WATCHOS UPDATE NOT WORKING

I am trying to update watch to 8.7.1 and my iphone is all up to date. It starts to work and is stuck on preparing forever 12+ hours to be exact. Ive reset both devices, troubleshoot, talked to apple. Any ideas what to do?

Posted on Oct 18, 2022 07:06 AM

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4 replies

Oct 20, 2022 09:10 AM in response to cj_straw

Hello cj_straw,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you need some help with updating your Apple Watch. We certainly understand why you'd reach out and we are happy to help!


The following article has steps you can try if you're experiencing issues updating your device: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Specifically, you want to look under the "if you need help updating" section


Try these steps:


  1. Make sure that your Apple Watch connects to its charger
  2. Restart your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off, then drag the slider. To turn your watch on again, press and hold the side button.
  3. Restart your paired iPhone.
  4. Try to start the update again. 

If the update won't start, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General > Usage > Software Update, then delete the update file. After you delete the file, try to download and install watchOS again.

Learn what to do if you see 'Cannot Install Update' when updating Apple Watch.





Oct 20, 2022 09:42 AM in response to cj_straw

Hi cj_straw,


Thanks so much for following up with us.


In that case, we'd like to provide some information on how to get your Apple Watch ready for service. Please check out this link, which has helpful information, and outlines that process: Get your Apple Watch ready for service


Before you send us your Apple Watch

If your device won't turn on or respond, finish as many of these steps as possible.

Unpair your Apple Watch

When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. When your device returns from service, you can use the backup to restore your Apple Watch.

Follow these steps to unpair your devices:

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together. 
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab.
3. Tap All Watches at the top of the screen. 
4. Tap the Info button  next to the watch that you want to unpair. 
5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. For cellular models, tap Remove [Carrier] Plan. 
6. Enter your Apple ID password. If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it
7. Tap again to confirm. 

If you don't have your iPhone, but your Apple Watch is working, you can erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch. On your Apple Watch, tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings. For cellular models, tap Erase All to remove your plan. 

Remove your Apple Watch band

Your Apple Watch band and any other accessories that you send won't be returned, so please remove them before sending your Apple Watch in for service.

Learn how to remove your band. If you have a Link Bracelet band, remember to separate the links before you remove the band.

Send in your Apple Watch

If you arranged a repair request, you should have received instructions for how to mail in your Apple Watch. If you already received a replacement Apple Watch, follow these steps to set it up

If you haven't set up a repair request, choose from the service options available in your area: make a reservation at an Apple Store, find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or set up mail-in repair. Arrange service for your Apple Watch.


Take care!

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