Apple Watch Won’t Update? Try these Fixes

When trying to update, the Watch app might show a message like “Unable to Check for Update, An error occurred.” Even if your devices look connected, the update stops and nothing happens. This error means your iPhone can’t check for or download the watchOS update from Apple’s servers.

The main reason for this is usually that your iPhone isn’t updated to the latest iOS version. Other common causes include weak Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth connections, having a VPN turned on, not enough storage, or low battery power.

Prerequisites

• Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.
• Place your Apple Watch on its charger and ensure it’s charged to at least 50%.
• Double-check that your iPhone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
• Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together during the update process.
• Confirm that both devices have enough free storage for the update. If storage is low, remove unnecessary files or apps.

Once these steps are complete, try updating your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS again.

If the update still doesn’t work, move on to the following troubleshooting steps. Most of the time, this problem is caused by a temporary connection glitch or leftover files from an earlier update attempt.

Below, you’ll find clear and effective methods to resolve common reasons why your Apple Watch might not be updating:

1. Restart Both Devices

When you update your Apple Watch, your iPhone handles downloading and unpacking the update files. Restarting both devices can help solve any minor connection issues that may be blocking the update.

Note: Restarting may seem simple, but it refreshes the connection between your iPhone and Apple Watch and often clears up update errors.

1. Turn off your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the Side Button until you see the Power Off slider.

   

2. Drag the slider to power off the device.
3. Once it’s off, wait 30 seconds.
4. Restart your iPhone by pressing and holding either the Volume Up or Volume Down button together with the Side Button until the Power Off slider appears.

   

5. Slide to power off your iPhone.
6. Turn your iPhone back on by pressing and holding the power button until the home screen appears. (If your power button doesn’t work, follow this guide.)
7. Power your Apple Watch back on and wait for it to reconnect with your iPhone—this should happen automatically.
8. Try to install the update again.

2. Re-pair Your Apple Watch

If restarting didn’t fix the issue, the problem might be with the pairing between your Apple Watch and your iPhone. Re-pairing can reset this connection, and it often fixes update problems and other issues, such as missed notifications or calls not appearing on your watch.

Note: If you’re also having other problems connecting your Apple Watch, re-pairing is highly recommended.

Note: For ease of use, this guide splits this process into unpairing, then re-pairing your Apple Watch.

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

   

2. Tap All Watches in the top left corner.

   

3. Find your Apple Watch and tap the Info Icon next to it.

   

4. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.

   

Once you’ve unpaired your Apple Watch, follow these steps to pair it again:

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is powered on.
2. When your Apple Watch is close to your iPhone, a pairing screen should automatically appear. Tap Continue.

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions and hold your Apple Watch up to your iPhone’s camera to finish pairing.
4. Check if the watchOS update now appears and proceed with installation if it’s available.

Note: If you see a message that says “Unable to install update”, try these steps:

• Turn off the option to unlock your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
• Let your Apple Watch try to update automatically overnight. Or, you can try updating directly from the watch itself—just make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.

3. Remove Leftover Update Files

Sometimes, a failed update leaves behind incomplete files that can stop new updates from being installed. Removing these leftover files lets you start fresh with the update process.

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

   

2. Tap General on the home screen of your Apple Watch.
3. Select Software Update from the menu.

   

4. If you see a file for an update that hasn’t been installed, delete it from the Update tab.
   Note: Only delete files that have already been downloaded but not installed.
5. Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch by following the steps in Method 1 above.
6. After restarting, check the Software Update menu again and try installing the update.

Each of the steps above addresses a common reason your Apple Watch may not be updating—whether it’s a connection glitch, incomplete update files, or issues with pairing. By following these straightforward instructions, you should be able to fix most watchOS update problems and keep your Apple Watch running smoothly with all the latest features and improvements.