Having Apple Watch 3 performance issues? Here's how to fix them now
Apple has a fix for Apple Watch Series 3 users facing watchOS 7 issues.
Apple has addressed the battery drain, missing health data and GPS history issues Apple Watch Series 3 users complained about in online forums after updating to watchOS 7.
In a new support document called, "If you're missing Workout GPS routes or Health data after updating to iOS 14 and watchOS 7," Apple recommends restoring your Apple Watch to prevent future data loss.
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Apple listed seven different performance issues users could be experiencing as a result of the iOS 14 or watchOS 7 updates. It suggests initiating the restore process if two or more of the scenarios apply to you.
Earlier this week we reported on a number of bugs frustrating Apple Watch 3 users who recently updated to watchOS 7. Though we've grown accustomed to iOS updates causing problems for users with older iPhone models, these watchOS issues are more surprising.
We haven't experienced battery drain or missing activity data with the Apple Watch Series 6, which shipped with watchOS 7, or Apple Watch Series 5, which we updated to watchOS 7 shortly after the update became available. It seems like these issues are limited to Series 3 models.
If you haven't updated your Apple Watch 3 to the latest software yet, you may want to keep waiting until users report that watchOS 7 is more stable.
But if you're already running watchOS 7 and experiencing any of the performance problems Apple flagged, unpair your Apple Watch, back up your data, reset your Watch and then restore it. Apple provides step-by-step instructions here.
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Kate Kozuch is the head of video at Tom’s Guide, where she oversees multimedia storytelling and leads the brand’s fast-growing social channels. A versatile consumer tech specialist, Kate reviews everything from smartwatches and TVs to premium audio gear and smart kitchen tech. When the cameras are off, she is usually learning a new sport, tackling the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef in the kitchen.