My Apple Watch is unable to verify update

Hello Bodriver,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We see you have some questions about your Apple Watch not setting up, and we'd like to help. We also see you came from the article: If you see 'Unable to Verify Update' when updating Apple Watch - Apple Support

The following link may be able to help, as it walks through setting up your Apple Watch: Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

You may also find help with updates, here: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Let us know if any of these help.

Regards.

Jmann13 Thanks for the message.

The error statement I saw is fairly common per several internet sites, especially on the Apple Watch 4. The watch was sent to the apple depot after a conversation with a senior advisor at Apple. All good except the depot found an unexpected hardware issue ("hardware issue affecting the normal function of the display") that will cost $349 to fix. The display seems fine during the set up of the watch. The error statement I see says “Unable to Verify Update. The watch OS update couldn’t be verified because you are not connected to the internet”. Nothing about a bad display. Interesting how the watch was working fine until I attempted a software update late last year and could never get the watch to work again. Frankly, I think this is a known issue which the Apple advisor confirmed. I really think Apple should cover the cost of fixing this watch or swap it. There is absolutely no physical damage to the watch and no display issue noted.

A bit miffed at Apple today. We, as a family, own or have owned 40 Apple products over the years. This is irresponsible on their part especially with the knowledge that this issue exists and is likely caused by software

After multiple calls and multiple people involved, finally found a senior advisor at Apple that was sensitive to the issue. The watch was swapped; all good. Perseverance is the key, i guess. Appreciate the help I finally got