Samsung has pushed a timezone update to its Galaxy Watch lineup, but the patch has caused unexpected power issues for some users. The update triggers a notification on the watch’s screen with the message: “Timezone information has been updated. Your watch will restart to apply the changes.” Users can choose to restart immediately or delay the process.
The update and the glitch
The timezone update rolls out automatically. According to reports, selecting “restart now” causes the watch to power down but fail to reboot. The issue appears to affect regional variants, with at least one case reported in India. The glitch does not appear to stem from user error, as the restart process is initiated directly through the system’s prompt.
The affected devices enter a state where the screen remains blank, and no button combinations successfully revive the watch. This behavior is unusual for a routine update, as timezone adjustments are typically lightweight.
A simple workaround
Users who encounter the issue can resolve it by placing the watch back on its charger. The device should power back on automatically once connected to power. It remains unclear whether the same problem occurs if users opt to restart later and manually trigger the reboot, as no reports have surfaced testing this alternative.
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The update is rolling out to older models, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. Samsung has not issued a public statement about the issue or its resolution, but the workaround suggests the problem is temporary and easily fixed.
Timezone updates are routine for smartwatches, syncing with global systems to ensure accurate timekeeping. For most users, the process happens seamlessly in the background. These updates are typically pushed to align with daylight saving time changes, regional time adjustments, or corrections to global time standards. The Galaxy Watch series relies on a combination of GPS data, network time signals, and user-set preferences to maintain accuracy. However, when manual intervention is required—like a forced restart—small bugs can surface, especially in devices with regional firmware variations.
The affected watches remain functional after the fix, with no reports of data loss or permanent hardware issues. Users who experienced the glitch have noted that once the watch powers back on, all settings, apps, and stored data appear intact. This indicates the issue is software-related rather than a hardware failure. Samsung has not indicated whether a follow-up patch will address the restart bug.
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