch Without an iPhone
Here’s how to manually update your Apple Watch without using an iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General and tap Software Update.
- Tap Install if an update is available and then follow the onscreen instructions.
Don’t restart your Apple Watch. It will update itself and then reboot once the process is complete.
Apple Watch Not Updating?
If you encounter a hitch during the updating process, here are a few possible reasons why:
- Your Apple Watch is low on battery. As mentioned earlier, it should have at least 50% of charge.
- The iPhone paired with your Apple Watch isn’t operating on the latest iOS version.
- Your watch isn’t compatible with the latest software update.
Troubleshooting Tips
Try the following tips to fix the problem.
Check Charger
Confirm that your Apple Watch is charging. Connect it properly to its charger and power on the outlet. You can also try a different outlet and charger. If it’s not working, consider replacing your charger with another original Apple charger (on Amazon).
Check Apple Watch Compatibility
It’s possible that your Apple Watch is incompatible with the latest software, and that’s why you’re having difficulties installing an update. Not all watch models will work with new watchOS releases.
The latest watchOS 9, for instance, is compatible with Apple Watch Ultra (On Amazon), the first generation Apple Watch SE (On Amazon), the Apple Watch Series 4 (on Amazon), and later models. Your watch will show you the latest version that it’s compatible with.
Restart the Apple Watch
Try restarting your Apple Watch. A simple reboot often fixes software glitches. To restart your Apple Watch:
- Press and hold the Side button until the Power Off slider appears. Slide it to the right to turn it off.
- Wait for a few seconds and turn it back on. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
When to See a Professional
If you try all of these fixes and there’s still no progress, it’s time to contact Apple Support. Even some things are above our pay grade.
You can also schedule an appointment at your local Apple Store since the problem is likely hardware related.
The geniuses at the bar will help you out. They may also ask you a few questions relating to your watch. Good luck!
watchOS 9 Is Here!
Apple rolled out watchOS 9 in September 2022, a few months after its beta testing. The OS comes with a new design, new apps, new watch faces, and a particular focus on health and fitness capabilities.
As with other updates, this one hopes to improve user experience and fix any shortcomings present in its predecessor.
One of the new apps is the Medications App, which will help users track and manage their supplements, vitamins, and medications. It keeps a list of your medications and sends reminders whenever it’s time to take them. You can also get more info on your medication.
Another incredible addition is in sleep tracking, which, unlike before, now includes sleep stages for users. There is REM, Core, and Deep Sleep. Data is stored for these stages, and you can view them in detail on your iPhone through the health app.
Other areas that have been improved or added include the CallKit, quick actions, family setup, maximum battery capacity recalibration, and notifications that now show up as unobtrusive banners. They’ll only appear as full notifications when the Apple Watch isn’t activated, and your wrist is down.
What are you waiting for? Install the new watchOS today!
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve been able to update your Apple Watch without any hiccups. Apple will periodically release new updates to ensure that its devices are secure and working as they should, so make sure you keep your watch updated.
That said, there’s no definite period between these updates, so always be on the lookout and update your Apple devices as soon as possible.