Apple Watch basic diagnostics

How to diagnose Apple Watch problems

If all settings relevant to the feature in question are normal but behaviour is still irrational there is a progressive hierarchy of  remedies.

Hopefully you will not need to go to the end of the list!

Start basic diagnostics by force restarting the Watch and paired iPhone at the same time:-

Force restart the Watch

i.e. press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release both buttons when you see the Apple logo. 

Then while Watch is restarting, force Restart the paired iphone   Force restart iPhone – Apple Support (UK) 

Test it for a suitable period depending on the nature of the problem.

If it is still misbehaving...

Unpair and set up again, takes about 20 minutes.

 Unpair and erase your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 

Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 

If no remedy, unpair again and setup without restoring the backup. You will lose little except Faces and some settings. This is a good remedy when you have lost Apple included apps but you can't find them in App Store, eg Workout app.

Make sure you are not using App Store VPN or VPN based adblockers or security apps. (Check Settings, General, VPN & Device Management for profiles) 

Your employer corporate VPN should not cause problems but it might.

Company phone management profiles can prevent pairing.

Remember also that Watch OS10 requires iPhone on iOS17 or later.

Watch OS9 requires iPhone on iOS16 or later.

You can use a newer iOS with older OS but not the other way round.

If you've completed that troubleshooting and the issue is still not resolved, Contact Support. 

 Click here > Contact - Official Apple Support

or phone numbers  

Click here > Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

and or Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple