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Why Your Apple Watch Won't Update
There are a few potential causes for your Apple Watch not updating. Some problems, like firmware issues, may require incorporating the services of an IT guru, whereas in some cases, you can sort them out in the comfort of your home, e.g.:
Your iPhone is Not Operating on the Latest iOS Version
For watchOS to be installed on your iOS wearable, your iPhone must be compatible. To upgrade to watchOS 8, you must be using any iPhone above the iPhone 6s running on iOS 15. If your iPhone does not meet these requirements, you won't be able to install any new updates to your Apple Watch.
Your iPhone is Not At Least 50% Charged
At a minimum, charge your iPhone to 50 % capacity. Having your phone fully charged is best because it prevents your phone from switching off during the update.
If your IOS device switches off while updating, you will have to restart the software update process.
Your Phone is Not Connected to Wi-Fi
Your phone needs to be connected to Wi-Fi for the update to be successful. If you don't have access to Wi-Fi, you can use a spare phone to create a personal hotspot and utilize it as a Wi-Fi network.
Disconnecting your Apple Wearable From Your iPhone While Installing The Update
If upgrading your Apple Watch software via the iPhone Watch app, ensure that your phone and watch are as close as possible, preferably on the same table, to maintain Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The update could be as short as a few minutes or take as long as two to three hours to complete. You may prefer to delay updating until you have time or schedule the update overnight.
Errors You May Experience If Your Apple Watch Fails To Update
Get Connected
The 'Get Connected' message is displayed if your iPhone isn't connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled.
Unable to Install Update or Failed Software Update
This could be a notification or alert that suggests "Close and Open App." and could result from an error while installing the latest watchOS.
Installation Paused
'Installation Paused' message appears if your wearable is not at least 50 % charged or isn't connected to its charger.
A Guide to Upgrading Your Apple Watch
Once you have determined that your Apple Watch meets all requirements and you are unable to check for updates on your Apple Watch, you must also ascertain that you follow the proper steps when updating the software. Often, many people end up missing a step or two, which automatically makes your Apple Watch fail to upgrade.
Follow these steps to update manually:
STEP1: Launch the Apple Watch application on your iOS phone, and then hit the My Watch tab.
STEP 2: Choose General, then Software Update from the drop-down menu.
STEP 3: Install the latest update. If prompted, enter the passcode for your Apple phone or wearable.
Allow the progress wheel to show on your Apple Watch. The update could take a few minutes and one hour to complete.
Alternatively, you can install updates independently on your iPhone if your Watch has a version later after watchOS 6. Here's how:
STEP 1: Ensure your watch is connected to the internet using Wi-Fi.
STEP 2: Launch the watch's Settings application.
STEP 3: Select General, then Software Update from the menu.
STEP 4: Click Install, then follow the instructions on your screen
If you've tried everything and the update still won't install, don't panic. We will aid you in locating a solution.
Methods of Troubleshooting If Your Apple Watch does Not Update
Here are a few alternatives that could assist your Apple wearable update:
Connect your Apple Devices To The Charger
You only need a 50 % charge to load the iOS update on your phone and watch; however, your best bet is a fully charged phone and the watch.
Power cycle your Apple Watch
After pushing and holding the side button, drag the slider until you see Power Off. Hold the side button to restart the watch.
Unpair your iPhone
After completing the preceding steps and your Apple Watch still refuses to update, you will need to unpair it using the steps below:
STEP 1: On your iOS smartphone, launch the Watch app.
STEP 2: Under the 'My Watch' page on your smartphone, select 'All Watches' at the top of the screen.
STEP 3: Click the information symbol adjacent to the watch you want to unpair.
STEP 4: Tap Apple Watch Unpair.
STEP 5: Choose Unpair the Apple Watch you want.
Restart the iPhone that Has Been Paired
Restarting your iPhone also helps update your iPhone. Here's how to restart your iPhone:
STEP 1: Hold the uppermost button until the power-off slider shows.
STEP 2: After sliding the slider for 30 seconds, your smartphone will turn off.
STEP 3: If your device is unresponsive, force restarts it by pressing the top button until the Apple logo shows to reactivate your device.
Repair the iPhone and Watch
Follow these steps to repair your Apple Watch to your iPhone after you've unpaired it:
STEP 1: Verify that your Apple Watch is powered on by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
STEP 2: Position your iPhone close to your Apple Watch until the pairing window opens on your iPhone.
STEP 3: Alternatively, you can start the Watch app on your iPhone and select 'Pair New Watch.'
STEP 4: When the pairing screen appears, tap 'Continue.'
STEP 5: Adjust the viewfinder on your iPhone to see the Apple Watch display.
The devices will be paired at this point. Once you've ascertained that the devices have paired, retry the update following the steps in this post.
Delete the Newest iOS Update on Your iPhone
If the update fails to install, you may need to delete the update entirely on the phone. Deleting the update will completely erase it, requiring you to start from scratch. Follow the steps below:
STEP 1: Open the Watch application on your iPhone
STEP 2: Navigate to the ‘General’
STEP 3: Select Usage the Software Update, and then delete the update file.
You can then attempt to update your Apple Watch.
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