Apple Watch sync issues

Learn what might be causing your Apple Watch to not sync properly

Because Apple Watch currently uses a data transfer mechanism called "Watch Connectivity" that Apple developed specifically for it, this can cause Apple Watch to sync erratically in some cases. It also requires the app that needs to be synced to be running in the foreground and limits the number of times per day that iPhone and Apple Watch can transfer data. Sometimes problems with syncing can occur when the iPhone and Apple Watch are separated for a period of time, when there are too many devices around using Bluetooth, or when the Apple Watch has been enabled on the cellular network.

We're aware of this issue, so we're working on a new data transfer protocol. Because of the complexity and long lead time of some of the current Apple Watch optimization initiatives, including enhancements to Apple Watch, there is no timeline to provide.

Ways to improve Apple Watch synchronization

For now, there are several ways you can try to improve your Apple Watch sync issues. Since syncing issues occur randomly, you can follow the steps in order when you encounter them.

Force syncing data to Apple Watch

In watchOS 8, Apple removed the long-press button in apps to force data syncing, so we've moved this feature to Sorted³ on iPhone. Please follow the steps below, and make sure Sorted³ is running in the foreground on both your Apple Watch and iPhone when you do this.

1. Open Sorted³ on your Apple Watch
2. Open Sorted³ on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch and follow the steps in "Settings - Watch Sync" to find and tap "Reload Data"
3. Make sure the last time you synced was a few seconds ago

Restart your iPhone and Apple Watch

• For iPhone with Touch ID

Press and hold the Power Button and slide the "Power Off" slider to turn off the iPhone, then press and hold the Power Button to turn on the iPhone after the screen goes off for more than 10 seconds.

• For iPhone with Face ID

Press and hold the Side Button and "Volume -" button at the same time and slide the "Power Off" slider to turn off the iPhone, then press and hold the Side Button to turn on the iPhone after the screen goes off for more than 10 seconds.

• For Apple Watch

We recommend that you force restart your Apple Watch. Please press and hold the Digital Crown and Side Button at the same time until the Apple logo appears and then releasing your hand (which may take more than 10 seconds).

Remove Sorted³ from your Apple Watch and reinstall it

• Remove Sorted³

Press and hold the Home screen, tap "Edit App", then tap X to remove Sorted³ from your Apple Watch. Sorted³ remains on your paired iPhone. In list view, you can also swipe left on the Sorted³ and tap the "🗑" button to remove it from your Apple Watch.

• Reinstall Sorted³

Open the Watch app on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch, tap "My Watch" and then scroll down the list to find Sorted³, and tap "Install". After a few seconds, Sorted³ will appear on the Home screen of your Apple Watch.

Close Sorted³ and reopen Sorted³ in the App Switcher on iPhone and the Dock on Apple Watch

• For iPhone with Touch ID

Double-click the Home button twice to open the App Switcher, find Sorted³ and swipe up to close Sorted³. Then reopen Sorted³.

• For iPhone with Face ID

Swipe up from the bottom to the middle of your screen and hold until you see the App Switcher, find Sorted³ and swipe up to close Sorted³. Then reopen Sorted³.

• For Apple Watch

Press the Side Button to open the "Dock", find Sorted³ and swipe left on it, tap X. Then reopen Sorted³.

If you don't find Sorted³, open the Watch app on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch, tap "My Watch" at the bottom, then tap the "Dock" option, and make sure you select the "Recents" in the "DOCK ORDERING". Do the above after opening Sorted³ on your Apple Watch.

Check your Apple Watch synchronization the next day

If you're using Sorted³ on your Apple Watch a lot today, or if you have a lot of tasks or events today, your Apple Watch may have reached its sync limit for the day. So check your Apple Watch the next day and it may be back to syncing properly.

Published date: 2023.04.10

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