How to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 9
- To update your Apple Watch, make sure it’s charged and check for updates on the iPhone Watch app.
- You can let your Apple Watch update automatically or manually.
- If your Apple Watch won’t update, make sure it’s compatible with your iPhone and the latest iOS.
Just like iPhones, Apple Watches receive periodic software updates that include everything from bug fixes to new features.
Your Apple Watch will usually let you know via notification when a new update is available, but you can also manually check for one and update the Watch yourself.
Here’s how to update your Apple Watch automatically or manually, and what to do if you run into issues.
Note: Apple released the new watchOS 9 on Sep. 12, 2022, with a new Workout and Medications app to get improved readings on fitness, sleep, and health.
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How to update your Apple Watch automatically
1. If you receive an update notification on your Apple Watch, tap Update Tonight, then confirm this action on your iPhone.
2. To ensure the update is completed, leave both your Apple Watch and iPhone charging next to each other overnight. Make sure they’re also both connected to WiFi.
How to update your Apple Watch manually
Before anything, make sure that you’ve updated your iPhone to the latest software version, and that both your iPhone and Watch are connected to WiFi.
1. Put your Apple Watch on its charger and keep it there until any updates are complete.
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, and go to the My Watch tab.
Navigate to the “My Watch” tab on your iPhone’s Watch app.
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3. Tap General.
4. Tap Software Update – if there’s an available update, you’ll see a red number next to Software Update.
Go to the “Software Update” screen.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Insider
Note: If no updates are available, you’ll see the text Your software is up to date, meaning no further action is required – the Watch is already running the latest software.
5. Tap Download and Install if there’s an update available. You may be asked for your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode here — enter it.
Note: If your iPhone has already downloaded the update, it will say Install Now on the Software Update screen instead of Download and Install.
6. A progress wheel will appear on the Watch face. Keep the Apple Watch on its charger and next to the iPhone for the duration of the update. Do not restart your iPhone or Apple Watch, or quit the Watch app during the update.
Your Apple Watch will automatically restart once the update is complete.
How to troubleshoot an Apple Watch that won’t update
First of all, make sure that your Watch and iPhone aren’t too old to update. WatchOS 9, the newest Apple Watch software, can only be installed on an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, using an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later installed.
If you’re sure that your Watch and iPhone are compatible and new enough for the update, you can try to troubleshoot an Apple Watch with these steps:
1. Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to WiFi and to its charger.
2. Restart your Apple Watch.
3. Restart the iPhone that’s paired with your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until the slide to power off bar appears. Drag the power button across the slider. Turn your iPhone on by holding the Sleep/Wake button.
4. Try updating your Apple Watch after following these steps.
How to fix a stuck Apple Watch update
If you notice that the progress bar for the update is stuck, it could be that its file size is too big, and the Watch just needs a little more time to download it. If it remains stuck, even after you’ve waited a reasonable amount of time, you can do a few things to get it to move along:
- Keep the Apple Watch and iPhone close: While both devices just need to be within Bluetooth range for the update to take place, it’s recommended to keep them next to each other. This will prevent anything from interfering with the Bluetooth signal and stalling the update.
- Check storage space: The update might be stuck because there’s not enough storage space on your iPhone or Watch. Free up some space on both devices and try downloading the update again.
- Make sure the Apple Watch is sufficiently charged: While keeping the Watch plugged in and charging throughout the update is important, make sure it has charged to at least 50% before you begin updating it.
- Turn off Bluetooth: By default, your Watch will prefer a Bluetooth connection when updating, which can be slow. To speed things up, you can disable it by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the Bluetooth toggle to the off position.
- Use the same Wi-Fi network: If you turned off Bluetooth, that means the update will occur over Wi-Fi. To make things smoother, make sure both the Watch and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart the Watch app: It could be that the Watch app itself has experienced a bug that’s preventing the update from continuing. Closing the app and opening it again can help with this. If you need a refresh, please read our guide on how to close an app on any iPhone.
- Unpair the Apple Watch and then pair it again: Resyncing your iPhone and Watch could help get the update to move past where it’s stuck. Remember that this means you’ll have to restart the update from the beginning.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it’s made.
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