IT House March 15 news, Apple today released a new support document, pointing out that iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 official versions support the use of iPhone to restore the Apple Watch.
The support file states that if an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.5 or later shows an animation of the Apple Watch and iPhone leaning together, users can start the recovery process by following these steps.
1. Make sure you have an iPhone nearby. iPhone needs to be running iOS 15.4 or later, needs to connect to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth, and needs to be unlocked.
2. Put your Apple Watch on the charger.
3. Double-click the side button (the button below the round digital crown) on your Apple Watch.
4. Follow the steps that appear on your iPhone.
If these steps don't work, Apple recommends that users check their Wi-Fi connections. Specifically, Apple says it's going to try using 2.4GHz networks instead of 5GHz and avoiding 802.1X or Captive Wi-Fi networks, such as those in hotel rooms.
In an internal memo obtained by MacRumors to the Apple Store and Apple's authorized service providers, Apple said the feature allows users and technicians to restore watchOS on certain Apple Watch models without having to mail the device to an Apple repair center. The memo doesn't say which Apple Watch models support the feature.
IT House understands that Apple's support file says users may see a red exclamation point on their Apple Watch, and if that happens, Apple says to double-click the button on the side and follow the steps above. If apple watch continues to display a red exclamation point, users are advised to contact Apple Support to schedule a mailing repair.
iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 were released today alongside iPadOS 15.4, macOS 12.3, tvOS 15.4, and HomePod software release 15.4.