Your Apple Watch, just like your iPhone, needs software updates to run smoothly. These updates can fix bugs and bring in new features you’ll love. Usually, your Apple Watch will send you a notification when a new update is available. But if you like to stay abreast, you can always check for updates and install them yourself.

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Keeping your Apple Watch updated can avert problems or issues with syncing, notifications, data transfer, and more. You’ll also avoid problems if your watch and iPhone require different software updates. We encourage you to keep an eye out for updates and install them as soon as they become available. Here’s how to update your Apple Watch automatically or manually and what to do in case anything goes wrong.

How to keep your Apple Watch up-to-date on its own?

Updating your Apple Watch can be as easy as a few taps on your wrist.

If your Apple Watch alerts you of an update, tap “Update Tonight” and confirm the action on your iPhone. Then, leave your Apple Watch and iPhone charging next to each other overnight, and voila! Your watch will be updated by morning. Make sure that both devices are connected to WiFi.

How to update Apple Watch Manually?

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, no problem! Before you begin, ensure that the software on your iPhone is up-to-date and that your iPhone and Apple Watch are connected to WiFi.

Check for iOS update

2. Tap on the Watch app and go to the My Watch tab on your iPhone.

3. Tap General, and under it, Software Update

A red number will appear next to Software Update if an update is available.

5. If there is an update, tap Download and Install

You may be asked for the passcode for your iPhone or Apple Watch here. Type it in.

The Watch face will show a progress wheel. Keep the Apple Watch plugged in and next to the iPhone while the update is happening. 

Once the update is done, your Apple Watch will restart.

What to do before updating Apple Watch software

Updating the software on your Apple Watch can be a breeze, but before you hit that “update” button, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure your iPhone and watch are connected to the same WiFi network. This is crucial as your iPhone syncs updates to the apps and operating system on your watch.

Next, double-check that your iPhone has the latest iOS version. After all, you don’t want to update your watch only to find out your phone lags behind.

Here’s the most important step: Charge up your Apple Watch. You can only update the Apple Watch while you have it on your charger or have at least half of the battery life remaining. So make sure it’s at least 50% remaining capacity before you begin. And keep that charger handy.

Finally, keep your phone close by – since your Watch installs the update wirelessly, the two devices should be in close proximity for the process to go smoothly.

How to directly update Apple WatchOS on Apple Watch?

If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or higher, you can update the OS on Apple Watch directly without even using your iPhone. Follow the below steps:

Connect your watch to your home or office wifi internet.

2. Set the Apple Watch where you can charge it

Make sure there is a socket where you can plug in and charge your device.

3. Open the Setting app on the Watch

4. Choose General

5. Next, Choose to update the software

Ensure your Apple Watch connects to the charger correctly and that your outlet gives off enough power.

What if the Update Fails on the First Try?

If you have had trouble updating your Apple Watch using the above steps, don’t worry, try the following:

  • Turn off your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Power Off button appears. Turn it back on by pressing the side button again.On an iPhone X or later, hold the volume down and sleep/wake buttons until Slide to Power Off appears, then switch it back on by pressing the sleep/wake button.Try setting up the system again. Head to Software Update in the Watch app and remove the update file, then try downloading it again if the update is still not functional.Unpair and repair your Apple Watch and iPhone.

How to Fix Problems with Apple Watch Software Updates

Apple Watch failed to update? Try these troubleshooting tips.

1. Make sure that the Watch is charging

You must have the Watch on the charger, and it must be charging correctly with at least 50% remaining for the update to work. 

2. Make sure you are using the right iPhone

Please ensure the iPhone you’re using to update your Apple Watch is already paired with it. This is possible with the Apple Watch app. Verify that the name and other details of the paired Watch match the one you are updating.

3. Turn on the Apple Watch again

You may need to restart your Apple Watch if the update fails to finish or wipe it clean.

4. Start the iPhone back up

If restarting the Watch doesn’t help, you might also need to restart your iPhone.

5. Remove the file for updating watchOS and try again

If the update for your Apple Watch won’t even start, you’ll need to download it again. To accomplish this, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and erase the most recent update file, then to General, then to Usage, then to Software Update, then to Delete, then to Delete again. Then, use the steps mentioned in the last section to start the update process again.

6. Re-pair the iPhone and Watch 

Your devices will only update when the Watch and iPhone pair successfully. In case they lose the connection, you must unpair and pair them again.