Update Apple Watch over cellular with 5G iPhone?

[macrlz9]

Now that iOS 15 can update over 5G, can Apple Watch (watchOS) be updated without Wi-Fi? I assume it would work if the phone can download the update over 5G and then the watch just needs to be on the charger and at least 50% charge.

 

[lclev]

I did it BUT I do have a cellular plan on my Watch and all I have at home for WiFi is a 5G hotspot (5G MiFi M2000)

 

[macrlz9]

Just wanted to update that in order to download a watchOS update, the iPhone must be connected to WiFi. Even if it's a 5G iPhone. (silly)

However, connecting the paired iPhone to another iOS device's personal hotspot allows the update to download as a workaround.

 

[ThinkDifferentTim]

WHY THE F

 

[Howard2k]

I'm surprised this isn't a larger priority. The market for people who are not regularly near Wifi or iPhone is MASSIVE. Apple doesn't realize how niche those things are.

 

[ThinkDifferentTim]

I am trying for weeks to get my Apple Watch updated to 11. I am in vanlife so 5g lte all day and went to a bar with wifi. After over one hour WiFi and still downloading I had to quit. Stil no update. So stupid to be dependent on a WiFi for such a small data transfer! Fix it apple. Why can I update gigabytes of apps but no small apple watchOS update over the air???

 

[macrlz9]

I am trying for weeks to get my Apple Watch updated to 11. I am in vanlife so 5g lte all day and went to a bar with wifi. After over one hour WiFi and still downloading I had to quit. Stil no update. So stupid to be dependent on a WiFi for such a small data transfer! Fix it apple. Why can I update gigabytes of apps but no small apple watchOS update over the air???

If you have an iPad or another iPhone you can join the hotspot of, it should work.

 

[ThinkDifferentTim]

Sadly I decided years ago I buy an iPad without cellular… so I only have one iPhone one iPad one mbp and one Apple Watch. And no WiFi 😂. I don’t get why it’s not possible. I can update macos and iOS. But not iPad OS and watch OS with tethered iPhone. Doesn’t make sense to me

 

[macrlz9]

Sadly I decided years ago I buy an iPad without cellular… so I only have one iPhone one iPad one mbp and one Apple Watch. And no WiFi 😂. I don’t get why it’s not possible. I can update macos. iOS. But to iPad OS and watch OS with tethered iPhone. Doesn’t make sense to me

I agree. I feel like they forgot about Apple Watch when the iPad and iPhone both got the ability to update over 5G.

 

[Stiille]

I have a 13 Pro besides my 15 Pro Max and I only use the 13 Pro for updating my watch.
It’s really simple:

1. Connect your watch with personal hotspot from your second iPhone/ipad (needs mobile connection)
2. check for update right on watch
3. Start the update - it needs to accept guidelines on your primary iPhone
4. disable Bluetooth on watch directly
5. your update should download in a few minutes (depending on mobile connection speed)

I’ve done it many times !