Apple Watch Series 5 Not Updating? Here's The Fix.

Colin Boyd

DECEMBER 14, 2020

It's time to download the new watchOS update, but your Apple Watch won't let you. No matter what you do, your Apple Watch Series 5 won't update. In this article, I'll explain what to do when your Apple Watch Series 5 is not updating!

How To Update Your Apple Watch

If you've never manually updated your Apple Watch before, it's worth giving the following method a shot before going too deep into troubleshooting:

First, open the Watch app on your iPhone. Then, tap General -> Software Update. Tap Download and Install if a watchOS update is available.

How To Fix An Apple Watch Series 5 That's Not Updating

6 Steps Total
1.

Turn Your Apple Watch Off And Back On

Many minor software issues can be resolved by something as simple as a quick restart. Taking the time to try this step now could save you from some more in-depth troubleshooting down the line.

How Do I Turn My Apple Watch Off And Back On?

  1. Press and hold the Side button.
  2. Continue holding the Side button until the Power Off slider shows up on screen.
  3. Slide the red and white Power icon from left to right. Your Apple Watch should power down.
  4. Wait about 15 seconds.
  5. Press and hold the side button again to restart your Apple Watch.
View More
2.

Make Sure Your Apple Watch Has Enough Battery Life

Your Apple Watch requires at least 50% battery life to update. If you try to update your Apple Watch without sufficient battery, your iPhone will pause the installation process until you charge your Apple Watch enough to proceed.

How Do I Make Sure My Apple Watch Has Enough Battery Life?

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of your Apple Watch's face.
  2. Look for the battery percentage measurement in the top left corner of the Watch face.
  3. If your Apple Watch's battery is at less than 50%, place it on its charger.
  4. Wait until your Apple Watch passes 50% battery.
  5. Try installing the WatchOS update again.
View More
3.

Check Storage Space On Your Apple Watch

Apple Watches require around a few hundred MB (megabytes) of storage to successfully install WatchOS updates or new apps. It's a good idea to make sure your Apple Watch has enough storage space before trying to download updates or apps.

How Do I Check Storage Space On My Apple Watch?

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Usage.
  4. Check the top of the Usage page to see how much free storage your Apple Watch has.
View More
4.

Check Apple Servers For Problems

When Apple releases a new watchOS update, millions of people try to download it at once. This level of congestion can lead to issues, which might be the reason why your Apple Watch is not updating.

How Do I Check Apple Servers For Problems?

  1. Visit Apple's system status page.
  2. Make sure all the dots are green.
  3. If a lot of dots aren't green, Apple's servers may be to blame.
View More
5.

Erase All Content And Settings On Your Apple Watch

We recommend this as a last resort for Apple Watch home repair. It's possible that a deeper software issue is what's causing the problem on your Apple Watch. By erasing all content and settings, we can erase the software problem completely.

How Do I Erase All Content And Settings On My Apple Watch?

  1. Open Settings on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. Tap Erase All Content And Settings.
  5. Enter your passcode when prompted.
  6. Tap Erase All to confirm.
  7. Pair your Apple Watch to your iPhone again.
View More
6.

Repair Your Apple Watch With Apple

If you've tried every other troubleshooting step and you still haven't been able to resolve the problem, the safest thing to do is go directly to Apple. Giving a professional the opportunity to diagnose and repair your device is your best option for keeping the problem from worsening.

How Do I Repair My Apple Watch With Apple?

There are a few way to get in touch with Apple about repairs. If you're willing to go out to an Apple Store:

  1. Set up an appointment at your local Genius Bar.
  2. Bring your Apple Watch in for a free diagnosis and repair quote!

If you'd prefer a mail-in repair service:

  1. Visit Apple's support website.
  2. Look in to Apple's mail-in repair servicing options.
View More

Apple Watch Series 5: Better Than Ever!

You've fixed the problem and successfully installed the latest version of watchOS. Make sure to share this article on social media with family and friends to teach them what to do when their Apple Watch Series 5 is not updating! Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions about your Apple devices.

  1. Turn Your Apple Watch Off And Back On
  2. Make Sure Your Apple Watch Has Enough Battery Life
  3. Check Storage Space On Your Apple Watch
  4. Check Apple Servers For Problems
  5. Erase All Content And Settings On Your Apple Watch
  6. Repair Your Apple Watch With Apple

Applies To: Apple Watch Series 5

AUTHOR

Colin Boyd

I'm Colin, the Creative Coordinator for Payette Forward.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments