Can't update watchOS? How to troubleshoot common problems

Whether you're updating to the latest version of watchOS or considering a beta install, it's always good to have troubleshooting steps on hand just in case things get out of hand. While everything should — and usually does — go smoothly, once in a while, these simply don't update or install the way you'd expect. Sometimes it's a connection issue. Sometimes it's a verification error. Sometimes it won't reboot. And other times it just... does nothing.

If you're having problems installing or updating watchOS, here are a few things you can try.

Are you on the latest version of iOS?
Check your connection
Force Quit and restart
Erase and repair

Are you on the latest version of iOS?

You'll need to update to Apple's latest version of iOS before a watchOS update will show up in the Watch app, which, yes, means taking the plunge on both devices (the same goes for beta software).

Does your Apple Watch support watchOS 6 right now?

watchOS 6 works with Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 5. But watchOS 6 will not be available for Series 1 or Series 2 until later this fall. If you're on either of these, you're not going to see the availability of the update right away.

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Note: watchOS 6 does not work on Apple Watch Series 0.

Are you on an iOS beta seed?

We've heard a few reports in the past from people on iOS beta seeds who can't get watchOS updates to appear. There are a few causes for this: Your watch might not be enrolled in the watchOS developer beta program. If you're on the public beta program, that seed might have a connection issue with the watch.

This year, especially, there may be issues with updating your Apple Watch if your iPhone is on the developer or public beta of iOS 13.1. You may simply have to wait until September 24, when iOS 13.1 launches to the public.

If all else fails and you can't get watchOS to update, it's best to bring your iPhone back to production software (and save yourself the trouble of a glitchy release).

How to downgrade from the beta of iOS 13 back to iOS 12

Check your connection

It's also worth checking to make sure you're on Wi-Fi and your Apple Watch is recognizing your iPhone.

Note: Apple Watch does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi. You may need to switch your Wi-Fi settings over to a 2.4GHz network if you notice issues with installing software.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Wi-Fi. (Also double-check Bluetooth is on while you're at it.)
Swipe up to bring up Control Center on your Apple Watch. If your iPhone is connected, you'll see a green Connected banner at the top of the screen.

Force Quit and restart

Still not working? Try force quitting the Watch app on your iPhone and restarting your Apple Watch.

Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Double press the Home button to bring up the multitasking interface on iPhone devices with a Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the Home screen on iPhone devices with Face ID.
Swipe up on the Watch app to close it.
Swipe up on the Watch app card to force quit it.

Press and hold the Side Button on your Apple Watch.
Slide to Power Off.

Erase and repair

If neither of the above two steps worked, it's time to bring out the big gun: unpairing and re-pairing your Apple Watch.

Note: Unpairing your Apple Watch will automatically back up most of your information, but you may lose access to certain aspects, like your Apple Pay cards. You'll also have the Watch removed from Find My iPhone, and Activation Lock will be disconnected.

How to unpair and restore the Apple Watch
How to restore your Apple Watch from a backup

Once the Apple Watch has finished its restore cycle, you'll be all set — as part of the restore process, your Apple Watch should load the latest watchOS update.