WatchOS 9: How to Downgrade from Beta

Before you get watchOS beta, make sure you understand how to downgrade Apple Watch software. Although you can’t downgrade to watchOS 8, you will be able to upgrade to the shipping version of watchOS 9 and exit the Beta Program when watchOS 9 is released after the "Far Out" iPhone and Apple Watch event in September. Here’s how to do it.

Related: How Do I Install Beta watchOS 8 on Apple Watch?

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How to Remove WatchOS 9 Beta & Get the Official Release

The Apple watchOS beta can be installed in order to help Apple get feedback on an upcoming major software update. You can learn how to install watchOS 9 beta on your Apple Watch here. You can only remove it once the shipping version is released. To learn more about your Apple Watch, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

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  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

    Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. From My Watch tab, tap General.

    From My Watch tab, tap General.
  3. Select Profiles.

    Select Profiles.
  4. Tap the watchOS Beta Software Profile.

    Tap the watchOS Beta Software Profile.
  5. Tap Remove Profile. You may need to confirm this.

    Tap Remove Profile. You may need to confirm this.
  6. Your Apple Watch may prompt you to restart, tap Restart.

Next, you’ll have to install the public release of watchOS 9!

How to Download the Public Release of WatchOS 9

Since your iPhone and Apple Watch and synced, you’ll have to update your iPhone to the public release of iOS first. If you have the beta on your iPhone, you’ll have to start by uninstalling the beta from your iPhone. Next:

  1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.

    Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Watch app.

    Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  3. Make sure your Apple Watch is at least 50 percent charged and connected to the charger.
  4. Tap General.

    From My Watch tab, tap General.
  5. Tap Software Update.

    Tap Software Update.
  6. Tap Download and Install.
  7. When prompted, enter your iPhone Passcode.
  8. Tap Agree to Terms and Conditions.
  9. On your Apple Watch, tap Proceed.
  10. Enter your Passcode on your Apple Watch.

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Your Apple Watch will restart, and when it is turned back on, it will run on watchOS 9. For the next few days after the update, you might experience quicker battery drainage due to background tasks completing the installation. This is normal and should be expected, and can often be fixed by turning your Apple Watch off and on again. Check out the features of watchOS 9 to help you decide if you should install the public beta!

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Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.