Keeping your Apple Watch updated with the latest watchOS version is essential to ensure you have access to the newest features, performance improvements, bug fixes, and critical security enhancements. Updating your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can be done either directly on the watch itself or via your paired iPhone. This step-by-step video from Apple will walk you through both methods, providing clear instructions to help you successfully update your Apple Watch to the latest watchOS release.
Before You Begin: Important Preparation Steps
Prior to initiating the update process, there are several key preparation steps you should take to ensure a smooth and successful update:
- Update your iPhone: Make sure your paired iPhone is running the latest iOS version, as this is required for compatibility with the newest watchOS release.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect both your iPhone and Apple Watch to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network. Avoid using cellular data, as the update file can be large.
- Charge your Apple Watch: Ensure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% battery capacity. It’s best to keep your watch on its charger during the update process to prevent interruptions due to low battery.
- Keep devices close: Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in close proximity to each other throughout the update to maintain a strong and stable connection between the devices.
Method 1: Updating Your Apple Watch Directly on the Device
If you prefer to update your Apple Watch directly on the device without using your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger to ensure it remains powered throughout the update process.
- Press the Digital Crown to access the app grid, then open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
- Scroll down and tap on General, then select Software Update.
- If a new update is available, tap on Install. If the update needs to be downloaded first, tap on Download and Install instead.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the download and installation process to complete. This may take several minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.
- Once the installation is finished, your Apple Watch will automatically restart. You will see a progress wheel on the screen, indicating that the update is being applied. Keep the watch on its charger until the progress wheel disappears and the watch face reappears, signaling that the update is complete.
Method 2: Updating Your Apple Watch Using Your iPhone
Alternatively, you can use your paired iPhone to update your Apple Watch by following these steps:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger and ensure it remains powered throughout the update process.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Navigate to the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen, then tap on General.
- Select Software Update. If a new update is available, you will see a red dot next to this option.
- Review the information about the update, including any new features, improvements, and the size of the download. If prompted, accept the terms and conditions.
- Tap on Install to begin the update process. If the update needs to be downloaded first, tap on Download and Install instead.
- If prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode to confirm the installation.
- The update will begin downloading and installing on your Apple Watch. Keep the watch on its charger and in range of your iPhone until the progress wheel completes and the watch restarts, indicating the update is finished.
Verifying the Update and Enjoying New Features
After your Apple Watch restarts, it will be running the latest watchOS version. To verify this:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap on General, then About.
- Check the Version field to confirm the new watchOS version number.
With the update complete, you can now explore and enjoy the latest features, improvements, and security enhancements that come with the new watchOS release. Keep your Apple Watch updated regularly to ensure optimal performance, security, and access to the newest capabilities.
Source & Image Credit: Apple
Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Guides
Latest TechMehow Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, TechMehow may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.