A fix might finally be on the way for Apple Watch users who’ve been frustrated by disappearing screenshots. Many have reported that images captured on their Watch never make it to the Photos app on their iPhone. The glitch has affected multiple Apple Watch models, including the Series 9, Series 10, and even the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch owners say they’ve tried everything from rebooting their devices to factory resets, unpairing and re-syncing, and even setting up their watches as new devices. Despite all that effort, the issue persisted for many. In some cases, the first screenshot would sync properly, but every image after that seemed to vanish into thin air unless the user restarted both the Watch and iPhone — sometimes with no success.

The problem has popped up on forums like Apple’s community support pages and Reddit, where users shared their struggles and unsuccessful troubleshooting attempts. A few tech-savvy users who tried the latest developer betas for iOS 18.3 and watchOS 11.3, however, say those updates appear to fix the issue.

One Reddit user mentioned that after updating to the beta versions, screenshots started syncing correctly again. Before the update, they said they hadn’t found any workaround that worked consistently.

It looks like this glitch might be tied to recent watchOS updates in particular, which would explain why earlier models like the Apple Watch SE didn’t have the same problem. Several users noted that screenshots worked perfectly before upgrading to the Series 10 or the most recent system software.

Apple hasn’t made an official announcement about the bug or the beta fix, but users are hoping it rolls out to the public soon. In the meantime, if you’re tired of waiting for screenshots to sync, joining Apple’s beta program might be an option — though it’s not for everyone. Beta software can sometimes introduce other issues and isn’t as stable as official releases.

For now, if restarting your Watch and iPhone gets the images to appear, you’re not alone. But it looks like better days are ahead once Apple rolls out the next update to everyone.

Dwayne Cubbins
529 Posts

For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.

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