To update your smartwatch software, keep the watch charged above roughly 40%, connect it to Wi-Fi or its paired phone, then open the companion app (Apple Watch, Galaxy Wearable, Garmin Connect, or Fitbit) and look for a Software Update option. Most updates download to the phone first, transfer to the watch over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and install while the watch sits on its charger. The whole process is usually automatic once you start it, but it can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour depending on the size of the release.
- Updates patch security flaws, fix bugs, and add features — they're worth installing
- Most watches update through their phone app, not the watch itself
- Keep the watch charged and near the phone, and don't disturb it mid-install
Why software updates matter
Smartwatch updates do more than add new watch faces. They patch security vulnerabilities, fix sensor and connectivity bugs, improve battery management, and sometimes unlock health features through regulatory approval. Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit all ship periodic firmware and OS updates, and skipping them can leave you with a watch that drains faster, drops Bluetooth, or misreports data. If your watch has been acting up, an update is often the first fix worth trying before anything more drastic — for example, our guide on what to do when a smartwatch won’t connect to Bluetooth lists outdated firmware as a common culprit.
Before you start: a quick checklist
- Charge up. Manufacturers generally require a minimum battery level — often around 40% to 50% — before an update will begin. Keeping the watch on its charger throughout is safest.
- Get on Wi-Fi. Larger updates download faster and more reliably over Wi-Fi than cellular data. If you rely on an LTE model, see our explainer on data plans for smartwatches.
- Keep the phone close. The watch and phone need to stay within Bluetooth range during the transfer.
- Update the phone app first. An out-of-date companion app sometimes won’t “see” the newest watch release.
Step-by-step by brand
The exact menu path differs by ecosystem, but the logic is the same. Find your watch below.
Apple Watch (watchOS)
- Make sure your iPhone is updated and on Wi-Fi.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- If an update appears, tap Download and Install and enter your passcode if prompted.
- Keep the watch on its charger and within range until it restarts. You can also enable Automatic Updates here.
New to the platform? Our Apple Watch first-time setup guide walks through pairing before you ever reach the update screen.
Samsung Galaxy Watch (Wear OS / One UI Watch)
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
- Tap Watch settings > Watch software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- You can also check directly on the watch under Settings > Software update.
Garmin
- Open Garmin Connect on your phone — most firmware updates download automatically and prompt you to install.
- For larger map or software updates, use Garmin Express on a computer and connect the watch by cable.
- Keep the watch charged; map updates in particular can be large and slow.
Fitbit
- Open the Fitbit app with the device nearby and charging.
- Tap your device icon; if an update is available, a banner appears at the top.
- Tap Update and keep the app open — Fitbit updates can be notably slow, so leave both devices undisturbed.
When an update gets stuck
A stalled progress bar is the most common complaint, and it’s usually fixable without losing data.
- Give it more time. Some installs genuinely take 30–90 minutes. A bar that hasn’t moved in 5 minutes isn’t necessarily frozen.
- Confirm charge and proximity. Low battery or a watch that drifted out of Bluetooth range will pause the process.
- Restart both devices. Reboot the phone and the watch, then retry from the companion app.
- Toggle Wi-Fi or switch networks. Congested or captive-portal Wi-Fi (hotels, offices) often blocks downloads.
- Free up storage. On the watch and phone, a nearly full drive can halt an install.
- Re-pair as a last resort. Removing and re-adding the watch forces a fresh update, though it may reset some settings.
After the update
Once the watch restarts, glance at the version number in settings to confirm it installed. Check that core features — heart rate, GPS, notifications — still behave. It’s normal for the first hours after a major update to show slightly heavier battery use while the system re-optimizes; if it persists, our battery life tips can help you claw it back, and our battery comparison sets realistic expectations by model.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a smartwatch update take?
Anywhere from a few minutes for a small patch to over an hour for a major OS release. Download speed, watch model, and Bluetooth versus Wi-Fi transfer all affect it. Fitbit and Garmin map updates tend to be among the slowest.
Do I need to update through my phone, or can the watch do it alone?
Most ecosystems route updates through the companion phone app, even when the watch can check independently. Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch can install over Wi-Fi without the phone in some cases, but keeping the phone nearby is the most reliable approach.
Will updating delete my data or settings?
A standard software update preserves your data, watch faces, and paired settings. Data loss is typically only a risk if you fully reset or re-pair the watch, which is sometimes needed to clear a stuck update.
Should I turn on automatic updates?
For most people, yes — it ensures timely security patches. The trade-off is that updates may install overnight when the watch is charging, occasionally changing settings or battery behavior without warning. If you prefer control, leave it manual and check monthly.