Apple Watch won't update to watchOS 11

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple Watch won't update to watchOS 11

Hello,

I would like to know if someone could help me with the following situation.

I have an iPhone 14 Pro and an Apple Watch Series 7. Recently, I updated to iOS 18 and try to update to watchOS 11.

First, I updated the iPhone without any problems. To free up space, I decided to restore and erase all content from the Apple Watch.

After that, I tried to pair the Apple Watch with the iPhone again. The process asked me to update the watch, but now I’m stuck in the following situation: the Apple Watch app on the iPhone shows “calculating time remaining”, while the Apple Watch displays “Please continue setup in iPhone”.

And to update the watch, it needs to be connected to a power source and have a Wi-Fi connection, right? But how will the watch connect to Wi-Fi if I’m unable to configure it?

I’ve been stuck in this situation for hours and can’t move forward. What should I do?

Thank you in advance for your help. Best regards;

E.D.S.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch Series 7

Posted on Sep 19, 2024 3:50 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 9

72,849 points

Sep 19, 2024 7:10 AM in response to Eds_brpt

Did you already try these suggestions?

...

Try these steps:

Make sure that your Apple Watch is connecting properly to its charger.
Restart your Apple Watch.
Restart your paired iPhone.
Try again to update your Apple Watch.

If the update won't start:

Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Tap General > Storage.
Delete the update file.
Try again to update your Apple Watch.

...

copied from: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 9

72,849 points

Sep 19, 2024 7:22 AM in response to Eds_brpt

Can you erase the watch as described here?

...

Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.
Press and hold the side button until you see the power button in the upper-right corner of the display.
Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings.
Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.

Erasing all content and settings erases all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock, unpair the watch first. Before your watch is erased, a backup of its contents is created on your iPhone.

...

copied from: If you forgot your Apple Watch passcode - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

Eds_brpt Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 19, 2024 7:48 AM in response to Ingo2711

Yes, I can. And I already reset the watch following the instructions many times.

But, when I try to pair it with the iPhone, I only have two options:

“Update Now” or “Skip Update and Exit Setup.”

When I choose to update, everything gets stuck again on “calculating time remaining”, “Please continue setup in iPhone”. When I choose ‘skip…’ the iPhone unpairs from the Watch, and the Watch displays ‘Please continue setup in iPhone.’

And then I have to reset it and follow the same instructions again to try pairing once more…

It’s a loop 😩

Should I try downgrading the iPhone?

Reply

Answer 4

stacia24

Level 1

18 points

Oct 21, 2024 7:13 AM in response to Ingo2711

Did you ever find out a solution to this problem? I am having the exact same thing.

Reply

Answer 5

Ingo2711

Level 9

72,849 points

Sep 19, 2024 12:55 PM in response to Eds_brpt

Downgrading the iPhone is only possible a couple of days after the release of a newer software.

Did you install Beta software on your iPhone?

Are you using a VPN? If yes, turn it off.

Can you pair your watch to another iPhone?

Reply

Answer 6

Eds_brpt Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2024 7:56 AM in response to stacia24

Hi Stacia24.

Yes, I solve the problem.

*First, I erased the Apple Watch again by following these instructions:

1. Place your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.

2. Press and hold the side button until you see the power button in the upper-right corner of the display.

3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see “Erase all content and settings.”

4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.

*Next, I erased everything from the iPhone too:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Account password. Tap Continue to confirm.

*After restoring the iPhone, I was able to pair the Apple Watch again, but I set it up as a “new Apple Watch” instead of restoring from a backup (I’m not sure if this will make any difference).

I hope you can solve this problem too! I know how frustrating it can be! 😖

Reply

Answer 7

Eds_brpt Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 19, 2024 7:17 AM in response to Ingo2711

Yes, I tried the first option.

However, the second one is not possible, as the watch is no longer paired, so I can’t access General > Storage, and delete the update file.

Reply