The Apple Watch is one of the most impressive and sophisticated gadgets produced by Apple Inc. However, for proper functioning, its software requires regular updates for maintenance and bug fixes, much like your iPhone does.
Updating an Apple Watch is a pretty easy process. In some cases, however, the Apple Watch update may fail to install. In case your Apple Watch won’t update, we’ve provided the following troubleshooting advice to help you work around the update.
Before updating your watch or performing any Apple Watch troubleshooting, there are a few things you have to make sure of:
- Ensure that iOS on your iPhone is updated to the most recent version.
- Charge your Apple Watch to at least 50% of its capacity.
- Verify that your iPhone is connected to stable Wi-Fi
- Throughout the upgrade, keep your iPhone close to your Apple Watch.
The Update Process
Letting your Apple watch update automatically through the night is one of the best ways to acquire the most recent update. However, another option is to manually install the update. To complete it, take these actions:
- The Apple Watch Settings app should first be opened.
- Press General.
- Then select Software Update.
- If you notice that a new update is accessible, click Install.
- To install it, adhere to the on-screen directions.
WatchOS 9 will be the next Apple Watch upgrade, arriving in the fall of 2022. You can anticipate smaller updates throughout the year that will correct bugs and possibly bring new functionality. Follow the instructions above to determine the Apple Watch software version you are using whenever you wonder what the most recent version is. If there are no updates available, then it means you’re using the most recent one.
Setting up Automatic Updates
Sometimes the update problem can be resolved without any intervention on your part. However, you have to first ensure that your settings have the Automatic Updates option enabled.
The following steps will enable Apple Watch automatic updates:
- Get your iPhone’s Watch app open.
- Tap General on the My Watch tab.
- Next, select Software Update
- Hit the Automatic Updates button
- Verify that Automatic Updates is turned on; the toggle button should be green if it is on.
Afterward, make sure you keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi and position the Apple Watch near your iPhone while it is charging; this way, the watch will update by itself when it’s time.
How to Fix Update Issues
At this point, you should already be successful with the update process. If you’ve done everything described above and met all the update criteria but still can’t update your Apple Watch software, then it means you have to attempt the following troubleshooting steps we’ve described below.
Restart your Apple Watch
On an Apple Watch, you’ll typically see no restart option like there is on an iPhone; you must turn the watch off and back on for it to restart. You can restart your Apple Watch with the instructions provided below:
- Press the side button of the watch and hold it down
- You’ll see several sliders on the watch’s screen
- Move the Power Off slider to the right.
- Wait 30 seconds after the Watch shuts down before pressing the side button to turn it back on and wait until the Apple Logo appears.
Disconnect Pairing between your Apple Watch and iPhone
After completing the restart instructions, unpair the Apple Watch if it still won’t update. You can use these steps below to unpair it from your iPhone:
- Get your iPhone’s Watch app open.
- Tap the All Watches button at the top of the screen while in the My Watch tab.
- Next to the Apple watch you want to unpair, tap the info symbol.
- Choose the Unpair Apple Watch option
- To disconnect, tap [Name’s] Apple Watch’s Unpair button.
Repeat the Pairing Process between the Apple Watch and iPhone
After unpairing it, follow these steps to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone again:
- Verify that your Apple Watch is turned on, or activate it by tapping the side button until the Apple logo displays.
- Get your iPhone’s Watch app open.
- Select Start Pairing
- You can then select whether to set it up for a member of your family or yourself.
- Place your Apple Watch inside the phone’s yellow frame. Alternately, you may decide to pair manually.
- Once your device is paired, you may press Restore from Backup to restore it from an earlier Watch backup or tap Set Up as New Apple Watch to start over.
- More instruction menus will be presented to you. To finish the Apple Watch pairing procedure, continue to follow the on-screen instructions.
It will take a few minutes for your Watch to sync after you have completed the on-screen steps. Once it syncs, it is ready to use and should start functioning once more.
More Troubleshooting Options
There are a few options to troubleshoot if you see a notice that reads “Unable to Install Update” pop up on your Apple Watch’s screen.
- Turning off the option to unlock your Apple Watch using your iPhone is one solution to the problem if your Apple Watch is not checking for updates.
- Another option is to enable automatic nightly updates for your Apple Watch.
- Also, try upgrading the watch right after you turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone if you have an Apple Watch that uses cellular service.
Once the Apple Watch has been updated, don’t forget to toggle the “Unlock with iPhone” setting back on. “Apple unable to check for update” is another frequent problem message you might encounter. You should confirm that your Wi-Fi connection is stable, then restart your Apple Watch to fix this error message and successfully install an update.
On a final note, if you’re having any issues with updating your Apple Watch, at least one of the solutions we’ve suggested should help you get through them. We’re sure you’ve benefited from this article, so don’t forget to share it with your friends and loved ones.
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