One of the changes Apple included with watch OS 8.5 is the possibility to restore or update the firmware of the watch without having to send it in for repair.
Until now, for any Apple Watch issues that required a firmware restore, users had to bring the device to Apple. This is because there is no port accessible to users.
With the new watchOS 8.5 update, if your iPhone has an issue that requires you to restore the firmware, your Apple Watch may display an animation prompting you to hold it close to an iPhone. A red exclamation point may also appear on your watch.
To restore Apple Watch firmware from iPhone:
- Bring Apple Watch closer to your iPhone (iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 required)
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth turned on and unlocked
- Put the Apple Watch on the charger
- Double-click the side button on Apple Watch (next to the Digital Crown)
- Follow the instructions on your iPhone
in case you Apple Watch shows red exclamation markyou may need to press the side button twice before placing it in the charger and following the rest of the steps above.
Apple says that if the process doesn’t work, check your WiFi network and use a 2.4GHz network instead of a 5GHz one.
This process may not resolve all Apple Watch and Apple Watch issues. official support document recommends sending the device if the red exclamation screen does not disappear.