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Check your installed version on the watch at Settings > General > About > Software Version, or on your paired iPhone in the Apple Watch app > My Watch > General > About. To look for an update, open General > Software Update on either device. Apple Watch models can only install releases they support, so use that screen and Apple’s compatibility information to confirm what is available for your exact model.
Check which watchOS version is installed
On Apple Watch
- Open Settings on the watch.
- Tap General, then About.
- Read the Software Version field. The same page also shows the model name and model number, useful when checking compatibility. Apple Watch User Guide: Get information about Apple Watch.
On the paired iPhone
Open the Apple Watch app and go to My Watch > General > About. This page also displays the watch’s software version and device information.
Check for an available update
On the watch, open Settings > General > Software Update. On iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch > General > Software Update. The screen checks for an update compatible with that watch. If the model cannot run the latest watchOS release, Apple says Software Update shows the newest version the watch can use. That does not necessarily mean every older intermediate release is still offered for installation. Apple Support: Update your Apple Watch.
Prepare before installing
- Apple advises updating the paired iPhone to the latest iOS version it can use, connecting it to Wi-Fi, and keeping it near the watch.
- Charge the Apple Watch to at least 50 percent before starting.
- Keep the watch on its charger throughout installation. Make sure the charger is connected properly.
- Do not restart the watch during installation. When using the iPhone method, do not restart the iPhone or close the Apple Watch app while the update is in progress.
Install an update with the paired iPhone
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi and keep it near the Apple Watch.
- Open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it. Enter the watch passcode if prompted.
- Leave the watch on its charger and keep the iPhone nearby until the process finishes. The watch restarts automatically. Apple estimates installation may take several minutes to an hour; actual time can vary. Apple Support: Update your Apple Watch.
Install directly on the watch
This option is available for Apple Watch running watchOS 6 or later. Connect the watch to Wi-Fi, then open Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Install if an update appears and follow the onscreen instructions. Keep the watch on its charger; it restarts automatically when installation completes.
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Choose the update method that works for you
| Method | What you need | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Paired iPhone | The Apple Watch app, a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone kept near the watch, and a watch with at least 50 percent charge. | Apple Watch app > My Watch > General > Software Update |
| Directly on Apple Watch | watchOS 6 or later on the watch and a Wi-Fi connection. | Settings > General > Software Update |
For either method, keep the watch on its charger until the update finishes.
Check whether your Apple Watch supports a newer release
Compatibility depends on the exact watch model, and a release may also require a particular iPhone and iOS version. Apple’s support information checked on October 7, 2026, lists watchOS 27 as compatible with Apple Watch SE 3, Series 9 and later, and Ultra 2 and later. It says updating to watchOS 27 requires an iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later, running iOS 27. Not all watchOS 27 features are available on every compatible device. Requirements may change as Apple releases new software, so check the current compatibility information before deciding whether a model qualifies. Apple’s watchOS update guidance.
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Apple’s model compatibility table also gives maximum versions for some older models: Series 5 and Series 4 through watchOS 10.6.1; Series 3 through watchOS 8.8.1; Series 2 and Series 1 through watchOS 6.3; and the first-generation Apple Watch through watchOS 4.3.2. These are compatibility ceilings, not confirmation that every listed release remains available to download. Check Software Update on the specific watch for what it can currently install. Apple Support: Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility.
Troubleshoot a watchOS update that will not install
If the update will not start
- Check that the watch is connected properly to its charger.
- Restart the watch and paired iPhone, then try the update again.
- If an update file appears to be blocking another attempt, open the Apple Watch app on iPhone and go to General > Storage. Delete the update file, then retry.
If you see “Unable to Verify Update”
Check that the watch has an internet connection through the paired iPhone, Wi-Fi, or cellular where available, then restart the watch and try again. If storage is low, remove synced music or photos first, then apps if needed. Apple lists unpairing and setting up the watch again as a later option if these steps do not work; Apple says the iPhone creates a fresh backup before erasing the watch. Follow Apple’s Unable to Verify Update troubleshooting guidance.
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If iPhone says the watch software is out of date
Some iOS updates require a corresponding watchOS update for continued syncing of data, including Activity data. Check Software Update on the watch and install the compatible update if one is available. Apple Support: Update your Apple Watch.
Quick Recap
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