How to update your Apple Watch

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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.

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.

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

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

Pick up your iPhone, then open the Apple Watch app

Tap the My Watch tab, then General

Select Software Update

When an update is ready, tap Install

Without your iPhone

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

Tap on General

Then, tap on Software Update

If an update is available, you’ll see Install on the screen. Tap on the word to update.

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.

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.

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.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.