If you own an Apple Watch, you know how long it can take to tune up your gadget.

This can be a problem, especially if the update is meant to solve a security issue.

Fortunately, there’s a way for you to speed up the Apple Watch update process.

Person touching Apple Watch that’s showing Montreal weather

Apple doesn’t promote this method, but it’s safe and superior.

Let’s take a look at how to make watchOS update faster.

How Apple Watch Updates Work

Apple Watch updates work like most software updates on Apple products.

Screenshot showing where General is located in the My Watch app.

The company makes them available over-the-air (OTA), which means you download them wirelessly.

For the Apple Watch, the default update method is through your iPhone using Bluetooth.

This is serviceable, but Bluetooth is notoriously slow.

Screenshot showing where the Apple Watch software update button is located.

That’s intentional, since Bluetooth is designed for short-range data transfers that don’t consume much power.

But when you want your Apple Watch to update quickly, it’s not ideal.

Regardless, if you have your charger nearby, there’s no concern.

This screenshot shows where the Bluetooth settings are.

So, let’s see how you could force your Apple Watch to update over Wi-Fi.

First, verify your Apple Watch is on the charger and at least 75% charged.

Apple requires it to be around 50% usually, but using Wi-Fi consumes much more battery.

This screenshot depicts where to turn off the iPhone Bluetooth.

Then connect your iPhone to its charger and hold it near the Watch.

This will help your update download faster.

Once you’ve accepted the terms and conditions of the update, wait until you see an estimated time.

This time will vary depending on various factors, including the size of the update file.

Now, on your iPhone, go toSettings > Bluetoothand turn it off.

Once you’ve done that, go back to the Watch app.

This way, the update will be forced to download via Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth.

You should find that the estimated download time is now drastically reduced.

It’s one of the many tips to improve your Apple Watch experience.