Installing the watchOS 3 beta is more complex than an iOS or macOS beta, but it's also for developers only.
Update August 9, 2016: Apple has just released watchOS beta 5 for developers. If you already have watchOS beta 4 installed, proceed to the Watch app on your iOS 10 beta 4 iPhone and download away. If you've been waiting for beta 5 to get in on watchOS 3, keep reading and we'll walk you through the set up!
There's yet to be a public beta for watchOS the way there has been for iOS and OS X, and that's okay — the process for installing the software is more complicated, and really meant for developers only. You need to install a certificate on your Apple Watch, then download the software to your iPhone running iOS 10 beta, transfer it across, and get it up and running. It's not hard, but it does take patience and you may have to troubleshoot.
Apple's 2016 software updates — iOS 10, watchOS 3, tvOS 10, and macOS Sierra — are currently available as closed developer previews and as public betas for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While the betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs that can prevent the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. That's why we strongly recommend staying away from the developer previews, and using the public betas with caution. If you depend on your devices, wait for the final release this fall.
- How to download the watchOS 3 beta certificate
- How to install watchOS 3 on your Apple Watch
- How to downgrade to watchOS 2
How to install the watchOS 3 beta certificate
Note: Make sure you're running the developer beta for iOS 10 on your iPhone before trying to install watchOS 3.
- Log into developer.apple.com on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
- Go to the watchOS 3 download page.
- Tap on Download watchOS 3 beta Configuration Profile.
- Tap on Apple Watch from the Choose a Device popup.
- Tap on Install begin.
- Enter your Passcode
- Tap on Install to confirm.
- Tap on Restart to reboot your Apple Watch.
Once your Apple Watch has rebooted the installation process goes back to normal.
How to install watchOS 3 on your Apple Watch
The certificate is what tells the Watch app on your iPhone that watchOS 3 is available. Once the Watch app detects it, the process for installing it is the same as any other watchOS update, detailed below. (If the beta doesn't show up, reboot again.)
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and launch the Apple Watch app.
- Tap on the My Watch tab.
- Tap on General.
Tap on Software Update.
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your iPhone Passcode.
Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connect it to the magnetic charger.
- Tap Install on your iPhone and/or your Apple Watch.
The Watch OS update will download and transfer to your Apple Watch and Apple Watch will reboot to apply the update. You can follow the progress on the Apple Watch screen, and once it's done, you'll be all set.
If the watchOS 3 update fails at the verification stage, try again. If it fails repeatedly, un-pair and re-pair your Apple Watch and try again. (That un-pairing and re-pairing process takes a while so make sure verification really isn't working for you before you go through it.)
How to downgrade watchOS
Instructions for reverting back to watchOS are behind the developer center log in, so we can't replicate them here. Suffice it to say you can't do it on your own. Your Watch will have to go back to Apple. That alone should give anyone who doesn't absolutely need the developer beta pause to reconsider installing it in the first place.
For developers who, for whatever reason, really do need to revert, you can find instructions for contacting Apple at the bottom of this document:
Reader comments
How to download watchOS 3 developer beta 5 to your Apple Watch
Hi!
certificate installed , but software update do not show up even after restarts ....
Thanks for this guide , 4. in apple watch os installation guide is unclear
Be sure to install the new iOS beta on the iPhone, too
I've noticed on my Apple Watch Sport 38mm that if I don't have the charger connected, while my phone is on a wifi connection, it tends to not show up either. When connected, update usually shows up
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I assume "Apple will release it to the public this fall." was a carryover from an earlier version of this article pertaining to an earlier version of WatchOS, correct?
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still don't get it. my watch doesn't download the update...
Considering that it requires sending back to Apple to unbrick or restore to official, this is really not worth it.
.. Yet
Correct ;)
Something has seriously gone wrong if it bricks. Bricking is something that happens more alpha stage. I'd expect a lot of bugs but not bricking
True
This beta is totally worth it. Simple enough instructions. If you can read, and follow directions, you'll be fine. watchOS 3 is awesome!! Even the beta. Totally worth it
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I have iOS 10 beta in my iPhone and I click on the link and when I try to download it, it takes me to Xcode download. What do I do?
Yes mine does the same thing and I have iOS 10 beta to what to do I do not know
Same here. It looks like the typical iMore step by step How To- steps missing. The X-Code page says the ID must be associated with a PAID developer account or ENTERPRISE account, something not mentioned in the above How To.
will it work with public beta ios 10?
not yet, im trying with public beta with no joy, the watcxh does not update to watchos3 yet
I have the public beta on my iPhone, and this developer beta on my watch. The two work together great!!
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Something is not right as it does not show the Beta upgrade. Even through developer doesn't allow to get it. So strange as I can develop on WatchOS3 platform. If any of you get any luck with it drop me a reply please
See my response below, it may help you out.
Don't make the same mistake I did and try to load the iOS Profile onto the watch. Even though it asks you if you want to download the profile to the watch it will download the iOS profile and then reboot the watch. Go directly to the developer.apple.com site, log in, and go directly to downloads. Select watchOs download button and then install the profile to the watch. Once rebotted, go to the Watch App on the iphone and try the software update.
Hi there awesome write up showing the new beta 4! I am currently on iOS 10 public beta 2 and my apple watch is on 2.2.2. I wish to install the Watch OS 3 beta on my watch and was wondering if I do install it and use it till the official release and when the official version comes out on September am I able to upgrade to that version without having to send the watch back to Apple for a reload back to Watch OS 2? I know the iphone public beta should go directly to the official but was wondering if this would be the same for the watch OS 3 beta? Thanks in advance :)