The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches on the market. The ease of use, built-in Siri functionality and always-on display make it perfect whether you’re looking for a fitness smartwatch or just a watch for everyday use.

Thankfully, updating an Apple Watch isn’t a complicated process. The app will remind you to update in most cases. If you’ve ignored the warning and ignored an update, or just want to know how to manually update your Apple Watch, here’s how to update an Apple Watch.

First, you should check your compatibility. You will need an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13. If your phone does not run this operating system, you will need to update your device.

Prepare your devices and start the update

Your Apple Watch will need to be charged to at least 50% before you can update. It will also need to be close to your iPhone, and your iPhone needs to be connected to Wi-Fi.

Updating an Apple Watch can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, so it’s best to do the updates overnight. While not strictly necessary, it is best to update your Apple Watch while connected to power. Finally, you will need the Apple Watch app installed on your device.

When an update is available, your iPhone will usually notify you via a push notification. If not, you can manually check for updates.

First, open the Apple Watch app and then scroll down to the General tab. Open it and tap Software update. If an update is available, it will typically show a 1 surrounded by a red circle.

If your Apple Watch is close to your phone, it will start the update. You may be asked to enter your passcode; if so, enter it. You can monitor the progress of the update via the spinning wheel on your Apple Watch.

During this time, do not close the Watch app, restart the phone, or turn off the Apple Watch. If you do, it will interrupt the update and could potentially cause problems.

After the update is complete, your Apple Watch will automatically restart.

Update an Apple Watch without your iPhone

The latest Apple Watch models can be updated without connecting to your iPhone. If you have updated your Apple Watch to iOS 6, you should be able to update by connecting your Watch directly to Wi-Fi.

Once this is done, open the Settings app inside the watch. Faucet General then Software update, just like you would on an iPhone. From there, on-screen instructions will appear. Follow them to complete the update.

Potential problems updating the Apple Watch

Although the Apple Watch is easy to use, some problems may occur while using it. Thankfully, the solutions are just as quick. Here’s how to handle them.

If your Apple Watch introduces you to the dreaded No iPhone error, the simplest solution is to unpair the two devices and re-pair them. Restart both the Apple Watch and the iPhone, then tell the phone to “forget” the watch. Repeat the original pairing process. Doing so should clear the No iPhone mistake.

If your Apple Watch refuses to update, restart your watch and try the update again. If that doesn’t work, open the Apple Watch app on your phone, go to My watch section, tap General, Usagethen Software update. Delete the latest update and then try to download it again.

This is all it takes to update an Apple Watch. The process is simple, which is part of the Apple Watch’s appeal over other smartwatches. Anyone can take it and use it, whether they are technically inclined or not.

Are you having trouble updating your Apple Watch? What happened? Let us know in the comments below.