How to Update Your Galaxy Watch

Your smartwatch is capable of a wide range of functions and Samsung adds even more capabilities with every update. So how can you be sure you're running the latest version of Tizen? We'll show you how to perform a Galaxy Watch update to the latest software.

The latest version of Tizen for the Galaxy Gear S2, the Galaxy Gear S3, the Galaxy Watch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is 4.0.0.4.

Unfortunately, Samsung's watches are not particularly user-friendly when it comes to updates. You can check the software version on the watch, but to update, you need to go to the app on your phone. Meanwhile the app on the phone doesn't tell you what version of Tizen you're running—you need to go to the watch for that. It's confusing, so here's how to perform the Galaxy Watch update.

How to Check Your Software Version

Samsung watches run Tizen, which is Samsung's own proprietary operating system. All Samsung watches run the same software, and all recent watches are capable of updating to the latest version of Tizen, which is Tizen 4.0.0.4

First, you need to determine what version of Tizen your smartwatch is running. To do so, press the App button on your watch. Got to Settings > About Watch.
Tap Software. You'll see your version of Tizen under the heading "Tizen Version."
Check that the version number matches the version listed at the top of this article. If it's the same, you're all set. If not, then it's time to update.

How to Backup Your Watch Before Updating

Backing up your watch's software is a good idea prior to running an update. Any time you change the operating system of a device, your settings and data could be at risk.

You'll find the backup option in the Galaxy Wearable App under Account and backup.
Then choose Back up and restore > Backup Settings.
Here you'll see a list of everything available to back up. Deselect anything you don't want, and tap Back up now.

How to Update Your Samsung Galaxy Watch

While you can only check for your software version on the watch, you can only update your watch through the app on your phone. To check for updates, open the Samsung Wearable app.

Tap the Home tab at the bottom of the page and scroll down and tap About watch > Update watch software.
Tap Download and install.
If you need to install and update, follow the prompts. If not, you will be told you have the latest version. Tap OK.
In this area, you can also toggle the option to Auto download over Wi-Fi. If you don't want to install updates automatically, you can turn this option Off. It is On by default.

It is always a good idea to have the latest version of software installed, so we recommend you leave this option on. If you leave the option on, updates will download automatically when you're connected to W-Fi, ensuring that you always have the latest version of the software.