The Apple Watch line , include theApple Watch Series 10andApple Watch Ultra 2 , is one of the most popular andfeature - robust aggregation of wearables available . An Apple Watch is especially beneficial for iOS substance abuser , as it mate seamlessly with your iPhone , retain you updated on everything from text substance and notifications tohealth monitoring . However , there are time when your Apple Watch may play glitches and bugs that can embarrass your exploiter experience .
Whether you ’re having bother connecting to your iPhone , receive telling , or using Apple Pay , we ’ve compiled a lean of some coarse Apple Watch issues , along with solutions and troubleshooting tip for each job .
Restart your Apple Watch
Before we get into the leaning of more specific Apple Watch problems and their possible solutions , there are a couple of matter you should try right off the squash racket . Firstly , resume your Apple Watch . It may sound like a cliché , but many singular behaviors are indeed solved by a simple reboot . Here ’s how to do that .
Step 1 : Ensure your Apple Watch is not on its charger , and hold down theside buttonuntil a screen appears with theMedical IDandEmergency SOSsliders .
pace 2 : If your equipment is usingwatchOS 10or new , you should see a index button in the top - right corner . Select this , and aPower offslider should seem .
If your equipment is usingwatchOS 8or older , you ’ll see thePower offslider on the first screen above the Medical ID slider .
whole step 3 : choose the lily-white button to the left ofPower offand drag it to the right . Your Apple Watch should power off .
footmark 4 : Wait at least 10 s to ascertain your watch has to the full shut down , and then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logotype appear . Then release it and wait for your Apple Watch to complete starting back up .
If your Apple Watch fails to start up or wo n’t turn on , you could force - restart it by holding the side and Digital Crown button down together for 10 seconds until the Apple logotype come along . This also sour to reboot your watch in the event that an app is hung or it ’s otherwise become unresponsive .
Ensure your Apple Watch software is up to date
The 2nd coarse footstep is to make certain that your Apple Watch is running the latest official release of watchOS . Malus pumila routinely fixes problem in even the most on the face of it minor updates , so it ’s potential that whatever problem you ’re run into has already been bushel , and you just need to apply the update to take advantage of that .
While it ’s lawful that your Apple Watch should install updates mechanically ( unless you ’ve explicitly turned this background off ) , those automatic updates can sometimes take solar day or even week to appear . Checking manually is the surefire way to get the latest update as shortly as potential . you could do this from your Apple Watch or your iPhone . Here ’s how .
Step 1 : To agree for watchOS update from your Apple Watch , start the options app and selectGeneral > Software update .
To moderate for watchOS update from your iPhone , launch the Watch app and selectGeneral > Software update .
Step 2 : Your twist will reach out to Apple ’s servers to see if any updates are pending . If one is establish , you could set up it by selectingDownload & install . Otherwise , you ’ll be propose that your Apple Watch is up to date .
footmark 3 : If you ’re checking for updates from the Watch app on your iPhone , you ’ll also be evidence the rendering of watchOS that ’s install on your wearable . If you ’re doing this from your Apple Watch , you ’ll but be told that your machine is up to date . If you ’re queer , you may incur out what interlingual rendition you ’re using by selectingGeneral > Aboutfrom the watch’sSettingsapp .
Note that only theApple Watch Series 4and newer can be updated to watchOS 10 . If you ’re still using anApple Watch Series 3 , you wo n’t be able-bodied to move beyond the previous release of watchOS 8 . That ’s 8.8.1 as of this composition — and will probably carry on to be the latest unless Apple get word a vital security fault in that version and needs to relinquish a patch for it .
Apple Watch won’t update
If you run into problems updating your Apple Watch to the in vogue reading of watchOS , try restarting both your Apple Watch and iPhone and trying to black market the update again . If the Apple Watch still fail to update , it ’s likely the result of a botched download endeavor . Here ’s how to clear that out so you could download a clean version of the watchOS updater .
Step 1 : On your iPhone , open theWatchapp .
Step 2 : SelectGeneralfrom theMy watchtab .
stone’s throw 3 : Scroll down and selectStorage . After a few seconds , you should see a lean of what ’s taking up blank space on your Apple Watch .
footstep 4 : Look for the entry for the watchOS update , choose it , and chooseDeleteto absent it from your Apple Watch entrepot .
Also , remember that while you’re able to download a watchOS update at any time as long as your iPhone is in range of your Apple Watch and connected to Wi - Fi , the update wo n’t actually put in until your Apple Watch is shoot down to at least 50 % and sit down on its charger .
Apple Watch is stuck in power reserve or won’t charge
If your Apple Watch is n’t charging when you connect it to its magnetised charger , there are a few things you may examine before take it in for Robert William Service .
footstep 1 : adjudicate charge with the prescribed Apple Magnetic Charging cable television that came with your Apple Watch and confirm that it ’s connected properly to the USB power adapter and wall plug .
Step 2 : Clean the back of your Apple Watch and the top of the magnetized courser to ensure there ’s nothing interfering with the magnetic contact . Also , verify you ’ve polish off the plastic wrapping from both side of the charge phonograph recording .
Step 3 : If your Apple Watch still is n’t charging , try force - restarting it by defy down the side button and the Digital Crown for 10 arcsecond until the Apple logo come out .
Note that if your Apple Watch electric battery has drop dispirited enough that it wo n’t even alight up in Power Reserve mode , you may have to wait a few minutes before the gullible lightning deadbolt look on the lookout man cheek to affirm it ’s charge .
Apple Watch repeatedly asking for passcode
You may sometimes find your Apple Watch repeatedly asking you to figure its passcode . It ’s not entirely clear what cause this issue , but control the follow configurations are enable and commute your passcode can help resolve it .
Step 1 : reach the Watch app on your iPhone and selectPasscodefrom theMy watchtab .
footstep 2 : assure thatWrist DetectionandUnlock with iPhoneare both enabled .
stair 3 : SelectChange passcodeand follow the instructions to set a new passcode on your Apple Watch .
Step 4 : Make certain that your Apple Watch fit snugly on your radiocarpal joint , with the back in contact with your tegument at all time — not worn over clothing . The Wrist Detection feature swear on skin contact lens to keep your Apple Watch unlocked , so if your Apple Watch ca n’t detect your wrist , it will require a passcode every time you want to use it , just like when you ’re not wearing it .
Apple Watch doesn’t turn on when wrist is raised
If your Apple Watch is n’t lighting up properly when raising your radiocarpal joint — either staying blank or show the dimmed always - on display — here are a few things you could contain .
Step 1 : Ensure that theWake on Wrist Raisesetting is enabled . you’re able to find this underDisplay & Brightnessin either the iPhone Watch app or the Apple Watch options app . If this is already on , try out toggling it off and back on again to reset it .
Step 2 : ascertain your Apple Watch is n’t in Theater Mode . As the name advise , this setting is design to keep your Apple Watch from unknowingly illuminate up in a darkened theatre , which could distract those around you .
When Theater Mode is enable , you should see a little orange tree icon at the top of your screen that looks like a pair of masks . To disable Theater Mode , knock on your watch covert or twist the Digital Crown to waken it up , then press the side button to bring up theControl Center(for watchOS 9 or sr. , swipe up from the bottom to bring up theControl Center ) .
Bluetooth won’t connect or frequently disconnects
If you ’re experience problem connecting your Apple Watch to a Bluetooth gadget such as phone or a fitness add-on , or if your Apple Watch frequently disconnects from your iPhone , here are a few things you’re able to seek to get it forge again .
stair 1 : Firstly , propinquity matters for Bluetooth , and some devices may be more sensitive to that than others . Some people have reported better performance simply by exchange the equipment they ’re using to the same side of their body as the Apple Watch . You could also strain alternate your Apple Watch to the other wrist . Such a small change in distance should n’t make a difference , but some devices can be particular , so it ’s worth a try .
Step 2 : Toggle Bluetooth off and back on again on your Apple Watch . This can be found in theBluetoothsection in theSettingsapp .
Step 3 : If the issue is with Bluetooth earphone and medicine streaming , syncing your playlist onto your Apple Watch and grow off Bluetooth on your iPhone might help . This avoids extra Bluetooth preventative and may permit your music to run seamlessly without vexing disjunction .
First , try toggling the Bluetooth off using the picture in the iPhone ’s Control Center , get at by swiping down from the top - right corner of your iPhone screen . This disables Bluetooth connections from your iPhone to devices like headphones but bequeath Bluetooth enabled for communicating with your Apple Watch , so you ’ll still be able to touch base to the internet and receive telling from your iPhone .
If that does n’t help , try out switch the Bluetooth radio off alone on your iPhone by extend to the preferences app , selectingBluetooth , and toggle it off . This will unplug your Apple Watch from your iPhone , but you’re able to still hear to the music stored on your sentry and any workout data will be synced to your iPhone once you re - enable Bluetooth at the end of your campaign .
Apple Watch isn’t tracking activity
Sometimes your Apple Watch wo n’t properly dog your physical exercise . This can take several forms , such as inaccurate or missing exercise metrics , not bear your routes go after , or workout data from your Apple Watch break down to appear on your iPhone .
Step 1 : If your workout data is accurate on your Apple Watch but is n’t appear properly on your iPhone , ensure that Bluetooth is enable underSettings > Bluetoothon both the iPhone and Apple Watch , and try restart both devices to see if thing sync up .
Step 2 : If you ’re getting inaccurate recital for thing like calories burned or meat rate , make certain your Apple Watch is n’t too easy on your wrist . Adjusting the banding may help the watch better track your activity .
you may often see this job by the heart rate index number turning a fleet grey during a workout , showing that your Apple Watch is n’t picking up your heart rate decently from your wrist . It ’s not unnatural for this to take place occasionally during some workouts , but if it ’s happening more oft , it could indicate a job with the scene of your Apple Watch , a bug in the watchOS software system , or an issue with the physical heart charge per unit sensor .
Step 3 : If physical exercise data does n’t seem exact , your watch may call for recalibrating . you could start this cognitive operation by start the Watch app on your iPhone , selectingPrivacy > Reset standardization information , and following the calibration instructions .
Step 4 : assure your personal information , such as height and weight , are up to date . The Apple Watch use this data to cipher thing like Calorie burn , so while it wo n’t terminate your Apple Watch from track your exercising , the data point you get may not be as precise if this information is out of date .
you’re able to condition this by opening the Watch app on your iPhone and selectingHealth > Health detail . If anything needs to be interchange , select theEditbutton in the top - right turning point and make any necessary updates . This admit adding any medicine you ’re take that could affect your inwardness pace .
footstep 5 : If your walk or track routes are n’t being trail by rights , insure that locating service are enable underPrivacy & security > Location servicesin your iPhone options app . BothApple follow facesandApple spotter workoutshould be arrange toWhile usingwithPrecise locationtoggled on .
Also , be certain you ’re using theOutdoorversion of walking or extend workouts , as the GPS on your Apple Watch does n’t kick in for indoor exercise .
Notifications don’t appear on Apple Watch
If notifications are n’t appear on your Apple Watch the means they should be , the most likely cause is that the Apple Watch is operate or aFocus Modewith a Do Not agitate setting has been enabled . Here ’s what you may match :
Step 1 : You wo n’t receive notifications when your Apple Watch is lock with a passcode . If you ’ve enabled Wrist Detection inSettings > Passcode , your Apple Watch will delay unbolted as long as you ’re wearing it but will shut away itself down as soon as it loses contact with your skin .
This mean that it will get going out locked every time you put it back on , so you wo n’t receive telling until you ’ve unlock your scout , either by infix the passcode directly or unlocking your twin telephone set ( ifUnlock with iPhoneis enabled underSettings > Passcode ) .
notice that if Wrist Detection is off , your Apple Watch will lock a few minute after you stop interacting with it , blocking all notifications until you unlock it again .
tone 2 : Your Apple Watch will mirror anyFocus modesyou’ve set on your paired iPhone , so if you ’ve blocked notifications due to aDo not disturborQuiet timefocus , this will also be reflected on the Apple Watch .
you’re able to see if a Focus fashion is enabled by looking for the appropriate icon at the top of your scout font , and you’re able to disable ( or enable ) Focus mood by cabbage up on the watch face to bring up the Control Center and looking for the Focus mode image . If a Focus way is enable , it will match whatever you see at the top of your spotter grimace .
Step 3 : If you ’re only missing notifications from sure apps , check to check those are enable on your Apple Watch . These do n’t always mirror your iPhone configurations , so it ’s good to take a quick stumble into theNotificationssection of your iPhone’sWatchapp and confirm everything there is define up the means you choose .
Notify When Left Behind not available on Apple Watch
Some common people havecomplainedthat the Notify When Left Behind feature article that was introduced with iOS 15 is n’t work on the Apple Watch . When test to set it up , the choice is greyed out , and they ’re told that the feature of speech is n’t available . This seems to occur most commonly with the Apple Watch Series 6 , but it ’s not exclusive to that model .
This is a software issue screw to Apple , and it ’s believed to have been fasten in previous decimal point releases of iOS 15 and watchOS 8 , so your best wager is to ensure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are launch the latest prescribed releases . If you continue experience problems , you may render the chase :
Step 1 : near theFind Myapp and re-start your iPhone and Apple Watch . alike , toggleNotify left behindoff and then toggle it on again .
Step 2 : check that you use the same Apple ID for your iPhone and Apple Watch . Notify When Left Behind alerts wo n’t run if your gadget are signed in to unlike Apple ID accounts .
Step 3 : On your iPhone , open theSettingsapp and choosePrivacy & security department > Location service . Make indisputable you have Location Services on and place toAllow while using appfor all of the " Apple Watch get … " preferences and thatPrecise locationis toggle on .
Apple Watch won’t connect to LTE or Wi-Fi
If you do run into this problem where your cellular Apple Watch refuses to plug in to an LTE meshing , it ’s most likely either a bug with how your plan was provisioned on your Apple Watch or an issue on your carrier ’s end .
Step 1 : try out set up your cellular plan again through the Watch app on your iPhone . ChooseCellular , select theibutton to the right of your mailman name , and then chooseRemove [ carrier ] planfrom the pop - up that appears at the bottom of your blind .
Once the programme has been removed , you’re able to add it again by selectingAdd a new planand follow the instructions to reactivate it with your carrier .
Step 2 : If that does n’t correct the issue , reach out to your peregrine provider . We ’ve visualize reports , particularly from AT&T client , that their LTE design had to be reinitialized on the carrier ’s remainder for thing to start act upon properly again .
Step 3 : If Wi - Fi is n’t working on your Apple Watch , it ’s potential that the issue is not related to a loss of Wi - Fi service throughout your home . To troubleshoot , go toSettings > Wi - Fion your Apple Watch . prove reverse theWi - Fioff and then back on again .
Skin beneath Apple Watch feels uncomfortable and itchy
For some folks , the region of skin that add up into direct impinging with their Apple Watch ’s sensing element can become antsy and find uncomfortable , especially after wearing it for an extended period of clock time . Some people have this trouble with watch in world-wide , but even those who have never encountered this with other watches may find the sensing element points on the Apple Watch to be specifically devil .
unluckily , this is usually a skin sensitivity issue , so there is n’t really a technological solvent for it . However , there are a few agency to lessen its encroachment :
tone 1 : tease the shoulder strap on your Apple Watch . Sometimes the event can be due to sweat becoming trapped between the skin and detector , in effect lowering your tegument ’s ability to suspire . Loosen your shoulder strap a minuscule , and the extra room will let your skin to breathe a little better . This should n’t affect your Apple Watch ’s sensors too much either as long as they rest in liaison with the skin ; they do n’t need to be fuddled against your articulatio radiocarpea , just touching it .
Step 2 : Take a scheduled break from your Apple Watch every day . Give your vigil prison term to reload and your skin a chance to recover . If your symptoms are underage , just a lilliputian time off can stop it from becoming irritating . You may have to foregosleep trailing , or at least take a few night off every week , but letting your wrist breathe at dark can make a expectant difference .
tone 3 : You’re not puzzle with the fluoroelastomer band that come with the standard Apple Watch models , which , let ’s face it , can be kind of nark for long period of time of wear . One of the capital thing about the popularity of the Apple Watch is that there’sa massive excerption of different bands and straps to choose from , so you may find that swapping it out for a band made from a more breathable material can aid reduce tegument irritation .
Apple Watch overheating
A few years ago , a identification number ofApple Watch SEowners shared reports that their wearables were buzz off extremely spicy on their wrists . This was typically observe by physical damage to the vigil ’s screen .
Poor battery life
Apple assure up to 18 hours of electric battery life for the Apple Watch , and while your mileage will vary on that one , a relatively new Apple Watch should still be able to get you through the solar day before you take to refuel .
Keep in mind that the lithium - ion battery used in most modern electronics have a limited number of boot cycle . For the Apple Watch , that ’s 500 full sacking and recharges . Once that bit is reached , your shelling capacity will slowly start to cast off . For most Apple Watch users , this work out to about two days of normal use before it becomes noticeable . So , if you ’re still wearing an Apple Watch that ’s more than two to three age erstwhile and your electric battery is no longer abbreviate it , you ’ll likely need to either get the barrage replace or upgrade to a fresh manakin .
Whether it ’s newfangled or older , here are a few thing you may render to eke some longsighted assault and battery life out of your Apple Watch :
Step 1 : If you have a cellular Apple Watch mannikin , be aware that using LTE enfeeble the electric battery significantly quicker . Using the Apple Watch on Wi - Fi is substantially better , but it will get the good battery life when you keep your iPhone nearby . Your iPhone has a much big battery , so your Apple Watch favor to get it do the heavy lifting of handling power - hungry data communication .
If you regularly go out without your iPhone , incapacitate your cellular connection can make a big difference in battery life . you’re able to easily toggle cellular off and on through the Control Center , access by swiping up from the bottom of the screen when see your watch face . instead , take your iPhone with you whenever you may .
Step 2 : If you have anApple Watch Series 5or later with an always - on exhibit , you may be able to save a morsel of power by toggling this off underSettings > Display & luminousness . The always - on display is designed to consume very short office , but if your Apple Watch is older and your shelling is getting weak , every little bit serve .
Step 3 : While you ’re in theDisplay & brightnesssettings , try turn down the cleverness of your showing . Again , every bit of power preservation can avail here .
Step 4 : Similarly , toggling offWake on wrist raisein theDisplay & brightnesssettings will keep your exhibit from turning on as oftentimes — especially if you move your wrist more often . When this stage setting is off , you ’ll demand to tap on the screen or move the Digital Crown to illumine it up .
pace 5 : Opening the Watch app on your iPhone and selectingNotificationswill let you review anything that might be needlessly coming to your carpus . Fewer notifications intend fewer haptics , sounds , and activation of the display . Plus , you ’ll get more peace of mind by filtering out the things that are n’t really urgent enough to appear on your watch .
Step 6 : If you ’re running watchOS 10 or newer , you’re able to enableLow Power Modeto mechanically disable many of the more baron - hungry background sport all at once . This include heart rate and blood oxygen measure and notifications , the always - on presentation , and persistent Wi - Fi and cellular connections . This last part means you wo n’t receive notifications , message , or even phone Call when your iPhone is n’t nearby , although you ’ll still be able to connect to the cyberspace when you open an app that require a information connection .
you could enable Low Power Mode by swiping up to bring up theControl Center , selecting the battery percentage icon , and toggling theLow power modeswitch . curlicue to the bottom and select eitherTurn onto switch it on until you manually toggle it off orTurn on for … to select a time interval of one , two , or three day .
whole step 7 : you may also optimize assault and battery life history during physical exertion mechanically by enablingLow Power Modewhen you start a workout , and further reducing the number of GPS and heart charge per unit readings taken during a running or hiking workout . you’re able to bump these options inSettings > Workoutson the Apple Watch or in theWorkoutssection of the iPhone Watch app . This feature of speech requires anApple Watch Series 8,Apple Watch SE ( 2022 ) , or Apple Watch Ultra , hunt down watchOS 9.1 .
footmark 8 : If you have an older Apple Watch , or you have n’t yet upgraded to watchOS 10 , you ’ll only have the option of redact your Apple Watch in Power Reserve mode . This effectively power down the Apple Watch almost only , disable all the modern features and grow your smartwatch into a simple horologe . However , it ’s better than switching it off and being without a vigil , and you may take the picket back out of Power Reserve when you involve it to be a smartwatch again .
To enable Power Reserve mode manually , press your Apple Watch ’s side clit to bring up Control Center ( or cabbage up on the lookout man face for watchOS 9 or older )
Restore your Apple Watch to factory settings
While it ’s a more drastic step , if all else fail , you could easily restore your Apple Watch back to factory configurations and then re - pair it with your iPhone as if it were a newfangled gimmick . When you do this , you ’ll have the option of restoring from your last backup or start out unused .
pace 1 : start the Watch app on your iPhone .
measure 2 : SelectAll watchesin the top - forget corner of the " My spotter " screen .
Step 3 : take theibutton to the right of the watch you would care to unpair .
footstep 4 : SelectUnpair Apple Watchat the bottom of the screen , and then selectUnpair [ your Apple Watch name]to confirm .
stride 5 : If you ’re using a cellular Apple Watch , you ’ll be asked whether you want to keep your cellular plan or remove it . In most cases , you should selectKeep cellular planas you ’ll be set this Apple Watch up again .
If you do opt to take away your plan , it will be disabled on theeSIMin your Apple Watch . Depending on your carrier , you may need to touch them to get it set up again . observe that removing your plan in this manner will not automatically cancel your subscription with your mobile supplier .
Step 6 : When prompted , enter your Apple ID password and selectUnpair . This extra certificate dance step confirms you ’re authorise the removal of the Apple Watch from your account and invalid the Activation Lock and Find My Watch lineament .
Step 7 : Your iPhone will create a raw backup of your Apple Watch and then go on to score out all depicted object and setting from the wearable . This backup is stored on your iPhone and included inany backups you make from your iPhone to iCloud or your computer .
Apple Watch relief include most of the data and place setting from your watch ; however , for security measure grounds , credit and debit carte used for Apple Pay , Bluetooth pairings , and your Apple Watch passcode are not plump for up , so you ’ll require to set these up again .
footstep 8 : Once the process has finish , the Apple Watch should restart to the initial frame-up concealment . Proceed to pair it with your iPhone as if it were a new Apple Watch .
If you ’re put it up with the same iPhone that you unpaired it from — or a new iPhone that you ’ve transferred your data to — you ’ll be offer the option to touch on from a old backup or set it up as a unexampled machine .
reckon on the problem you ’re having , it may be a good idea to skip the backup and set it up as new to see if the issue recur . If it does , you ’ve likely race into a hardware or watchOS issue . However , if everything is fine , then you may follow the above steps to unpair your Apple Watch again and then restore it from your prior backup during setup .
Gunked-up buttons
While most of the Apple Watch UI is blind - free-base , the side - face Digital Crown and side button are key part of your drug user experience . If you ’ve noticed your Digital Crown is n’t turning right , or you ca n’t seem to get the side release to respond , you may be dealing with pasty element . Gunk and soil buildup is no equal for these steps though !
Step 1 : Power down your Apple Watch and remove its stria .
footstep 2 : Dab a Q - tip into isopropyl alcohol , then gently work the Q - gratuity into the grooves , seam , and surface of both the Digital Crown and the side button .
Step 3 : or else , you could use strong , run water system ; although the isopropyl alcohol has a safe chance of breaking down hard substances .
Step 4 : Use the dry destruction of the Q - confidential information to drench up any spare liquid .
