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 fix it before you get to the end of the list so continue til it is fixed or you need Apple Store help!
First press crown briefly to see apps, then tap settings, Battery, Battery health to check max capacity is at least 80%. If not have the Watch serviced.
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
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
Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support
If no remedy, unpair again and setup without restoring the backup (as new watch) You will lose little except saved Faces and some settings like alarms . This is alsoa 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 cheap or free VPN or VPN based adblockers or security apps on the iphone. (Check Settings, General, VPN & Device Management for profiles)
Uninstall VPN, turning it off may not be good enough
Software Versions. You can use a newer iOS with older watch OS but not the other way round, and I mean the number before the dot, 10,18,26, so:
Any version of iOS26 will pair with any version of Watch OS26, OS10 etc.
No version of iOS18 will pair with any version of Watch OS26
If you own an older iPhone like iPhone 8 or XS then you cannot buy a new watch, it will not pair.
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
