iOS 15.4 And WatchOS 8.5 Brings Ability To Restore Apple Watch Firmware At Home

Last Updated on March 16, 2022 by Anu Joy

Apple has released the latest iOS 15.4 update with multiple features, such as support for Face ID with mask, newer emojis, Universal Control, and a new voice for Siri for compatible iPhones. Similarly, the latest watchOS 8.5 is now rolling out to add a few useful features for Apple Watch owners, alongside the ability to restore an Apple Watch without visiting the Apple repair center. Yes, you heard that right, the same can be accomplished using an iPhone running iOS 15.4.

Fix An Apple Watch At Home: Here’s How To Do It

According to a support document published by Apple, the latest versions of iOS and watchOS can help users restore an Apple Watch through an iPhone. Apple Watch doesn’t support any data ports to allow connection to a computer for repairing the watch in case of firmware failure. Users used to have no other choice but to visit the Apple repair center, which wouldn’t be the case anymore.

Apple has updated its support article to include information on the procedure to be followed in case the Apple Watch stops working. While the old version of the article used to prompt users to contact Apple Support to set up a mail-in-repair, the article now describes the process of recovering your Watch at home.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 14 Mini May Not Launch This Year, We Could See iPhone 14 Max Instead

In order to fix a non-functional watch, both the iPhone and Apple Watch need to be running the latest iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5. If your Watch is showing an animation of a phone and a watch being brought together or a red exclamation point, follow the steps below:

• Turn on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone.
• Put your Watch on its charger.
• Unlock your phone and bring it close.
• Double-press the Watch’s side button.

Further, you can follow the steps that appear on your iPhone to complete the recovery process. However, if the above-mentioned steps don’t work, the watch will show a red exclamation icon. That means you will have to take your watch to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop for repair.

While the new feature seems to be a commendable job done by the brand, there is no clarity if it will work for all iPhone and watch models running iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 .

Have you received the latest iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 update on your Apple devices? Do let us know in the comments section below.