How do I update the WatchOS operating system on Apple Watch? How to update your Apple Watch properly

As soon as a new product enters the market, it is equipped with advanced features and capabilities, but over time, the device software becomes outdated, which causes frequent freezes and slowdowns, which leads to unstable operation and other inconveniences.

To avoid such problems, manufacturers try to update their software as often as possible. Until recently, these were smartphones, and more recently, smartwatches. So how to properly update your apple watch.

Update highlights

Before getting started, you need to familiarize yourself with the main points of the latest version of the software:

The latest update has improved performance. The built-in video accelerator PowerVR SGX543 has become more involved in the system.
Apple has removed the restriction between the American and European markets. For users - this means one thing, the functions available to American users will be localized faster for our customer.
Due to the two versions of the watch (sports and classic), two versions of the firmware were released (the user can install only the OS that matches the model of the watch).

How to update Apple Watch: instructions

Smartwatch flashing is quite fast and simple and consists of two stages:

The first stage is preparation:

Update your smartphone to the latest iOS version.
Charge your smartwatch at least 50%.
Iphone needs to be connected to a local file-fi hotspot.
A wearable gadget and a smartphone must be placed next to each other so that they are in the same radius of the radio network, and the installation is not interrupted.

The second stage is installation:

It is important to know: while downloading data, do not remove the device from the charger and do not restart it, as well as the iPhone itself, the application must remain open. Violation of the communication channel will lead to the completion of the update, or both gadgets may simply freeze.

What to do if the update fails

The installation of a new version of the OS is not always quick and smooth, as a software failure may occur. So, what to do if the smart watch is not updating or is stuck when updating:

First of all, check the battery level on the device and the status of the wireless connection. As mentioned above, the slightest gap will prevent installation.
If everything is in order with the connections, then try restarting both gadgets. Hanging may be caused by a conflict in the program code itself (such cases are rare, but they still occur).
Also, you can try to delete the downloaded file for updating and download it again (an error could occur when downloading the file itself, which caused it to become damaged).

In addition, a system error when installing a new version of the operating system may occur due to a previously downloaded developer beta. Therefore, it is recommended to delete it in advance:

In the application on your iPhone, go to the My Watch-Basic tab and by calling the Profiles context menu, delete the existing one.
A similar operation must be carried out in the settings of the smartphone itself (Settings-Basic-Profiles and device management).
After cleaning, reboot the device and start the update process over again.

Is it possible to roll back the update

The need for a rollback may arise due to the unstable operation of the new OS or poor optimization for old devices. As in all products of the company, it is possible to roll back the firmware on the apple watch, but this is a rather laborious process, which is better to entrust to the master at the service center, since the watch does not have a USB connector to connect it to the computer, you will need to open the case a little, gaining access to the six-pin port -constructor, as well as buy an electronic access key for developers for $ 100. If, however, you decide to carry out the procedure yourself, then you will need it.

Good news for all Apple Watch owners - today there is a new version of the watchOS 4.2 operating system for Apple smart watches. Why is she so good? And the fact that now the watch has support for the Apple Pay Cash function, and that's not all.

Who does not know, Apple Pay Cash became available for the first time on, which "arrived" just a few days ago. Of course, the system is still available only for US residents, but soon Apple will expand a number of countries and we will also be able to use the new functionality. To activate, you first need to enable it from your iPhone or iPad. To do this, go to "Settings" - "Wallet" - "Apple Pay".

If you have iOS 11.2 and live in the United States, then there you will see the Apple Pay Cash item.

How to update Apple Watch

To do this, just go to "My Watch" - "General" - "Software update" and follow the instructions of the program. Once the firmware has been updated, you will be able to see an additional Apple Pay item at the bottom of the dialog in messages. Pay Cash also works through Siri and Wallet.

In addition to this feature, the new watchOS 4.2 has a number of fixes and improvements to make it even faster and more stable. It also reported a fix for a critical error that occurred when asking Siri about the weather. It's okay now.

In addition, new types of workouts were added with support for third-party applications, which somewhat expanded the functionality of the already "smart" watch.

Video - how to update your watch and Apple Pay Cash

See right away:

The owners of the first watch models cannot fully enjoy the functionality of the software of more modern products. Apple releases operating systems for the Apple Watch every year that you can update yourself.

What do the new versions of WatchOS give?

Improved Apple Watch security.
Improving the speed of programs on the watch.
Adding new features to the core Apple Watch apps.
The ability to install new themes and wallpapers on the main screen, choose an interesting and unusual dial.
With each new version of WatchOS, system languages and dialects are added.
Each time, functions are added in the programs "Training", "Health".
There are new opportunities for using third-party applications.
Apple Pay and wallet improvements.

Versions of WatchOS you can upgrade to Apple Watch

WatchOS 2.2 (WOS 2.2.1, WOS 2.2.2) - updates are available for Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Edition, and Apple Watch Hermes.

(WOS 3.2.3) - OS are available for all watch models.

(WOS 4.1, WOS 4.2, WOS 4.2.2, WOS 4.2.3, WOS 4.3, WOS 4.3.1, WOS 4.3.2) - OS are available for all watch models.

(WOS 5.1, WOS 5.1.2, WOS 5.1.3, WOS 5.2) - can be installed on Apple Watch 1 series and watches of later series.

Photo: WatchOS 5 presentation

Preparing to update iWatch

First, you need to update your iPhone to the latest possible iOS version.
It is necessary to make sure that the devices are charging, while the charge level must be at least 50% (it is important that the gadget does not turn off during the installation process).
You need to connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network.
Place your mobile device next to the iWatch.

Attention! The update takes a certain amount of time (from 30 minutes to 1 - 2 hours).

IWatch update

Apple sends messages to users of its products about available device system updates. Gadget owners can use the Update Tonight service in notifications.

To confirm the operation on the watch, you should also install a similar update on the companion phone. Before going to bed, it is recommended to place the devices next to each other on charging. This will update the watch automatically.

How to check for new versions of WatchOS yourself:

You should go to the iPhone application for iWatch.

Then select "My Watch".

Go to the item "Basic".

Then select "Software update".

An update needs to be downloaded.

Sometimes the installer asks for a password from the phone and watch. In this case, you need to enter them.
A loading indicator should appear on the iWatch.

Attention! While the update is being installed, you cannot remove devices from charging, restart downloads, or close the application. When the installation is complete, iWatch will restart the system itself.

What if WatchOS won't update?

First, you need to make sure that the Apple Watch is compatible with the new firmware version:

WatchOS 5 (and later) is not supported on devices released prior to iPhone 5s.
The OS on the phone must be at least iOS 12.
The first generation watch is not compatible with WatchOS 5.

If all the conditions are met, but the update does not download, it is recommended to perform a number of manipulations:

For Apple Watch to function properly and use advanced features, developers periodically release updates that users then need to install.

People who first purchased this device may wonder how they can update their Apple Watch. It is not difficult to do this, but the installation process can take some time.

Use iPhone to install the software.

Updating watchOS via iPhone

Before reflashing your Apple Watch, make sure that the operating system on your smartphone is updated to the latest version. Then connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and place your smartphone next to the watch. In this case, you should place the Watch on the charger. The device must be at least half charged.

After following the above steps, open program Watch on iPhone, go to the tab "My watch" and click on the line " Basic settings » .

In the settings there is a line "Software Update" to see if a new version of the software is available. It also contains information about the size of the update and the improvements it contains. If the latest version of watchOS is released, you need to download the new firmware by clicking on the line Download and Install .

It will take time to download, which depends on the servers and on the speed of the Internet connection. After the download is complete, the installation of the update will begin, during which you can see the progress on the watch.

The installation of the operating system will also take some time. Depending on the size of the downloaded software, it can take from several minutes to an hour.

After the updated version of the OS is installed, a notification about the completion of the process will appear on the iPhone.

To avoid errors during installation, do not forget about the rules for using the iPhone and Watch. Remember that when the installation process is in progress, you cannot remove the device from charging, as well as restart your smartphone or watch and close the Watch program. Once the software is fully installed, the device will reboot automatically.

What if the Apple Watch update fails

If for some reason it was not possible to update watchOS to the latest version, first of all check if the device is connected to the charger. If the watch is charging, try restarting it or restarting your mobile device.

Try updating again. If this fails, open Apple app Watch on your smartphone, go to "Software Update" and delete the update file. Then try downloading and installing the software again.

WatchOS 4 is a new operating system designed specifically for the Apple Watch. It presents an improved version. The manufacturer corrected the shortcomings in it, added new designs and functions. Let's take a look at how to update your Apple Watch correctly and quickly.

Details about betaprofile

If betaprofile was installed on the device - iOS, watchOS, etc. - you need to roll it back. If there are test profiles, it is impossible to reflash the gadget.

To remove the beta version, you need:

Open the main menu of the iPhone;
Activate the Apple Watch app;
Enter the watch tab;
Open the "General" command;
Click on profiles.

Important! In the pop-up window, you need to click on the beta profile and delete it.

Next, on the iPhone, you will need to go to the basic settings and open the "Profiles" menu. Find the beta version in it and delete it. After completing these steps, you can start updating your AppleWatch using the following scheme.

2 stages of updating

Installing WatchOS 4 is straightforward. It involves going through two steps:

Preparation
Firmware

Both stages consist of several steps. Their implementation is straightforward. All actions are described below in accessible language.

Apple Watch firmware is changed using the iPhone. When installing OS4 on your Apple watch, you must be using the latest version of iPhone. Otherwise, Watch will not update.

Please update your iPhone before flashing your AppleWatch. After the update is complete, the device needs to be restarted. When the iPhone turns on, you can reflash the gadget.