Can’t Install Apps on Apple Watch? 10 Ways to Fix the Issue
One of the major watchOS issues that many users complain about is the inability to download apps onApple Watch. At times, apps tend to get stuck during installation and keep loading forever. At other times, they just refuse to download — without any obvious reason whatsoever. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ve talked about the ways to fix the annoying “apps won’t download on Apple Watch” issue. So, if you can’t install apps on your Apple Watch and are looking for easy methods to solve the problem, we’ve got you covered.
10 Methods to Fix Apple Watch Apps Not Installing Issue
There are a couple of reasons why apps may not be installing on your Apple Watch. However, there are just as many (or maybe more) methods that you can use to fix the problem as well. In this article we will take a look at all of these fixes for installing apps on Apple Watch.
Plus, we will also take a look at some of the reasons why this problem arises in the first place. As always, you can use the table of contents below to navigate through this article without any hassle.
Why Apps won’t Install on Apple Watch?
While a poor internet connection is the main reason why apps often fail to install on Apple Watch, there are other bottlenecks that you need to keep in mind. Incompatibility, cluttered storage, and miscellaneous software glitches are also responsible for the app installation issue on your watchOS issue. To resolve the issue, we are going to look into each possible cause and try some viable fixes.
1. Ensure That the App is Compatible
The very first thing that you should check out when faced with the app installation problem is compatibility. There are still quite a few popularapps like WhatsAppthat are yet to be available for Apple Watch. So, make sure the app you are trying to install on your watchOS device is compatible.
By the way, if you wish there was a WhatsApp app on watchOS 8, there is a way touse WhatsApp on your Apple Watchthat you can try out.
2. Turn On/Off Airplane Mode (Toggle Airplane Mode)
If apps tend to get stuck on the loading screen forever, there is a good chance that the problem could be due to a poor internet connection. So, fixing the sluggish internet connection can help you resolve the issue.
A lot of times a simple toggle of the Airplane mode can fix many connectivity issues, not only on your Apple Watch but also on iPhones and iPads. So always give this a try if you face any connectivity or network issues on your devices. It only takes a few seconds, and you don’t have to worry about anything.
Automatic Downloads
Just like iOS, watchOS also comes with an automatic app download setting that allows you to automatically download newApple Watch apps(including free) purchased on other devices connected to your Apple ID. So, ensure that it’s enabled if you want to see your compatible iPhone apps on your Apple Watch.
Turn Off/On Cellular/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Toggle Bluetooth, WiFi, and Cellular Networks)
Another nifty hack that you should try to resolve the app installation problem is to reset the radios. Many a time, it can get rid of any network-related issues right away. So, give it a shot.
Make Sure to Download One App at a Time
Be sure to download one app at a time on your Apple Watch. While it may not sound to be a direct solution to fixing the app downloading problem, it’s something you should bear in mind. If the internet connectivity is not so strong, multiple may fail to install simultaneously.
Force Restart Your Apple Watch and iPhone
Hard reset (also known as force restart) is a go-to troubleshooter not just on iPhone but also on Apple Watch. Aside from deleting cache, the hard reset is able to wipe out the temporary files, thus fixing many problems. Hence, if you ever run into anycommon watchOS issues, you should make sure to give it a try.
Once your Apple Watch has rebooted, try installing apps again. If they get installed without any hindrance, chances are you’ve resolved the issue.
Reset Network Settings
No solution as yet? Try resetting the network settings to troubleshoot any network-related issues that might be preventing the apps from being installed on your Apple Watch.
Declutter Your Apple Watch
When Apple Watch gets clogged up for space, problems like sluggishness and apps installation become persistent. So, if you haven’t cleaned up your smartwatch for a long time, the cluttered storage could be the cause of the issue. Hence, try cleaning up your smartwatch.
But before going for the kill, take a close look at the storage consumption on your Apple Watch as it will offer a better insight into what needs to be cleaned up.
Update Software on your Apple Watch and iPhone
If apps are still getting stuck during installation on your Apple Watch, update the software on both iPhone and Apple Watch. The outdated software might be coming in the way.
Erase Your Apple Watch And Repair Your Smartwatch to iPhone
If none of the tips mentioned above has worked in fixing the Apple Watch not installing apps problem, erase your smartwatch and repair it with the iPhone. Considered to be a nuclear solution for Apple Watch, it has the knack for fixing even complex issues.
Once you have erased your Apple Watch, open theWatch appon your iPhone and then follow the instructions topair the Apple Watch with your iPhone.
Easily Solve Apps Not Installing on Apple Watch Issue
There you go! So, these are the most effective ways to troubleshoot the apps won’t install on the Apple Watch issue. Hopefully, the problem is behind your back now. As always, we would be glad to know your feedback and the hack that has helped you fix the issue. Moreover, if you find any other efficient solution missing from this troubleshooting guide, make sure to point it out as well.
Rajesh Mishra
An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.
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