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How to update your Apple Watch

If you want the latest security fixes and device features, we’ll show you how to update your Apple Watch.

apple watch series 7 both sizes
Image: KnowTechie

Quick Answer: To update an Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure that your Apple Watch is connected to its charger and within range of your iPhone.
  2. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
  3. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap General > Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Apple releases Apple Watch updates every so often during the year. Most updates are bug fixes, but some will give you new functionality.

In this post, we’ll show you how to keep your Apple Watch up to date. WatchOS updates keep your device safer and more efficient. The updates can include new features as well.

So, how do you know when your Apple Watch is ready for an update?

Most of the time, you’ll get a notification on your iPhone to let you know an update is ready. Additionally, the notification will ask if you want to update overnight.

software update screen on smartwatch
Image: KnowTechie

Typically, you can confirm this notification, leave your iPhone and Apple Watch on their charger overnight, and you’ll wake up to an updated Watch.

But if you can’t wait for an update? Sometimes, you might want (or need) to manually update. No sweat, we’ll show you how.

Here’s how to keep your Apple Watch up to date

⚠️ A few things before we start. Make sure your iPhone is on the latest version of iOS. Your Apple Watch needs at least 50% battery, and your iPhone needs to be on Wi-Fi. And lastly, keep your iPhone and Apple Watch near each other.

The update could take minutes, or it could take several hours.

Apple suggests updating overnight, so you’re not stuck waiting around.

How to update your Apple Watch

  1. Pick up your iPhone, then open the Apple Watch appapple watch app icon on iphone

  2. Tap the My Watch tab, then Generalapple watch app screen

  3. Select Software Updateiphone update screen

  4. When an update is ready, tap Install

  5. Without your iPhone

    Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to WiFi, place on the charger, and tap Settingsapple watch face on charger

  6. Tap on Generalgeneral settings menu on apple watch

  7. Then, tap on Software Updatesoftware update screen on smartwatch

  8. If an update is available, you’ll see Install on the screen. Tap on the word to update.up to date screen for apple wearable

There you have it. A quick guide on updating your Apple wearable.

But is there anything that can hinder your Apple Watch update process?

Actually, yes. Luckily, most of them are easy to fix.

Apple Watch update issues

apple watch on table
Image: Unsplash

Some things could stop your Apple Watch from updating. Thankfully, most fixes are extremely straightforward.

First, if you are having issues during the update process, ensure it’s connected properly to its charger. Most of the time, this solves most issues.

If not, restart the Apple Watch by holding the side button until you see Power Off prompt, then dragging the slider to confirm the shutdown.

Then, hold the side button again to turn it back on. From here, restart your iPhone and then try updating again.

Apple Watch updates give you the latest and greatest features

Now, your Apple Watch is updated to the latest watchOS. Even better, you know exactly what to do next time

While Apple Watch updates are often small, the company releases updates that improve the smartwatch’s performance or gives you access to features that weren’t previously available.

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