Apple Watch Series 6 Stuck in Recovery Mode – Unable to Repair

Question

Apple Watch Series 6 Stuck in Recovery Mode – Unable to Repair

Dear Apple Support,

I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding my Apple Watch Series 6.

The device is stuck in Recovery Mode, and each time I attempt to restore it using my iPhone, the process completes but then restarts back into Recovery Mode again. I also tried connecting the watch to a Windows PC via iTunes (not recognized) and to a Mac device, but due to the older macOS version, I could not install Apple Configurator 2.

I am extremely frustrated because I did not purchase an expensive Apple product just for it to fail this way and leave me without a solution. I have visited Tradeline stores multiple times, and each time I was told that there is no repair or service option available for this issue.

Details:

Device: Apple Watch Series 6
Issue: Continuous Recovery Mode loop after restore attempts
Attempts: iPhone restore, Windows iTunes, Mac (Configurator not supported)
Apple Authorized Reseller Feedback: “No repair or service available.”

This situation is very disappointing, and I kindly request your support to provide me with a proper solution. Please advise whether I should bring the device to an authorized Apple Service Provider for a full restore, or if Apple can provide direct assistance to resolve this problem.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Aug 26, 2025 11:18 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 26, 2025 11:41 PM in response to WheelieNick

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I already tried these steps multiple times: my iPhone (running iOS 15.4+) is nearby, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, the watch is on the charger, and I double-clicked the side button as instructed. The restore process starts and seems to complete, but then the Apple Watch reboots straight back into Recovery Mode.

So unfortunately the issue is repeating in a loop. Do you have any advice for cases where the watch keeps returning to Recovery Mode even after a successful restore attempt?

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 9

77,823 points

Aug 27, 2025 01:44 AM in response to Marwan-Mohamed

Has the battery ever been replaced by Apple? Do you remember the Battery Health status?

Depending on the age and use of your watch, the battery might be failing and needs to be replaced.

If you are willing to pay the service fee, Apple will replace the whole unit, not just the battery.

You can get the estimate for your model on this Apple Watch Support page:

Apple Watch Service and Repair - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Aug 27, 2025 08:09 PM in response to Marwan-Mohamed

If the watch just keeps looping back into recovery, that usually needs Apple’s restore tools (Configurator/DFU) that you don’t have at home. iTunes won’t work with Apple Watch. Best bet is to take it to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider, they can reflash or swap the watch if needed.

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Answer 4

WheelieNick

Level 8

45,581 points

Aug 26, 2025 02:51 PM in response to Marwan-Mohamed

Have you tried this in order to recover your watch?

Make sure that an iPhone is nearby. The iPhone needs to have iOS 15.4 or later, it needs to be connected to Wi-Fi* with Bluetooth turned on, and it needs to be unlocked.
Put your Apple Watch on its charger.
Double-click the side button (the button below the circular Digital Crown) on your Apple Watch.
Follow the steps that appear on the iPhone.

* If these steps don't work for you, check your Wi-Fi. Try using a 2.4GHz network instead of 5GHz, and make sure that you're not on a captive or 802.1X network.

We are not apple support by the way, we are apple users trying to help each other

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