How to Install a Software Update on the Apple Watch

The operating system on your Apple Watch shares many of the features of the operating system on your iPhone. The Watch operating system occasionally receives updates to fix bugs or to add new features, and that update can be installed using the Watch app on your iPhone.

Our guide below will show you where to go in order to perform the Watch OS update for your Apple Watch. So once your watch is in range of your iPhone that is connected to Wi-Fi, your watch is connected to its charger and has a charge of at least 50%, then you can follow the guide below to install the update.

Using Your iPhone to Install an Apple Watch Software Update

The steps below were performed on an iPhone 7 Plus, in iOS 10.0.1. Th Watch receiving the update is an Apple Watch 2 that is currently running Watch OS 3.0. Once the update is completed, it will be using Watch OS 3.1. These steps will assume that there is an update currently available for your watch.

Step 1: Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

open the watch app

Step 2: Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen.

open the my watch tab

Step 3: Scroll down and select the General option.

open the general menu

Step 4: Select the Software Update option.

select the software update option

Step 5: Tap the Install button.

how to install a software update for the apple watch

Step 6: Enter your passcode, if one is set.

enter your passcode

Step 7: Tap the Agree button at the bottom-right corner of the screen to accept the terms and conditions.

agree to the terms and conditions

It will take a few moments for the software update to install on the watch.

Now that you know how to install a software update on an Apple Watch, you will be able to check for and install these updates to make sure your smartwatch is always as secure as possible.

Are there apps on your watch that you don’t use, and you would like to clean up the Home screen a bit? learn about deleting apps on the Apple Watch and remove some of the unwanted apps from the device.

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