How to Update Your Apple Watch to the Latest watchOS
Updating watchOS is easy once you know the rules: charger, 50% battery, Wi-Fi and an updated iPhone. Here's the full process and what to do if it stalls.
To update an Apple Watch, first update your iPhone, put the watch on its charger with at least 50% battery, then open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to My Watch > General > Software Update. You can also update on the watch itself via Settings > General > Software Update while it’s on Wi-Fi. If the update won’t start, restart both devices or delete the downloaded update file and try again.
Which Apple Watch models get the latest watchOS?
The current major version as of October 2026 is watchOS 27. It dropped support for several older watches, so check your model before you start.
| Apple Watch model | watchOS 27 |
|---|---|
| Series 9, Series 10, Series 11 | Supported |
| Ultra 2, Ultra 3 | Supported |
| SE (3rd generation) | Supported |
| Series 6, 7, 8, Ultra (1st gen), SE (2nd gen) | Not supported — stays on watchOS 26 |
watchOS 27 also needs an iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), running iOS 27. Unsure which watch you have? On the watch, open Settings > General > About, or on the iPhone open the Watch app > My Watch > General > About and check the Model Name. Apple’s official list is on Apple Support.
Older models that can’t run watchOS 27 can still receive minor updates and security fixes for the version they support, so it’s still worth checking Software Update.
Before you update: checklist
- Update your iPhone first — Settings > General > Software Update. A watchOS 27 update won’t appear until the paired iPhone is on iOS 27.
- Charge to at least 50% and keep the watch on its charger throughout.
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi (updates don’t download over cellular from the Watch app).
- Keep the iPhone close to the watch.
- Allow time — an update can take from several minutes to around an hour.
Method 1: Update from your iPhone
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the My Watch tab.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install (you may be asked for your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode and to agree to terms).
- Wait for the progress wheel on the watch to complete. Don’t remove it from the charger or restart either device.
When the watch shows an update notification, you can also tap Update Tonight and leave both devices charging overnight.
Method 2: Update directly on the Apple Watch
- Make sure the watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
- On the watch, open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Install and follow the prompts.
- Keep the watch on its charger until it restarts.
Turn on automatic updates
In the iPhone Watch app, go to My Watch > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn it on. The watch then installs updates overnight while charging, as long as the iPhone is on the latest iOS.
If the update is stuck or won’t install
“Cannot Install Update” or nothing happens
- Confirm the watch is properly seated on the charger and charging (the green lightning icon appears).
- Restart the watch: press and hold the side button, tap the power icon in the top-right, then drag the slider. Turn it back on.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Try the update again.
Delete the update file and download it again
- In the iPhone Watch app, go to My Watch > General > Storage (labeled Usage on some versions).
- Tap the software update file and delete it.
- Go back to General > Software Update and download it again.
Not enough storage
Remove music, podcasts or photos synced to the watch (in the iPhone Watch app under Music, Podcasts or Photos) and delete apps you don’t use from the watch, then try again.
Progress wheel won’t move
Leave it on the charger longer — the final stage can be slow. If there’s no progress after an hour or more, force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. Only do this if the update is truly frozen.
You installed a beta
Remove the beta first. On recent versions, open the iPhone Watch app > My Watch > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and turn betas off; older setups used a profile under My Watch > General > Profiles that you delete. Restart both devices and check for updates again.
Watch still shows no update
If the latest version isn’t offered, your watch or iPhone may not be compatible. Recheck the table above. As a last resort, unpairing and re-pairing (which creates a backup on the iPhone first) can clear stubborn issues, but it takes time and you’ll need your Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock — don’t try to bypass it.
Bottom line
Update the iPhone first, then put the watch on its charger with 50%+ battery and use My Watch > General > Software Update. If it stalls, restart both devices or delete the update file and retry. If your watch isn’t on the watchOS 27 list, you’ll stay on the last version it supports.
FAQ
How long does an Apple Watch update take?
Usually somewhere between several minutes and about an hour, depending on the size of the update and your Wi-Fi speed. Major versions take longer than point releases.
Can I update my Apple Watch without an iPhone?
You can install updates directly on the watch over Wi-Fi, but the watch still needs a paired, compatible iPhone running the matching iOS version for major watchOS upgrades.
Can I downgrade watchOS?
No. Apple doesn’t provide a way for users to downgrade watchOS, so wait a few days after a major release if you’re cautious.
Why does my watch need to be on the charger?
Apple requires it so the battery can’t run out mid-install, which could leave the watch in an unusable state.
