Apple
Here’s How Long the watchOS 5.3.1 Update Takes to Finish
The watchOS 5.3.1 update is live and it brings a series of security updated and fixes to the Apple Watch. This is the latest update and it builds on the watchOS update from last year without major new features. This is in addition to all the watchOS 5 Apple Watch features. This is a small, but important update. It will take some time to install, but not as long as the watchOS 5 update.
The watchOS 5.2 update is a free download for the Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch Series 4. It is not coming to the original model.
Even when your watchOS 5.3 download is quick this takes some time to complete because of the transfer process. Before you start, make sure you follow these steps to take before installing watchOS 5.3.1, and read our guide on how to install watchOS updates.
How Long Does the watchOS 5.3.1 Update Take?
This is how long the watchOS 5 update takes to finish installing.
Expect to spend about 8-15 minutes installing the watchOS 5.3.1 update if you are already on watchOS 5.3. This may take longer on the first day as download speeds are typically slower due to high demand.
If you are upgrading directly from watchOS 4.3, this process may take much longer as you need to download a bigger update and this adds to both download and transfer times.
This time doesn’t include the time it takes to install iOS 12.4.1, which you need before installing watchOS 5.3.1. You need to plug your Apple Watch in, it needs at least 50% battery life and you need WiFi.
This table outlines how long the watchOS 5.3.1 update takes to finish. This is the same for all Apple Watch models..
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Backup Apple Watch (Optional) | 1-30 minutes (Automatic) |
| watchOS 5.3.1 Download | 5-10 minutes |
| watchOS 5.3.1 Update Installation | 5-10 minutes |
| Total watchOS 5.3.1 Update Time | 10 minutes to 20 minutes |
In many situations, you can finish the watchOS 5 upgrade in about 30 to 60 minutes and a watchOS 5.3.1 update in less than 15 minutes. The watchOS upgrade process is slow compared to iOS updates, so plan for that. It took us 16 minutes to install and then about 3 minutes for the watch to reboot before we could use it.
The best time to install watchOS 5 is when you have plenty of time and you are at home with your Apple Watch on the charger and your iPhone nearby. Don’t try this in a public setting or at work if you need to leave anytime soon.
Once the watchOS 5.3.1 update install finishes, you will see a notification on your iPhone. Be sure to start by, testing out the new watchOS 5.3 features show below.
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