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User Guide - Apple Watch

User Guide for Apple Watch Diagnostic and Erasure

Updated today

Phonecheck Minimum Requirements

Phonecheck 3 - Version: 3.11.4
iOS App - Version: 3.1.294


System Requirements

Hardware Requirement

  • Latest Desktop 3.0 build

  • iPhone with minimum iOS 11

Supported Devices

  • Phonecheck 3.11.6

  • iOS 11 for Apple iPhone

  • Watch OS 8.3 for Apple Watch (Series 3 and higher)

Device Information DB

Non Supported Devices

  • Non Genuine Apple Watch

  • Watches whose parent company is other than Apple

  • Series 1 & 2 – max out at watchOS 6.3

Important Info

  • To use Phonecheck 3.0 with an iPhone, please ensure a cable connects the iPhone.

  • First, pair the watch with the iPhone to begin testing an Apple Watch

  • If you need to test multiple Apple Watches simultaneously, connect a separate iPhone for each watch to Phonecheck 3.0

  • Please note that only one Apple Watch can simultaneously be paired with each iPhone

Apple Watch and iPhone pairing compatibility between iOS and watchOS versions:

iOS Version (Host Device)

Minimum Required watchOS Version

Notes

iOS 18

watchOS 11

watchOS 10 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 17

watchOS 10

watchOS 9 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 16

watchOS 9

watchOS 8 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 15

watchOS 8

watchOS 7 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 14

watchOS 7

watchOS 6 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 13

watchOS 6

watchOS 5 and lower will require an update to pair

iOS 12

watchOS 5

watchOS 4 and lower will require an update to pair


Apple Watch Demo Video


Getting Started

1

Peripherals and Hardware needed to get started with Watch Diagnostics

To begin diagnosing or testing an Apple Watch using Phonecheck, ensure you have the following equipment ready:

  • Apple Watch – The device to be tested.

  • Mac or Windows PC – Must have the Phonecheck 3.0 application running.

  • Apple Watch Charger – Required for charging during tests such as the Wireless Charging test.

  • Stable Internet Connection – Needed to sync Apple Watch data and test results with the cloud.

  • iPhone – Must be connected to the PC running Phonecheck 3.0 via USB cable.

2

Initiate Apple Watch Testing

There is no need to install or use any additional applications for desktop or mobile.

Apple Watch diagnostics are fully integrated within the Phonecheck iOS Mobile App and Phonecheck 3.0 on your Mac or Windows PC.

3

Performing Testing with the Apple Watch Diagnostics App

To begin testing an Apple Watch using Phonecheck, follow these steps:

1. Launch Phonecheck 3.0

  • Open the Phonecheck 3.0 application on your Mac or Windows PC.

  • Select "Mode" -> “iWatch Diagnostics” on the desktop interface.

2. Connect the iPhone

  • Connect your iPhone to the desktop via USB.

  • Phonecheck will automatically install the required Phonecheck app on the iPhone.

3. Pair the Apple Watch

  • Pair the Apple Watch with the connected iPhone.

  • Once paired, the Phonecheck Diagnostics App will be automatically installed on the Apple Watch.

4. Device Information & Checks

  • While setting up, the desktop app will fetch essential information from the Apple Watch, including:

    • iWatch Details

    • iCloud Connection Check

5. Begin Hardware and Sensor Testing

The Apple Watch Diagnostics App enables testing of key components, including:

  • WiFi

  • Bluetooth

  • Compass

  • GPS

  • Accelerometer

  • Heart Sensor

  • Speaker

  • Microphone

  • Display

  • Buttons

  • Charging

4

Sync Data to the Cloud

All the data collected during testing will be synced to the Phonecheck Cloud dashboard. This online dashboard gives a complete view of all Apple Watch Diagnostic results and statuses in one place.


Prepare for Testing

1

Prepare for Apple Watch Testing

  • To begin Apple Watch testing:

    1. Switch Phonecheck 3.0 to iWatch Diagnostics Mode

      • On the desktop interface, toggle the mode to “iWatch Diagnostics.”

    2. Connect the iPhone

      • The Device Box will display instructions prompting you to connect the iPhone to the desktop via USB cable.

    Once connected, the setup will proceed with iPhone and Apple Watch pairing and app installation.

2

Pairing the Apple Watch

To begin testing, pair your Apple Watch with the connected iPhone. Follow the steps below for a smooth setup:


Before Pairing

  • The Phonecheck iOS app will show a "Pairing Watch" screen.

  • This screen also displays requirements, including the recommended Apple Watch model based on your current setup.

  • If the connected Apple Watch is compatible with your iPhone, the pairing process will begin automatically.


How to Pair

  1. Open the Watch App on the connected iPhone.

  2. Tap Start Pairing and follow the on-screen instructions.

  3. If an option to skip any step appears, use it to speed up the pairing process.

  4. Always choose “Set Up as New Watch” for testing to ensure a clean environment.

📌 Note: If the WatchOS version is outdated or the iPhone is not compatible, pairing will not proceed. (See Not Able to Pair section.)


During Pairing

  • The Phonecheck iOS app will continue to display the pairing screen until pairing is fully completed.

  • You’ll also see real-time status updates during the process, including the app installation phase.


After Pairing is Complete

Once the Apple Watch is successfully paired:

  1. The iOS app will request the desktop to retrieve the Watch details and charge the license.

  2. While this happens, the Phonecheck app is installed on the Apple Watch automatically.

  3. The iOS app displays a status indicator for app installation.

The desktop will send the following data to the iOS device:

  • Serial Number

  • WatchOS Version

  • Watch Model

  • Watch Name

These details are required to charge the license for the paired Apple Watch. Testing cannot proceed until the license is successfully charged for the serial number.


Start Testing

Once all data is received and the license is confirmed:

  • The iOS app sends the test plan to the Apple Watch.

  • The testing process begins automatically.

3.1

Troubleshooting: Unable to Pair the Apple Watch

Pairing may fail if the recommendations shown on the “Pair Watch” screen are not followed. Below are the most common causes and their resolutions:

1. Outdated watchOS Version

  • If the Apple Watch is running a watchOS version lower than the recommended version, you will be prompted to update.

  • Skipping the update is not possible—the pairing process cannot continue until the update is completed.

  • Estimated Update Time: 40 to 50 minutes.

2. Incompatible iPhone Model

  • If the Apple Watch is running the latest watchOS, but the connected iPhone is an older model that doesn’t support it, a message will appear stating that the iPhone is outdated.

  • In this case, pairing is not allowed, and the Watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone.


App Installation on Apple Watch

Automatic Installation

  • The Phonecheck App will be installed automatically on the Apple Watch after the pairing is complete and the user opens the Phonecheck mobile application the iPhone.

  • Be sure to follow the instructions in the iPhone Watch App and pair the Apple Watch as a new device for optimal results.


Troubleshooting: What if the App Is Not Installed Automatically?

In some cases, the app may not install automatically due to standard iOS and watchOS behavior. Here's what to check:


1. Manual App Deletion

  • If the Phonecheck app was previously deleted manually from the Apple Watch:

    • iOS will not reinstall it automatically during the next pairing.

    • To fix this, open the Watch app on the iPhone, locate Phonecheck, and tap “Install”.


2. Re-Pairing with Backup Configuration

  • If the Apple Watch is unpaired and then paired again:

    • The iPhone will prompt you to choose between “Restore from Backup” or “Set Up as New Watch.”

    • If you select Restore from Backup, iOS may not reinstall the Phonecheck app automatically.

Solution: Open the Watch app on iPhone, find the Phonecheck app, and tap “Install” manually.


Apple Watch Diagnostics Testing

1

Apple Watch App Installation

After pairing the Apple Watch with the iPhone, the Phonecheck iOS app will automatically install the Phonecheck Watch app.

  • The app will appear in the Apple Watch’s App List/Grid View.

  • The tester must manually tap the Phonecheck app on the watch to launch it.

  • When the app opens, it will display the Phonecheck logo and retrieve the test plan from the paired iPhone (host device).


License Charge

Before testing can begin, the host iPhone must confirm that a license has been successfully charged for the Apple Watch’s serial number.

  • During this process, the iPhone will show a holding screen without any watch details.

  • Once the license is validated and data is loaded, the tester can proceed.

To begin testing:

  • Tap the "Begin" button on the Apple Watch.

2

Permissions

The required permissions are typically granted on the iPhone (host device) during the initial setup for Apple Watch testing. If any permissions are still missing, they must also be granted directly on the Apple Watch.

Required Permissions:

  • Location

  • Bluetooth

  • Microphone

  • Motion Sensor

  • HealthKit

These permissions are requested during the iPhone setup process.

Once setup is complete, the user will be automatically prompted to pair the Apple Watch in order to proceed with testing.

3

WiFi Test

This test runs automatically in the background and checks whether the Apple Watch is connected to a WiFi network.

  • If the watch is connected and WiFi is functioning properly, the test will automatically pass.

  • If the connection fails or WiFi is not working, the test will automatically fail.

There is no user interface for this test, and no interaction is required from the tester.

The result (Pass/Fail) will appear on the test list screen on the connected iPhone.

4

Bluetooth Test

This test runs automatically in the background and checks the connection between the Apple Watch and the paired iPhone.

  • If the Apple Watch is within Bluetooth range and the connection is stable, the test will automatically pass.

  • If Bluetooth is not functioning properly, the test will automatically fail.

There is no user interface for this test, and no interaction is required from the tester.

The result (Pass/Fail) will be displayed on the test list screen on the connected iPhone.

5

GPS Test

This test runs automatically in the background and requires Location Permission to be granted.

  • If the Apple Watch successfully retrieves the current location using GPS, the test will automatically pass.

  • If the GPS is not functioning correctly, the app will automatically fail the test.

There is no user interface for this test, and no interaction is required during execution.

The result (Pass/Fail) will appear on the test list screen on the connected iPhone.

6

Compass Test

This test checks the functionality of the compass sensor and will only run on supported Apple Watch models.

  • The test appears in the standard test sequence.

  • The app reads the Apple Watch’s directional data using the compass sensor.

  • If the sensor is functioning properly, the test will automatically pass.

If the sensor fails to provide valid data:

  • The app will stop at the Compass Test screen.

  • The tester must tap No to mark the test as Failed.

The result (Pass/Fail) will be visible on the test list screen on the connected iPhone.

7

Accelerometer Test

This test verifies whether the accelerometer sensor in the Apple Watch is functioning correctly. It will only run on supported Apple Watch models.

  • The test appears in the standard test sequence list.

  • The app reads the Apple Watch’s tilt data using the accelerometer sensor.

  • If the sensor is working correctly, the test will automatically pass.

If the sensor does not respond as expected:

  • The app will stop at the Accelerometer Test screen.

  • The tester must tap No to mark the test as Failed.

The result (Pass/Fail) will be shown on the iPhone’s test list screen.

8

Audio Test

This automated test checks whether the Apple Watch’s speaker and microphone are functioning correctly.

To perform this test, the iWatch Diagnostics app plays a sound through the speaker, and the microphone attempts to detect the same sound. Microphone access must be granted for the test to run.


Speaker Test

  • The test begins by playing a sound composed of three distinct frequencies.

  • The Apple Watch's microphone listens for this sound.

  • If the microphone detects the correct frequencies, the app will automatically pass both the Speaker and Microphone tests.

  • If the frequencies are not detected, the app will stop at the Speaker Test screen.

At this point, the tester must determine if the speaker is working:

  • Tap No to fail the Speaker Test if no sound is heard.

  • If sound is audible but the app did not pass automatically, the issue may be with the microphone.


Microphone Test

If the Speaker Test fails, the app proceeds to the Microphone Test screen.

  • The tester must speak clearly into the watch.

  • If the microphone detects sound, the test will automatically pass.

If no input is detected:

  • Tap No to fail the Microphone Test.


Once the tests are completed, the results (Pass/Fail) for both the Speaker and Microphone will be shown on the iPhone’s test list screen.

9

LCD Test

This is a manual test where the iWatch Diagnostics app allows the tester to verify if all colors appear correctly on the Apple Watch screen.

  • The LCD Test begins at its designated test screen, where a Start button is shown.

  • Pressing Start will begin a color sequence displayed in full-screen mode. Note that the top bezel bar (which includes the time) will remain visible—this is expected behavior in watchOS custom apps.

Color Sequence:

The following colors will be displayed in order. Tap the screen to proceed to the next color:

  • Red

  • Green

  • Blue

  • Grey

  • Black

  • White

After the White screen is shown and tapped, two buttons will appear:

  • Pass – Confirms that the screen passed the test.

  • No – Fails the test.

To repeat the test, tap the Retry button, which will restart the sequence from Red.


Glass Cracks

This test is designed to help identify any cracks on the watch screen.

  • The test begins with a screen showing a Start button.

  • Tapping Start displays a full-screen black background, which is optimal for checking cracks.

After inspecting the screen, tap anywhere to reveal the result options:

  • Pass – No cracks detected.

  • No – Cracks are visible.


Digitizer Test

This test checks the screen's touch responsiveness.

  • The test displays animated bubbles on the full screen.

  • The tester must swipe across the screen to pop the bubbles.

If bubbles stop popping after the first interaction, a confirmation dialog appears asking:

"Are you stuck?"

  • Tapping Yes will fail the test.

  • Tapping Continue will keep the test running for another 5 seconds or until another bubble is popped.

Buttons Test

This test verifies the physical buttons on the Apple Watch: Digital Crown, Side Button, Crown Rotation, and Action Button (if supported).

Initial Button Detection

  • The first screen prompts the tester to press both the Digital Crown and the Side Button simultaneously.

  • If both buttons are detected successfully, the test for Crown Button and Side Button will automatically pass.

If this combined test fails, the app will proceed to individual button tests:


Individual Button Tests

Crown Button Test

  • If the Crown Button is pressed correctly, it will automatically pass.

  • If not, the tester must tap No to fail the test.

Side Button Test

  • This test is manual.

  • The tester must tap the on-screen Blue Button to pass or No to fail.

Wireless Charging Test

This test verifies the iWatch’s wireless charging functionality.

  • The tester must place the Apple Watch on a compatible charger.

  • Once the watch detects the charger, the test will automatically pass.

  • If the charger is not detected, the tester can tap No to manually fail the test and continue.

Temperature Sensor Test

This test checks the functionality of the Apple Watch's temperature sensor.

  • The test will begin by measuring the ambient temperature using the built-in sensor.

  • If a valid temperature reading is detected, the test will automatically pass.

  • If the sensor fails to detect a reading, the tester can tap No to fail the test and proceed.

Long Press Test

This test checks the Apple Watch's ability to detect long press gestures.

  • A circle and a blue bubble will appear on the screen.

  • To pass the test automatically, press and hold the blue dot for approximately one second.

  • If the long press is not detected, the tester can tap No to fail the test and proceed.

Altimeter Sensor Test

This test verifies the functionality of the Apple Watch’s altimeter sensor.

  • When the test screen appears, the tester must lift the watch slightly.

  • If elevation is detected, the test will automatically pass.

  • If the sensor does not respond, the tester can tap No to fail the test and continue.

Battery Drain Test

The Battery Drain Test for Apple Watch follows the same customization options available for iPhone testing.


Getting Started

  • The Battery Drain test for the Apple Watch will automatically appear on the host mobile device (iPhone).

  • The tester must select one of the two parameters:

    • Duration (e.g., minutes/hours)

    • Battery Percentage Drop

  • Tap the Start button on the host mobile device to begin.


Test Process

  • A video will automatically play on the Apple Watch to simulate usage.

  • A timer will begin on the host device, tracking the drain process.

  • The test will automatically stop once the selected Duration or Battery Percentage threshold is met.

  • Test results are automatically synced to the Desktop application.


Watch Must Remain Active

  • The Apple Watch is automatically set to “Always Awake” during the test (standard behavior of watchOS).

  • If the watch becomes inactive, the host device will:

    • Pause the test

    • Display a warning message for 60 seconds

    • If the watch is not reactivated within that time, the test will be aborted.

    • Once the watch becomes active again, the test will resume automatically.


Connection Requirements

  • The iPhone must remain connected to the Phonecheck 3.0 Desktop app for the entire duration of the test.

  • If disconnected at any point:

    • The Battery Drain Test may pause or fail.

    • An error message will appear on the host mobile device.


Apple Watch Erase Video Guide:

1

Technical Overview

  • Phonecheck does not erase the Apple Watch automatically.

  • Testers must manually follow the on-screen instructions provided in the Phonecheck iOS app to complete the erasure.

Erasure Compliance (Algo)

  • Standard: NIST 800-88 Rev. 1

  • Removes:

    • All Settings

    • All Content

    • All Pairing Information

⚠️ Important: Do not use an iCloud-enabled iPhone for testing.
If the Apple Watch is paired with an iCloud account, erasing it does not remove iCloud Lock (Activation Lock).
To fully remove the Apple Watch from iCloud:

  • Open Settings → Apple ID → Devices

  • Select the Apple Watch and tap Remove from Account

2

Test Results Sync

After test completion:

  1. The iPhone syncs results with the Phonecheck Desktop.

  2. The Desktop verifies and uploads data to the Cloud.

  3. If successful:

    • The Desktop sends an acknowledgment to the iPhone.

    • The iPhone displays a success banner on the UI.

2.1

Once results are acknowledged:

  • The iPhone UI will display "Erase iWatch" instructions at the top of the same screen.

  • The tester should then proceed to open the Watch App and follow manual erasure steps (as outlined above).

3

Manual Erasure Steps

  1. Open the Watch App on the paired iPhone (host).

  2. Navigate to:
    General → Reset → Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings

  3. Confirm when prompted with the pop-up.

  4. The Apple Watch will begin the erasure process and automatically unpair from the iPhone.

  5. You may close the Watch App after initiating the erase process — the process will continue in the background.

✅ This process follows Apple’s native and recommended method, ensuring a successful and secure erase.

4

Erase Process Timing & Behavior

  • Wait a few seconds after initiating erase for full unpairing to complete.

  • When the Apple Watch displays the Apple logo, it indicates the reset has begun.

  • The Watch App will now be ready to pair a new Apple Watch.

  • The entire erase process typically takes 1–2 minutes.

5

Reset Workflow

  • Once erasure completes:

    • The Phonecheck Desktop returns to Pairing Watch status.

    • The Phonecheck iOS App resets to the beginning of the workflow, ready for the next pairing.

    • An official Erase Certificate will be generated for the erased Apple Watch.

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