Why Does My Smartwatch Glitch After Software Updates And How To Reset Properly

Smartwatches have become essential companions, tracking health, delivering notifications, and even supporting contactless payments. But nothing disrupts that seamless experience like sudden glitches after a software update. You might notice unresponsive touchscreens, apps crashing, battery drain, or sync issues with your phone. While frustrating, these problems are not uncommon—and more importantly, they’re often fixable. Understanding why updates cause instability and knowing how to perform the right kind of reset can restore your device’s functionality and prevent future hiccups.

Why Software Updates Cause Smartwatch Glitches

Software updates are designed to improve security, add features, and optimize performance. However, they don’t always go smoothly. Several technical and environmental factors contribute to post-update glitches:

• Incomplete downloads: If the update file was corrupted during download or installation, critical system files may be missing or misaligned.
• Incompatibility with existing data: Old cache, app configurations, or firmware remnants can conflict with new code, leading to crashes or freezes.
• Device-specific bugs: Manufacturers sometimes roll out updates before thorough testing across all hardware variants, especially older models.
• Low battery during update: Interrupting an update due to power loss can leave the operating system in an unstable state.
• Memory overload: Some watches have limited RAM or storage. A bloated OS update can push the device beyond its capacity, causing lag or failure.

As Dr. Lena Torres, a wearable technology engineer at the Institute for Mobile Systems, explains:

“Firmware updates are complex operations that rewrite core system logic. Even minor inconsistencies in timing or data integrity can cascade into major user-facing issues—especially on compact devices with constrained resources.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Wearable Systems Engineer

Tip: Always ensure your smartwatch is charged to at least 50% before starting a software update to avoid mid-process failures.

Types of Resets: Soft, Force, and Factory

Not all resets are the same. Choosing the correct method depends on the severity of the issue and whether you want to preserve your data.

Soft Reset (Restart)

A soft reset is simply turning your watch off and on again. It clears temporary memory and stops any rogue processes without deleting personal data.

• When to use: Minor lag, unresponsive interface, frozen screen.
• How to do it: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, then select \"Restart\" or \"Power Off.\"

Force Restart

This bypasses the normal shutdown process and reboots the system when the device is completely frozen.

• When to use: Screen is black or unresponsive; touchscreen not working.
• How to do it: Press and hold both the power and side button (or lower button, depending on model) for 10–15 seconds until the logo appears.

Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

This erases all user data, apps, settings, and accounts, returning the watch to its original out-of-the-box state.

• When to use: Persistent crashes, boot loops, failed updates, or severe syncing issues.
• Caution: Only perform this after backing up health data or paired apps if possible.

Reset Type	Data Lost?	Best For	Duration
Soft Reset	No	Minor glitches, temporary lag	10–30 seconds
Force Restart	No	Frozen screen, non-responsive UI	15–20 seconds
Factory Reset	Yes	Boot loops, update corruption, persistent bugs	2–5 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Reset Your Smartwatch After an Update

If your smartwatch is malfunctioning after an update, follow this structured approach to diagnose and resolve the issue safely.

1. Assess the Problem
   Determine whether the issue is cosmetic (e.g., wrong time display), functional (apps not opening), or critical (won’t turn on). This helps decide which reset to attempt first.
2. Attempt a Soft Reset
   Go to Settings > System > Restart. If the menu isn’t accessible, hold the power button for 5 seconds. Wait for the device to reboot fully before interacting.
3. Perform a Force Restart if Frozen
   Press and hold the power and secondary button simultaneously for at least 12 seconds. Release only when the brand logo appears. Do not skip this step if the watch is unresponsive.
4. Check for Pending Updates
   After rebooting, open the companion app on your smartphone (e.g., Galaxy Wearable, Wear OS by Google, Apple Watch app). Ensure no partial or pending updates remain. Install them only after confirming stable Wi-Fi and sufficient battery.
5. Back Up Data (If Possible)
   Sync health data to the cloud via your phone app. Note down custom watch faces, installed apps, and Bluetooth pairings in case you need to restore them manually later.
6. Initiate a Factory Reset
   Navigate to Settings > System > Reset > Erase All Data (exact path varies by brand). Confirm the action. The watch will reboot and enter setup mode.
7. Re-pair and Reconfigure
   Follow the initial setup wizard. Reconnect to your phone, restore preferences, and reinstall essential apps one at a time to monitor stability.

Tip: After a factory reset, avoid installing third-party apps immediately. Test core functions first to confirm the update-related issues are resolved.

Real-World Example: Recovering a Glitched Samsung Galaxy Watch

Consider the case of Marcus, a fitness instructor who relies on his Galaxy Watch 5 for heart rate monitoring during classes. After a routine update, the watch began freezing every few minutes, failing to record workouts accurately. Notifications stopped syncing, and the battery drained unusually fast.

He tried restarting it multiple times with no success. Then he performed a force restart—holding the upper and lower buttons for 15 seconds—which temporarily revived the device. However, the glitches returned within hours.

Following online advice, Marcus backed up his workout history through the Samsung Health app on his phone, then initiated a factory reset from the Settings menu. After re-pairing the watch, he updated the firmware again—but this time over a strong Wi-Fi connection and with the battery at 70%. The result? Smooth operation resumed, and no further issues occurred.

This example illustrates that while a single restart may not suffice, a systematic reset process—including proper backup and reinstallation—can fully resolve deep-seated update conflicts.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Glitches

While updates are inevitable, you can minimize disruption by adopting proactive habits:

• Update during low usage: Choose a time when you won’t need the watch for several hours, such as late evening.
• Use official channels only: Never sideload firmware or use third-party tools unless recommended by the manufacturer.
• Monitor update notes: Read release notes in the companion app. If others report bugs, delay the update until a patch is issued.
• Maintain free storage: Delete unused apps and watch faces. Aim to keep at least 20% of internal storage available.
• Keep the companion app updated: Your phone’s wearable app must be current to ensure compatibility with the latest watch OS.

“Updating wearables is riskier than phones because of tighter integration between hardware and software. A small timing error in sensor calibration can cascade into system-wide instability.” — Rajiv Mehta, Senior Developer at FitOS Labs

FAQ: Common Questions About Smartwatch Updates and Resets

Will a factory reset remove my warranty?

No. Performing a factory reset is a standard troubleshooting procedure supported by manufacturers and does not void your warranty. However, rooting or flashing custom firmware may.

Can I recover deleted health data after a reset?

If your data was synced to the cloud (e.g., Google Fit, Apple Health, Samsung Health), it can usually be restored when you re-pair the watch. Local-only data not backed up may be lost permanently.

How long should a software update take?

Most updates take 10–20 minutes. Larger updates or those requiring bootloader changes may take up to 30–40 minutes. If the process exceeds an hour or gets stuck, a force restart may be necessary.

Final Checklist Before and After Updates

Checklist: Safe Smartwatch Update Procedure

1. Charge the watch to at least 50% (ideally 70%)
2. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
3. Close all running apps on the watch
4. Ensure the companion app on your phone is updated
5. Back up health and fitness data to the cloud
6. Begin the update and avoid using the watch until complete
7. After update: test basic functions (notifications, sensors, apps)
8. If issues arise, try soft reset → force restart → factory reset in sequence

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Smartwatch Experience

Glitches after software updates are more common than users realize, but they don’t have to mean permanent dysfunction. With a clear understanding of why these issues occur and a reliable reset strategy, you can quickly restore your smartwatch to peak performance. The key is patience and methodical troubleshooting—don’t jump straight to a factory reset unless necessary, but don’t hesitate to use it when simpler fixes fail.

Your smartwatch is only as reliable as the care you give it. By updating wisely, resetting correctly, and maintaining good digital hygiene, you’ll extend its lifespan and enjoy uninterrupted functionality. Don’t let a buggy update discourage you from staying connected and healthy. Apply these steps today, and reclaim full control over your wearable tech.

💬 Have a smartwatch recovery story or tip? Share your experience in the comments below—your insight could help someone fix their glitchy device tonight.