How to troubleshoot a bricked Apple Watch
- dec
- 15
You may find that your Apple Watch is unresponsive after updating to watchOS 3.1.1. Here's what you can do about it.
Apple has pulled its watchOS 3.1.1 update after reports that it was causing some models of Apple Watch to become inoperable. Unfortunately, if you were unlucky enough to trigger a bug during your Apple Watch update, you may find that your smartwatch has become "bricked" or otherwise unresponsive.
How do you fix this problem? There are two primary methods for troubleshooting: One, you can do from your home; the other requires a trip to the Genius Bar.
How to force restart your Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch is unresponsive, displays a red exclamation point, or is permanently stuck showing the Apple logo, a force restart may be enough to make it function properly again.
Initiating a force restart is simple: Hold down both the Digital Crown and the side button for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. If successful, you'll see your primary watch face appear after the watch finishes restarting, and you can then enter your passcode.
How to get service or a replacement for your Apple Watch
If a force restart doesn't do the trick, your Apple Watch may be well and truly bricked: If you still see a red exclamation point or permanent Apple logo, you'll need to contact Apple Support or make an appointment at an Apple Store.
Due to the Watch's sealed diagnostic port, Apple Support may have to send your watch to a depot location to fix it or replace your watch outright; as a result, you may not be able to recover any information on your watch after it has been bricked. (This is why we encourage regular backups.)
Any questions?
Let us know if you have any questions about dealing with an unresponsive Apple Watch.
