Watch complications often don't update

Question

Watch complications often don't update

I've often noticed that complications for apps like Dark Sky or Fantastical 2 don't automatically update on my Apple Watch (Series 2).

For example, Fantastical on my watch was just displaying "Have a Nice Day," the default text when there are no upcoming events. But I know I have something at 4:30. So I open the app on my watch. It doesn't show the event, but then it refreshes and displays it in the app. And then the complication shows the event, too.

It pretty much defeats the idea of a complication if you actually have to open the app to see if the display is accurate or not.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Oct 24, 2017 11:03 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

163,889 points

Oct 24, 2017 12:16 PM in response to George Krompacky

Hi

The following steps may help:

If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:

Install any available updates for the affected apps on your iPhone (via the App Store app > Updates):

Dark Sky, for example, recently released an update to address issues with the Apple Watch complication not updating as expected.

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:

Check that Location Services is enabled.
- If the setting is already turned on, try turning it off, pausing for a few moments and then re-enabling it.
Check that Apple Watch Faces is set to While Using.
- Toggling the setting to Never and back again may help.
Check that the settings for any affected apps are set appropriately.
- Toggling the setting may help.

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > General > Background App Refresh:

Check that Background App Refresh is enabled.
Enable the setting for the affected apps.

Close affected apps, restart both your iPhone and your Apple Watch and then open them again:

Double-click the Home button, then swipe up on each app preview to close the apps.
Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first:
- Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
- How to restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Open the affected apps on your iPhone.

If the issue persists, then it may next help to unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch:

The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch automatically when unpairing via the app.
Initially choose to Restore from Backup during set up (most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions, such as Apple Pay cards, passcode).
If the issue persists, consider instead unpairing and setting it up as a new watch.
Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support
Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you continue to experience issues, then I suggest that you consult the support resources for the affected apps and/or contact the developers for assistance.

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