watchOS 11 is a feature-packed upgrade with a ton of exciting new features, such as the Vitals app, smarter fitness tracking, redesigned widgets, and a wide range of personalization options. Having run it right from its beta days, I must say that the latest iteration of watchOS is a noteworthy update. However, the latest iteration of watchOS is not perfect and consists of several frustrating bugs. In this detailed guide, I’m going to break down the 10 most annoying watchOS 11.5 issues and their solutions. That said, let’s get started!
1. Battery Draining Quickly
Turn Off Background App Refresh
It’s worth pointing out that apps constantly updating in the background use up a lot of battery on your Apple Watch, even when you’re not actively using them. Therefore, make sure to disable the background app refresh on your smartwatch.
- To do so, open Settings on your Apple Watch > General > Background App Refresh.
- After that, turn off Background App Refresh completely or selectively disable apps.
Reduce Wake Screen Time
Note that keeping the Watch’s screen awake for longer periods unnecessarily consumes extra power. Hence, make sure to reduce the wake screen time.
- To do so, open Settings on your Apple Watch > Navigate to Display & Brightness > Wake Duration.
- Now, be sure to set Wake Duration to 15 seconds.
Unpair and Re-pair Apple Watch
It’s also important to mention that unpairing and re-pairing refreshes system connections and fixes hidden sync and battery issues.
- To get it done, open the Watch app on your iPhone > tap All Watches > Info button next to your Watch > Unpair Apple Watch.
- Now, you need to set up your Apple Watch again by following the on-screen instructions.
Update to the Latest watchOS Version
Software updates often include optimizations that fix early battery drain problems.
- Open Settings on your Apple Watch > General > Software Update.
- Up next, go ahead to download and install any available updates.
2. Watch Faces Not Loading Properly
Force Restart Apple Watch
A force restart clears temporary system glitches that might block watch face loading.
- Press and hold the Side Button and Digital Crown together.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
Delete and Re-add the Watch Face
Re-adding the watch face removes corrupted data and forces a fresh sync.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to Face Gallery, select the problematic watch face, and remove it.
- Add the same watch face back from the Face Gallery.
3. Apps Crashing or Freezing
Update Apps from App Store
Developers release app updates to maintain compatibility with the latest watchOS version.
- Open the App Store app on your Apple Watch > Account > Updates.
- Update all available apps.
Delete and Reinstall the Affected App
Reinstalling an app removes old, corrupted files that cause crashes.
- Press and hold the app icon on the Apple Watch home screen.
- Tap the small “X” to delete the app.
- Reinstall the app through the App Store.
Reset Settings on Apple Watch
Resetting settings can fix app instability without wiping your personal data.
- Open Settings > General > Reset > Erase Apple Watch content and settings.
4. Notifications Not Showing Up
Disable Focus or Do Not Disturb Mode
Active Focus or Do Not Disturb settings may block incoming notifications.
- Swipe up on your watch to open Control Center.
- Tap the Focus or Moon icon to disable any active mode.
Check Notification Permissions
Misconfigured app permissions can prevent notifications from appearing.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap Notifications > Choose the app > Allow Notifications.
Restart Both Devices
Restarting both the Apple Watch and iPhone can refresh connection settings and fix notification issues.
- Power off the Apple Watch and iPhone.
- Turn both devices back on after a few seconds.
5. Watch Stuck on Apple Logo
Force Restart Apple Watch
A force restart helps clear boot-up errors, causing the watch to freeze on the logo.
- Press and hold the Side Button and Digital Crown at the same time.
- Release when the Apple logo reappears.
Unpair and Re-pair via iPhone
Unpairing refreshes the system and resolves deep software glitches.
- Open the Watch app > All Watches > Info button > Unpair Apple Watch.
- Set up your Watch again by following the on-screen prompts.
6. Siri Not Responding
Check Internet Connectivity
Siri needs a stable internet connection via Wi-Fi or cellular to function properly.
- Swipe up on your Watch face.
- Ensure Wi-Fi or Cellular is active and connected.
Toggle Siri Settings Off and On
Resetting Siri settings refreshes voice assistant services that might be stuck.
- Open Settings on your Apple Watch.
- Tap Siri > Turn off Listen for “Hey Siri” and Raise to Speak, then turn them back on.
Update watchOS
watchOS updates often fix bugs causing Siri to become unresponsive.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > install the latest update if available.
7. Fitness Tracking Not Accurate
Recalibrate Apple Watch
Recalibration helps improve distance, pace, and movement tracking accuracy.
- Launch the Watch app on iPhone > Now, head over to Privacy > Reset Fitness Calibration Data.
- Perform an outdoor walk or run in a flat, open area for at least 20 minutes.
Check Motion & Fitness Settings
Disabling motion tracking features disables accurate fitness data collection.
- Open Settings on your iPhone > go to the Privacy > Motion & Fitness > Ensure Fitness Tracking is enabled.
8. Unable to Install Apps
Check Apple ID Login
An incorrect or expired Apple ID session prevents app downloads.
- Open the Settings app on watchOS device > App Store > Check that you are signed in with your Apple ID.
Free Up Storage
Low storage space blocks new app installations.
- Dive into the Settings app on your watch > General > Storage.
- Now, be sure to delete all the unused apps or media to free space.
Restart Apple Watch and iPhone
Restarting clears temporary glitches blocking app installations.
- Turn both devices off > Then, power them back on after a few seconds.
9. Music Not Syncing with iPhone
Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Music syncing relies on an active Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection between devices.
- Open Control Center on iPhone and Watch.
- Make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.
Manually Sync Playlists
Manually syncing ensures selected playlists are correctly transferred.
- Open the Watch app on iPhone.
- Tap Music > Add Music > Select Playlists to sync.
Restart Both Devices
Restarting both devices helps fix lingering sync errors.
- Power off and restart your Watch and iPhone.
10. Watch Overheating
Remove Unnecessary Apps Running in Background
Bear in mind that too many apps running increase system load on your iWatch and cause overheating.
- To begin with, open the Dock by pressing the Side Button.
- Swipe left on unnecessary apps and close them.
Disable Always-On Display
Turning off Always-On Display reduces power consumption and heat generation.
- Fire up the Settings app on your watch > Display & Brightness > Always-On > Toggle it off.
Remove Watch from Charger After Full Charge
Leaving the watch on the charger after it’s fully charged can cause it to warm up unnecessarily.
- Unplug the watch once it reaches 100% battery.
Wrapping up…
There you go! That wraps up the major issues users are facing on watchOS 11, along with their clear and effective solutions. As with any big software update, minor bugs are common and most can be fixed easily by tweaking settings, restarting devices, or updating apps and the system. By following the steps above, you can ensure your Apple Watch continues to perform smoothly and take full advantage of all the new features in watchOS 11.
