Should You Turn On Automatic Updates for Your Smartwatch?

What automatic updates do

When you enable automatic updates, your smartwatch downloads and installs new software versions over Wi-Fi or cellular, usually while charging and overnight. The process is designed to be hands-off: the watch checks for updates, installs them, and restarts without you needing to do anything. On platforms like watchOS, the update may first download to your paired phone and then transfer to the watch, depending on the model and settings.

Updates fall into two broad categories. Major releases add new features, change the interface, and may alter how the operating system manages power. Minor updates typically fix bugs, patch security holes, and refine existing functions. Both types are part of the product's lifecycle, and makers support devices for several years before declaring them end of support.

Benefits of automatic updates

The biggest advantage is security. Smartwatch operating systems handle personal data: messages, health information, payment credentials, and location. Security patches close vulnerabilities that could expose that data. Delaying an update means leaving your watch exposed longer than necessary. For example, Apple Watch software updates often include security fixes that address known issues, and the company recommends keeping both the watch and phone up to date to get the latest protections.

Bug fixes are the second benefit. If a watch has an issue with connectivity, a misbehaving app, or poor battery life, the maker may release a minor update to resolve it. Enabling automatic updates means you get the fix as soon as it is available, without tracking release notes yourself. New features are the third: a major update can add a new watch face, a health sensor, or an app that you did not have at purchase. If your phone's operating system changes, a watch update may be required to keep the two working together. For more on that, see older phone with new smartwatch.

Risks and drawbacks

The main risk is that a new update introduces a bug. Software is complex, and no maker ships perfect code. A watch that worked smoothly may become slower, an app may crash, or the battery may drain faster after an update. These issues are usually reported quickly, and the maker typically follows with a corrective update. If you keep automatic updates on, you would get that fix as well, but you might have to live with the problem for a few days.

Battery life is the concern people mention most. After a major update, the watch may work harder the first day or two as it reindexes data, syncs, and adjusts to new background tasks. In some cases, a feature added in an update may use more power, for example, a new sensor mode or an always-on display option. The result can be noticeably shorter battery life than before. This is not usually permanent, but it is a reason some users delay updates until they have time to observe the effect. The smartwatch battery modes page covers how different activities affect battery on a normal day.

Another drawback is losing control over the timing. Updates can arrive when you do not expect them, and while they install in the background, the watch may restart or show a progress ring. If you rely on your watch for sleep tracking, an automatic update that installs overnight could interrupt your sleep staging. To avoid that, turn off automatic updates and install manually at a convenient time, for example, when you are home and the watch is charged. The how to update smartwatch software guide explains the manual process in detail.

How different platforms handle updates

Apple's watchOS requires the paired iPhone to be updated to the latest iOS before a watch update can run. The watch itself must have enough battery charge, usually around 50 percent or more, and it is often recommended to keep it on the charger during installation. The Apple Watch User Guide lists updating as part of regular maintenance, and turning on automatic updates in the Watch app allows the watch to install new versions overnight while charging.

Wear OS by Google, used on Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and other models, updates through the watch itself or through the phone app, depending on the manufacturer. Wear OS devices receive security updates and feature drops that are pushed by Google and the watch maker, and users can usually toggle automatic updates in the system settings. The Wear OS overview describes the operating system as one that connects to Google services, which means keeping it updated also keeps those integrations working smoothly.

Garmin's approach is different. Garmin watches run a proprietary operating system, and software updates are downloaded through the Garmin Connect app or directly over Wi-Fi. Garmin typically pushes updates in waves, so not all users receive them on the same day. For Garmin watches, the option may be called "Wi-Fi sync" or "automatic updates" depending on the model. The same principle applies: if you want the latest fixes and features without checking, leave it on; if you prefer to wait, turn it off.

What to consider before turning it off

If you decide to turn off automatic updates, you take on the responsibility of checking for updates yourself. That means opening the settings or companion app periodically, reading release notes, and deciding whether to install. The risk is that you forget, and your watch stays on an old version for months or years. Over time, an outdated watch can lose compatibility with phone apps, miss security fixes, and eventually become unusable when the maker stops supporting it. The smartwatch end of support article explains what happens when updates stop entirely.

One middle ground is to enable automatic updates but delay the first few days of a major release. You can check tech forums or the maker's release notes to see if there are immediate problems, then manually trigger the update once the initial wave of bug reports passes. This gives you both control and convenience. On most platforms, you can start an update from the settings screen without waiting for the automatic schedule.

Another consideration is the age of your watch. An older device may not receive new features even if it receives security updates. If you have an old watch, the update might change the interface or slow it down. In that case, you might prefer to update manually after reading reviews from other users with the same model. See older smartwatch new OS version for guidance on whether to update an aging device.

How to turn automatic updates on or off

The exact steps vary by operating system, but the general location is in the settings menu. On Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, then Software Update, and toggle Automatic Updates. On Wear OS, open Settings on the watch, look for System, then Software Update, and enable or disable auto-update. On Garmin, open the Garmin Connect app, select your device, then look for System or Software Update settings. These are the same areas you use to check for updates manually.

If you travel or use a cellular plan with data limits, note that large updates may download over Wi-Fi only, or they may count against your data if they download over cellular. On most platforms, the watch prefers to download updates over Wi-Fi, and it will not install while the watch is in use or low on battery. The smartwatch WiFi page explains how Wi-Fi connections work on watches.

If an automatic update fails, the watch usually keeps running the old software and retries later. You can also trigger a manual update to force it. A failed update does not usually damage the watch, but if you see repeated failures, check your connection and storage. The smartwatch update failed article covers common causes and fixes.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Will automatic updates drain my smartwatch battery?

The update process itself uses power, but it is scheduled when the watch is charging and idle. After an update, you may notice shorter battery life for a day or two as background tasks settle. Some features in a new release can use more power, but this is not the rule. If you see a persistent drop in the days after an update, the smartwatch battery days vs hours page can help you diagnose the cause.

Can I go back to the old version if I do not like a new update?

Downgrading is difficult or impossible on most smartwatch platforms. Watch makers rarely provide an official way to revert to a previous version. If you are worried about a major update, wait a week and read feedback from others before updating. Once you install, you are usually on that version until the next release.

Will automatic updates use my cellular data?

On most platforms, updates prefer Wi-Fi. If only cellular is available, the watch may wait until Wi-Fi is in range, or it may give you the option to download over cellular. Check your watch or companion app settings. The smartwatch LTE data plan article explains how cellular works on watches.

Do all smartwatch brands support automatic updates?

Most major brands do, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Garmin. The feature may have different names, such as "auto-update" or "automatic download." Some budget or basic watches may lack the option entirely, so you would update through the companion app. The smartwatch platform guide compares the major operating systems.