Apple released a new support document on Monday evening that shows that iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 allow you to restore an Apple Watch with an iPhone nearby.
If an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.5 or later displays an animation showing an Apple Watch and an iPhone being brought into proximity, customers can use the following Steps to start the recovery process:
- Make sure that an iPhone is nearby. The iPhone must have iOS 15.4 or later installed, it must be connected to WiFi, Bluetooth must be switched on and it must be unlocked.
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger.
- Double-click on the side button (the button under the round Digital Crown) on your Apple Watch.
- Follow the steps displayed on the iPhone.
If the steps do not work, Apple advises customers to check their WiFi connection. In particular, Apple advises to use a 2.4 GHz network instead of a 5 GHz network and to avoid 802.1X or unencrypted WiFi networks, such as in hotel rooms.
Restore Apple Watch with iPhone
In an internal memo to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, which is available to US media, Apple explains that this function enables customers and technicians to restore watchOS on some Apple Watch models without having to send the device to an Apple Repair Center. The memo did not specify which Apple Watch models support this feature. Apple's support document states that customers may see a red exclamation mark on their Apple Watch instead. In this case, you should double press the side button and then follow the steps described above. If the Apple Watch continues to display a red exclamation mark, customers are advised to contact Apple Support to arrange a repair by post. (Image: Apple)
