How to Update Your Apple Watch

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
watchOS 11.0 - Apple Watch Series 10
You will need
iPhone with iOS 18 or later, Apple Watch charger, Wi-Fi connection

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Verify battery and connectivity

    Ensure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% capacity. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and keep the watch on its charger throughout the update process.

    Note: Do not remove the watch from its magnetic charger until the update finishes.
  2. 30 sec

    Open the Watch app

    Unlock your iPhone and open the Watch app. Ensure you are on the My Watch tab, located at the bottom-left corner of the interface.

  3. 30 sec

    Navigate to General settings

    Select General from the menu list. Tap Software Update to initiate a scan for the latest watchOS version available for your device.

  4. 30 sec

    Download the update

    If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode if prompted to authorize the download.

  5. 3 min

    Monitor the installation

    The progress bar will appear on the Apple Watch screen once the download completes. Wait for the watch to restart; the screen will show the Apple logo and a progress circle.

    Note: The watch may take several minutes to finish the installation and reboot.