Apple has released the watchOS 11.5 Release Candidate for developers and public beta testers, offering a sneak peek at the final version before its public release. While many users are excited to try out the uber cool Pride watch face, some are unable to install the update due to various issues like it not appearing, failing mid-download, or getting stuck during installation. If you’re facing any of these problems on your Apple Watch, fret not! In this detailed guide, I’m going to break down the 6 best tips and tricks to fix watchOS 11.5 unable to download and install issue. Read on to…
1. Make Sure You’re on the Right Beta Profile
To receive the Release Candidate, your iPhone must be enrolled in either the Developer Beta or Public Beta Program and running iOS 18.5. Your Apple Watch won’t receive the update unless your iPhone is also on the matching OS version.
- On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Now, select Beta Updates and ensure you’re enrolled in the correct beta channel.
2. Check Apple Watch Compatibility
The update won’t install if your Apple Watch model is not compatible with watchOS 11.5. Older models like the Apple Watch Series 4 or earlier may not be supported. Therefore, make sure to visit Apple’s official watchOS 11.5 compatibility list to confirm your device is eligible.
3. Ensure Sufficient Battery and Charging Status
Apple requires your watch to be at least 50% charged and placed on its charger to install updates. If the battery is low or it’s not on the charger, the update will pause or fail to start. Keep the watch on its magnetic charger during the entire update process.
4. Restart Both iPhone and Apple Watch
It’s also important to remember that temporary system glitches can interfere with communication between the devices.
- Hence, restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- After that, go back to the Watch app and check for the update again.
- It will let you refresh connections related to your device and clear minor software bugs.
5. Free Up Storage on the Apple Watch
Is your watch low on storage space? If your answer is “Yes”, there is a decent chance that the update may not install.
- Go to the Watch app on your connected iPhone > General > Storage on your iPhone to check available space.
- After that, go ahead to remove unused apps, music, or synced photos to free up room before trying again.
6. Unpair and Re-pair Your Apple Watch
Unable to install watchOS 11.5 on your Apple Watch? No worries! If nothing else works in sorting out the problem on your watchOS device, unpairing and re-pairing your Apple Watch can resolve persistent update issues. Note that this resets the watchOS settings while keeping a backup of your data intact.
- On your paired iPhone, head over to the Watch app > All Watches > Hit the Info button next to Your Watch.
- Scroll down to the bottom and hit Unpair Apple Watch and confirm the action.
- After that, make sure to set it up again and check for the update.
Wrapping up
There you have it! Updating to watchOS 11.5 can be frustrating when issues get in the way, but most problems are easily fixable with a few smart troubleshooting steps. From ensuring your beta profile is correct to freeing up space or restarting your devices, these fixes target the most common reasons for update failures.
If you’re still having trouble, waiting for the public release next week may be the most stable path forward.
