Apple Watch Won’t Pair without an Update: Quick Fixes (2024)

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Written byDarlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: May 27, 2024Fact Checked

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Are you running into an issue where your Apple Watch won't pair without an update? You might be running into a loop, where your Watch won't pair without an update, but you can't update without pairing, which is the source of Wi-Fi needed for updating. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to solve this Catch-22. If you have watchOS 6 or later, however, you can install updates without your iPhone in Settings > General > Software Update. This wikiHow article teaches you how to update and pair your Apple Watch when it won't do either.

Things You Should Know

  • The most common issue that users find is the reason that their Apple Watch won't pair without an update is that their iPhone is out of date.
  • After updating your iPhone, restart both the phone and the Watch.
  • When they restart and pair, try updating the Watch again.

  1. 1

    Update your iPhone. This is the most common issue that people run into: Apple Watch OS updates require your iPhone to be running a specific iOS.

    • To make this process easier, close all the apps that are open on your iPhone. Do that by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and swiping up on an app to close it. If your phone has a "Home" button, double-press it and swipe up on an app to close it.
    • To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Install/Download and Install.[1]

  2. 2

    Restart both your phone and watch. Turn off your Watch, press and hold the side button (not the Digital Crown) until a slider appears, then drag the Power slider to the right.[2] If you press those buttons and see an SOS Emergency Call slider instead, tap the tiny power button in the top right corner to get the power slider.

    • Depending on the model of iPhone you have, there are different ways to turn it off. For example, if you have an iPhone without a "Home" button (X, 11, 12, 13, or later), press and hold either volume button and the side button until a slider appears, then drag the Power slider to the right.
      • If you have an iPhone 6, 7, 8, or 2nd gen SE, press and hold the one side button until the slider appears, then drag it to the right.
      • If you have a 1st gen SE or iPhone 5 or earlier, press and hold the top button until the Power slider appears, then slide it to the right.[3]
    • Turn your iPhone back on by pressing the same buttons. Once it's restarted, press the side button on your Watch to turn it on after your iPhone.

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  3. 3

    Pair your Watch and iPhone. If your Watch and phone were previously paired, they will connect automatically. However, if they've never been paired before, you need to wait for the "Use your iPhone to set up your Apple Watch" window.

    • Tap Continue to proceed. Use the camera on your iPhone to scan the screen on your Watch to begin set up. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue setting up your Watch. [4]

  4. 4

    Update your Watch. Make sure your Watch is on the charger and can stay there while it's updating. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap the My Watch tab. Go to General > Software Update > Download. Don't close the app until the update is complete.[5]

    • If you have watchOS 6 or later, you can install updates without your iPhone in Settings > General > Software Update.

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Expert Q&A

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    Tips

    • Remove the bad update from your Watch if you're still having issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and delete the update file.

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    • If your Watch still doesn't pair with your iPhone, unpair it and forget the connection (remove it from your iPhone). Then, restart both devices and pair them again.

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    About This Article

    Apple Watch Won’t Pair without an Update: Quick Fixes (21)

    Written by:

    Darlene Antonelli, MA

    wikiHow Technology Writer

    This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 6,070 times.

    1 votes - 0%

    Co-authors: 3

    Updated: May 27, 2024

    Views:6,070

    Categories: Apple Watch

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    Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,070 times.

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    Apple Watch Won’t Pair without an Update: Quick Fixes (2024)

    FAQs

    Why can't I pair my Apple Watch without update? ›

    The most common issue that users find is the reason that their Apple Watch won't pair without an update is that their iPhone is out of date. After updating your iPhone, restart both the phone and the Watch. When they restart and pair, try updating the Watch again.

    Read More ›
    How do I skip an update while pairing my Apple Watch? ›

    It is not possible to pair it without updating the software. Be sure to keep your Apple Watch on the charger and connected to power throughout the software update process, with the iPhone kept nearby both with Wi-Fi (connected to the Internet) and Bluetooth enabled on it.

    View More ›
    Why does my Apple Watch keep failing to pair? ›

    Your iPhone uses your network and Bluetooth® to connect to your Apple Watch. If your devices aren't pairing, it may be that you've accidentally changed your network settings. If that's the case, resetting them may solve your problem.

    Tell Me More ›
    How do I fix my Apple Watch not updating and pairing? ›

    Need more help with updating?
    1. Try these steps:
    2. Make sure that your Apple Watch is connecting properly to its charger.
    3. Restart your Apple Watch.
    4. Restart your paired iPhone.
    Dec 18, 2022

    Learn More ›
    Does Apple Watch need update before pairing? ›

    Your Apple Watch might also require a software update on your iPhone before you can set up the watch. If your iPhone says that a software update is available, tap Update Now and wait for the update process to finish. Choose which wrist you wear your Apple Watch on, then tap Continue.

    View More ›
    Why isn t my old Apple Watch pairing? ›

    If it seems like the pairing process has stalled — for example, the pairing animation remains on the screen for several minutes — resetting your Apple Watch might help: Press and hold the Digital Crown while your Apple Watch is in pairing mode. Tap Reset when it appears on your watch.

    Explore More ›
    How do I force Apple Watch to pair? ›

    If your Apple Watch is stuck while pairing

    After your watch restarts, firmly press the screen or press and hold the Digital Crown. Tap Reset. After your watch resets, you can pair it with your iPhone. Bring your iPhone near your watch, then follow the on-screen instructions.

    Learn More Now ›
    How do you force an Apple Watch to update? ›

    Update your Apple Watch using your iPhone
    1. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab.
    2. Tap General > Software Update.
    3. Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.
    4. Wait for the progress wheel to appear on your Apple Watch.
    Feb 13, 2024

    Discover More ›
    Can you use an Apple Watch without pairing? ›

    What features can I use if the watch isn't paired or connected to Wi-Fi? You can use the watch, alarm, stopwatch, and timer features. Plus, you can still track your workouts or activity goals, display photos, play content that you've synced to your watch, record memos, and use the compass.

    Show Me More ›
    How do I force resync my Apple Watch? ›

    Use Apple's built-in Spotlight Search if you can't find the app on your smartphone. Next, from the "My Watch" tab, select the "General" option. From here, swipe down to the bottom of the page and tap on the "Reset" option. In the new menu, tap on the "Reset Sync Data" button.

    Keep Reading ›

    Why isn t my iPhone and iwatch not syncing? ›

    Ensure Bluetooth is ON and both devices are connected to Wi-Fi. Unpair and then re-pair the watch via the iPhone's Watch app. Check they're on the same iCloud account (Settings > iCloud). Update both devices to the latest software.

    View More ›
    How to hard reset an Apple Watch? ›

    1. Put 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.

    Tell Me More ›
    What happens if I can't update my Apple Watch? ›

    Tap Settings > General > Storage to see if you have enough space on your Apple Watch to download the update. If you don't, remove some apps and files to create the room. Unpair and resync your Apple Watch. If your Apple Watch still fails to detect or install an update, try resyncing your Apple Watch and iPhone.

    Tell Me More ›
    Why isn't my Apple Watch connecting to my phone? ›

    Check the settings on both devices

    If your phone has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned off — or if either of your devices are in Airplane Mode — they won't be able to pair. Make sure all settings are set properly to facilitate the connection. On the iPhone, you can quickly check this in the Control Center.

    Tell Me More ›
    How to put an Apple Watch in pairing mode? ›

    Step 1: Turn on and pair your Apple Watch
    1. Put your Apple Watch on your wrist. ...
    2. To turn on your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. ...
    3. Hold your iPhone near your Apple Watch, wait for the Apple Watch pairing screen to appear on your iPhone, then tap Continue. ...
    4. Tap Set Up for Myself.

    Tell Me More ›
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