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For many, Apple Watch is more or less perfect. But, that does not mean that you will not experience problems. Even if you have invested in the latest Apple Watch, you may find that your Apple Watch has a few “low-tech” moments from time to time. Apple Watch not connecting to Wi-Fi is one of them.
Connectivity errors occur on all smart devices from time to time. Getting a connecting to Wi-Fi error is frustrating, but it can also be corrected. Carry on reading to find out how you can correct this error without pulling your hair out.
Why Isn’t My Apple Watch Connecting to Wi-Fi?
It is not always possible to pinpoint why Wi-Fi network errors occur. However, if you live in an area with electricity problems, the first thing you should do is to check that your Wi-Fi router is on. Have you had a power cut? Unfortunately, many forget this straightforward action. Needless to say, if you don’t have any electricity, your router will not be up and running unless you have a battery-operated router or a generator running.
If you only have electricity generated by solar power, you could also find that you lose your router capability from time to time.
But, there are also other reasons why your Apple Watch is not connecting to Wi-Fi.
Things To Check When Apple Watch Not Connecting to Wi-Fi Network?
Before you cry wolf, make sure you have not missed out on the latest watchOS updates. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to miss out on updates. Perhaps you were out of range when they were sent through to your device.
This does seem to be the most common reason many miss out on available updates.
What is the signal strength of your Wi-Fi network? Check your signal strength. If you find it low, you should consider buying a Wi-Fi signal boosting device.
How to Fix Wi-Fi Problems on Apple Watch?
It is not very difficult to fix problems with Apple Watch. But, as we all know, when technology goes wrong, it quickly becomes frustrating.
Let’s take a look at the appropriate solutions:
- Compatible Wi-Fi for your Apple Watch
- Turning off the Mirror iPhone Function
- Wi-Fi Off and On
- Forgetting and Reconnecting
- Restarting the watch and the iPhone
- Airplane mode function
- Resetting your Apple Watch
- Checking other devices
Is Your Apple Watch Compatible with Your Network?
When your network, or the network you are trying to access, is not compatible with your Apple Watch, you will have a problem. You see, Apple Watch is a bit particular when connecting to networks.
In an ideal world, Apple Watch prefers to connect to an 802.1b/g/n 2.4Gz network. However, if your network is not matching what Apple Watch expects, it may not connect. That being said, it seems that the latest versions of the Apple Watch are more flexible regarding wi-fi connection.
Turning off the Mirror Feature on iPhone
When you are using your Apple Watch with your iPhone, you will be aware that your iPhone has what is known as a Mirror Feature. It means the two devices should “mirror” each other. For example, if your phone is in Airplane mode, your watch will not connect. When you notice this, turn off the mirror feature, and it should be okay.
It has to be said that many Apple Watch users have reported other problems with the mirror feature. This is probably down to updates not having been installed. Always make sure that you stay on top of updates.
This is how you turn off the mirror feature.
- Launch the Watch app on your phone.
- Go to the General section.
- Select Airplane mode.
- Toggle off Mirror iPhone
Try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network. It should work if this was the problem.
Turn Wi-Fi Off And Then Back On
Switching the Wi-Fi off and on is another easy fix you can try. However, minor issues can occur on your Wi-Fi system and interfere with your Apple Watch.
Turn your Wi-Fi off and leave it off for a few minutes. Then, turn it back on and see if your watch has picked it up.
You can also do it the other way around. Turn the Wi-Fi off on your Apple Watch and then turn it back on again.
- Swipe the face of the watch and tap Wi-Fi
- Leave it off for a few minutes
- Tap Wi-Fi to turn it back on
Forgetting A Network
You can also try getting your Apple Watch to forget a network.
- swipe up on the face of the watch
- Press and hold down the Wi-Fi icon on the Apple Watch
- Tap on the relevant Wi-Fi network
- Scroll down to forget network and tap on it
- Tap Forget, confirming that you want Apple Watch to forget the network
- Turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again
- Tap the network you want to connect to
- Enter the Wi-Fi system’s password using the screen keyboard
Restarting Your Apple Watch and iPhone
You can also try restarting your Apple Watch and iPhone. This often seems to do the trick, especially if you have installed updates on any of the apps on your phone.
- Press and hold down the side button located on your device screen.
- Now, you can slide power off the watch.
- Once again, hold down the side button and switch it on again
Enabling or Disabling Airplane Mode
Turning on the Airplane seems to be an excellent way to troubleshoot software issues that are not too major, including network errors. Moreover, it is easy to do. All you have to do is to follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app on the watch
- Tap the Airplane mode icon
- Now, you need to toggle on Airplane mode
- Once on, make sure you restart your Apple Watch
- Follow the same Airplane mode settings, but this time toggle it off.
- When you have finished, press the Digital Crown, and you are back on the main screen.
Resetting Your Apple Watch
When all else fails, resetting your Apple Watch is a good idea to clean the internal memory. If you have let the battery run out on your Apple Watch, you may find you will have to do this to recover the network.
- Start by opening the Settings on the watch.
- Find General
- Scroll down to reset and tap the icon.
- Now, you need to tap Erase all content and settings.
- Finally, tap Erase all to confirm.
If you find this difficult to do on your watch, and you use an iPhone as well, you can do it from the phone using the Watch app.
This is how you do it:
- Go to the Watch App on your iPhone
- Open My Watch
- Go to General
- Reset Settings
- Now, you tap on Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
When you have completed all of the actions, you need to let your watch complete the resetting process. It restores all of the factory settings. When completed, you can repair your watch or set it up on your Wi-Fi network again.
It is an extreme thing to do as it means you lose all of the data and media you have on your Apple Watch. It is the last step you want to take.
Before you go ahead and do this, it is a good idea to contact Apple Support.
Check that Other Devices Are Working
If you have other devices in your home, including laptops and tablets, make sure that they are working before you erase all data and media on your Apple Watch. There could be a general problem with your home Wi-Fi System.
The smart money is on making sure that everything is working before you start deleting media and data. There are common faults that can occur on Wi-Fi routers.
Many become so transfixed with their Apple Watch not connecting to Wi-Fi that they forget to check laptops and other devices. Perhaps your service provider is experiencing a problem?
I am mentioning this because a friend of mine spent half an hour the other day trying to fix her Apple Watch when the fault lay with her service provider. Always check the bigger picture before taking any action that can be final. Companies do carry out maintenance or new installs that may cause problems with your home Wi-Fi. Never underestimate the importance of checking the current status with your internet service provider.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found the information useful and have been able to connect back your Apple Watch to the Wifi. Apple Support is really helpful when it comes to Apple Watch problems. If you have an Apple store near you, you can also pop in and see if the in-store team can help you. I do not say that in vain. Apple Support Staff is as premium as their products. They will always try their best and go the extra mile to fix any issue you may have. I promise that Apple does not sponsor this article, but I have always been thoroughly impressed by Apple Stores’ staff degree of professionalism.
