The main reason for this is usually that your iPhone isn’t updated to the latest iOS version. Other common causes include weak Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth connections, having a VPN turned on, not enough storage, or low battery power.
Prerequisites
Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.Place your Apple Watch on its charger and ensure it’s charged to at least 50%.Double-check that your iPhone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together during the update process.Confirm that both devices have enough free storage for the update. If storage is low, remove unnecessary files or apps.
Once these steps are complete, try updating your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS again. If the update still doesn’t work, move on to the following troubleshooting steps. Most of the time, this problem is caused by a temporary connection glitch or leftover files from an earlier update attempt. Below, you’ll find clear and effective methods to resolve common reasons why your Apple Watch might not be updating:
1. Restart Both Devices
When you update your Apple Watch, your iPhone handles downloading and unpacking the update files. Restarting both devices can help solve any minor connection issues that may be blocking the update. Note: Restarting may seem simple, but it refreshes the connection between your iPhone and Apple Watch and often clears up update errors.
2. Re-pair Your Apple Watch
If restarting didn’t fix the issue, the problem might be with the pairing between your Apple Watch and your iPhone. Re-pairing can reset this connection, and it often fixes update problems and other issues, such as missed notifications or calls not appearing on your watch. Note: If you’re also having other problems connecting your Apple Watch, re-pairing is highly recommended. Note: For ease of use, this guide splits this process into unpairing, then re-pairing your Apple Watch. Once you’ve unpaired your Apple Watch, follow these steps to pair it again: Note: If you see a message that says “Unable to install update”, try these steps:
Turn off the option to unlock your Apple Watch with your iPhone.Let your Apple Watch try to update automatically overnight. Or, you can try updating directly from the watch itself—just make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.
3. Remove Leftover Update Files
Sometimes, a failed update leaves behind incomplete files that can stop new updates from being installed. Removing these leftover files lets you start fresh with the update process. Each of the steps above addresses a common reason your Apple Watch may not be updating—whether it’s a connection glitch, incomplete update files, or issues with pairing. By following these straightforward instructions, you should be able to fix most watchOS update problems and keep your Apple Watch running smoothly with all the latest features and improvements.
