Apple released watchOS 5.3.1 today with security fixes alongside iOS 12.4.1. This focuses on security, but can also fix watchOS issues.
It is built on watchOS 5.2 which adds support for AirPods 2 and keeps the upgrades, fixes and security updates introduced in previous updates. This is how you can install watchOS 5 or watchOS 5.3.1 and upgrade your Apple Watch. The upgrade is an easy process, but it will take some time to complete and you need to make sure you have your charger on hand.
The only catch is that Apple isn’t offering an upgrade to the first-generation Apple Watch. This is only available on Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. The Apple Watch 4 already runs watchOS 5, but you’ll need to install the watchOS 5.3.1 update to get all the features.
How to Install watchOS 5.3.1
You need your Apple Watch, your iPhone, a WiFi connection, and your iPhone running iOS 12.4.1.
That’s right, you need to install iOS 12.4.1 on your iPhone before installing watchOS 5.3. If you don’t like the upgrade, you can downgrade your iPhone to an earlier version of iOS 12, but you cannot downgrade your Apple Watch to earlier versions of watchOS 4 or watchOS 5.
How to install watchOS 5 and boost your Apple Watch today.
Before installing watchOS 5.3.1, make sure you’re ready by completing our to-do list.
- Take your Apple Watch charger and put your Apple Watch on it.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General
- Tap on Software Update
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode on iPhone when prompted.
- In some cases, you may also need to enter your watch password.
- Keep your Apple Watch on the charger and your iPhone nearby.
This is all you need to do to install the watchOS 5.3.1 update on your device, but it will take some time.
Your iPhone will download the upgrade and then transfer it to your Apple Watch. During this process, the Apple Watch will reboot and you will see the Apple logo and possibly the watchOS logo.
When the watchOS 5.3.1 update is installed, you will see a notification on your iPhone so you know the upgrade is complete. Now test the new watchOS 5 features shown below.
