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.
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Update Apple Watch over cellular with 5G iPhone?
- Thread starter macrlz9
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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.
However, connecting the paired iPhone to another iOS device's personal hotspot allows the update to download as a workaround.
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.
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.
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
I agree. I feel like they forgot about Apple Watch when the iPad and iPhone both got the ability to update over 5G.
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 !
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 !