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Install the latest watchOS update available for your Apple Watch. Apple’s watchOS 27.0.1 release notes, dated September 23, 2026, say the update fixes an issue that may cause an Apple Watch to restart unexpectedly. If restarts continue after updating, follow the troubleshooting steps below and contact Apple or an authorized service provider if needed.
Install the latest watchOS update
For the Series 12 and Ultra 4 restart reports, updating is the direct software step Apple documents. Apple’s release note says: “This update provides bug fixes for your Apple Watch including fixing an issue where Apple Watch may restart unexpectedly.” It does not identify the underlying cause or promise that the update will resolve every continuing restart.
- On the paired iPhone: Open the Watch app, tap My Watch, then go to General → Software Update.
- On the watch: Open Settings → General → Software Update.
- Install the available update by following the prompts. Apple advises keeping the watch on its charger during installation. The version and availability shown can vary by device or region, so use the update offered on your own watch or iPhone.
Apple announced Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 on September 9, 2026; Ultra 4 availability began September 18, 2026, according to Apple’s announcement. The update recommendation is based on Apple’s release notes for watchOS 27.0.1, not on a claim that every device owner experienced the problem.
If the watch is stuck or unresponsive, force-restart it
A force restart is for a watch that is frozen or stuck; it is separate from installing the software update. Apple’s instruction is to press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown until the screen turns black and the Apple logo reappears, then release both buttons. See Apple’s stuck-on-the-Apple-logo guidance for its current troubleshooting steps.
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If it keeps restarting after the update
Record what happens
Note when the restart occurs, what the watch was doing, and whether it happens repeatedly while idle or during a particular activity. This gives Apple Support or a service provider useful context; the reported symptoms have included Siri, watch-face editing, Maps, the App Store, calls, workouts, and idle periods.
Contact Apple or an authorized service provider
If unexpected restarts continue after updating, use Apple’s watch repair and service options or contact Apple Support. A reset is not a guaranteed fix for this specific restart issue. Apple discusses unpairing and pairing again in its guidance for a persistent Apple-logo problem, but that is not presented as a proven cure for recurring restarts.
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- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
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What is known about the restart reports
A September 21, 2026 report by MacRumors described owner reports of unexpected restarts on both models. It also noted that some submitted diagnostic logs showed a similar Neural Engine timeout. That is reported evidence, not an Apple-confirmed explanation or proof that all affected watches share one cause.
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The available reports do not establish what proportion of owners were affected. Apple’s release note confirms that watchOS 27.0.1 addresses an unexpected-restart issue, but it does not identify the internal cause or establish that every individual case will be fixed.
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- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
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