The watchOS 5 update is not a perfect release for some Apple Watch users. Here's what you need to know about watchOS 5 issues.
Although it is early, there are already reports of watchOS 5 installation issues and other errors that annoy and frustrate users. It's not very common, but there are some issues you should be aware of before upgrading.
Our watchOS 5 issues guide will help you understand the biggest issues users are facing on day one and throughout this month. We'll update the list as fixes arrive and more issues emerge.
We'll tell you where to look to find fixes for these issues and other resources to help you deal with the issues. You can also jump straight to our guide on how to fix watchOS 5 issues.
watchOS 5 Problems
What you need to know about watchOS 5 issues.
Some of the watchOS 5 issues are new, but others are related to watchOS 4 and may actually be general Apple Watch issues.
Early complaints point to watchOS 5 installation issues and errors. The iOS 12 update was not immediately available to all users, and some users may not immediately see the watchOS 5 update. You need to install iOS 12 to get the update on your watch.
Reports indicate that watchOS 5 download times are estimated at 2 hours or more. Some users are reporting not seeing the watchOS 5 update available.
Some users are reporting poor battery life on the Apple Watch, but it's still very early days and this may be due to any additional maintenance performed by the update after installation.
Some scattered reports indicate issues with Bluetooth and other connectivity issues, but nothing major has surfaced yet.
One problem reported by users is that the Walkie-Talkie app is missing on watchOS 5. If this happens, it's because you deleted the FaceTime app from your iPhone. Another problem is that it will try to connect forever.
Check out the Apple Discussion Forums and this Apple Watch Subreddit to learn about the issues others are having in real time.
If you haven't upgraded yet, you can use this list of reasons not to install watchOS 5 and why you should help you decide. Here's our handy guide on upgrading and what to do before installing watchOS 5.
watchOS 5
If you are planning to install watchOS 5, you should learn more about how it works for other users. This is especially important on older Apple Watch models like Series 1 and Series 2.
We've detailed the reasons for installing and not installing watchOS 5, and you can use them to decide for yourself whether this is a good update to install.
You should also look on Youtube , Apple Twitter discussion forums and reddit where users will post comments on how the watchOS 5 update worked for them.
This is the best place to learn more about real-world watchOS 5 performance issues and how it handles the Apple Watch Series 1.
How to fix watchOS 5 issues
The good news is that you can fix many watchOS 5 problems yourself without going to an Apple Store. Unfortunately, some fixes will require another update to Apple's watchOS 5.
We're working on a list of fixes for watchOS 5 issues. In the meantime, learn how to fix common Apple Watch issues. We also have a guide on how to fix Apple Watch bad battery life.
If you are having issues with the Walkie-Talkie app, there are known fixes. If you don't see the app, go to the App Store on your iPhone and download the FaceTime app. If you removed it as one of the stock apps that you can remove, you cannot use the Walkie Talkie app on your Apple Watch. If you see an error that it's connecting and it doesn't go over that, you need to enable Airplane Mode on your Apple Watch, wait a second, and then disable it. This should return you to Walkie Talkie mode.
You can also contact Apple Support on Twitter, use chat on Apple.com, and register for discussion forums.
If nothing solves your problems with watchOS 5, you can make an appointment with the local Apple Store for assistance. They can diagnose problems and can often help you fix the problem and, if necessary, offer you a replacement.
You can't downgrade your Apple Watch
Unlike the iOS 12 update, you can't downgrade to watchOS 4, so you can't quickly roll back if you run into a problem.
Apple doesn't support it, even unofficially. If you're having a problem that completely prevents you from using your Apple Watch, you'll need to visit an Apple Store, call support, or wait for the next update.
And after
You may have to wait for the next watchOS 5 update.
If you're having issues that won't go away with the information listed above, you'll have to wait for Apple to release a new watchOS update.
Luckily, we already know that Apple is working on watchOS 5.1, as it was briefly shown on stage in the fine print when they announced the Apple Watch 4.
Apple also usually releases a smaller update which could be watchOS 5.0.1 shortly after the major update. This small update will likely include bug fixes for common watchOS 5 issues.