Watch series 3 + iPhone 6 iOS 12.4.3 = not working

I have an iPhone 6 with iOS 12.4.3, and just won an apple watch series 3. It is impossible to pair both devices.

First I was asked to update the iOS to the latest version, but my iPhone informs that I am up to date. No new version available.

Somehow I was able to perform a factory reset to the Apple Watch (although never previously used). Things went slightly different. It didn’t show the message to update the iOS, and I thought I would be able to finish. Unfortunately, a few seconds later, a message appears informing that the devices are being unpaired. If I go very fast, I only reach the wearing hand definition, and then unpair.

Any thoughts on how to get this solved?

Apple Watch

Posted on Nov 27, 2019 7:07 PM

Top-ranking reply

Snugglebnny

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Feb 22, 2020 4:51 PM

I had the same problem I had to call Apple support and tell them what was going on they told me to send mine into get repaired and all they did was just downgrade my operating system on my watch and now They paired and they both work fine so all you have to do is sit in your watch and have them downgrade the iOS on the watch so I can be compatible with your iPhone 6 unfortunately on the website it says the iPhone 6 is compatible with their series 3 watch which is true but unfortunately Apple Watch is already been updated to the new route newest version of the iOS Apple Neil watch then I yeah it won’t be compatible but they they did downgrade it for me and now they work fine

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38 replies

Obernar

Level 1

8 points

Dec 25, 2019 2:21 PM in response to Andrehq

My wife was not a fan of watch however I lent my Watch 3 to her to see how she got on with it. After 3 weeks she loved it, so much so I bought her a Watch 5 for Christmas so as I could have mine back. She is very happy and it works fine with her iPhone 5SE. I was pleased to have my watch 3 back, Problem is now it has been upgraded to watch 6 I can no longer us it with my IPhone 6. I’m really disappointed in no longer being able to to use my watch. I’m an advocate of Apple and watch but I don’t think this upgrade has been thought through very well as I can no longer revert the OS to watch 5. Hence watch is useless to me unless on IPhone 6 unless I go and buy another new IPhone. I buy Apple products because of their durability, sustainability and longevity. For me this is a major metric. Sadly on this occasion I’m left feeling somewhat disappointed. Apple, if you’re listening can you please fix this issue ?

Dec 26, 2019 3:34 AM in response to Obernar

Apple f&@$ed my 15 yo daughters Christmas. We have saved to buy her an Apple Watch for Christmas and bought her a series 3. Did research before thanksgiving that is was compatible with her iPhone 6 and everything said yes it was. Low and behold the prized watch is opened and squeals of glee turned to tears of sadness when it DID NOT WORK WITH IPHONE 6. So we had to scrape together money more money to throw at Apple and buy a 7 from gazelle. Profoundly disappointed in Apple in what seemed, IMO, a total consumer f@$k.

Jan 17, 2020 2:28 PM in response to Kir1010

https://www.apple.com/watch/

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 3 require an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or later.

Jan 7, 2020 5:35 AM in response to madeeha70

If you're expecting apple to allow a full factory reset to below watch os6, you'll have more chance of winning the Lottery. Once updated, there's no going back. I'm still really annoyed about this stance. I'm still getting it in the neck from my good lady. She was so looking forward to getting her watch and she can't have one.

till971

Level 1

4 points

Jan 28, 2020 1:03 PM in response to Andrehq

I have the same issue with a series 3 Watch not willing to pair with an iphone 6. It says on the box that the watch is compatible with iphone 5s and newer on IOS 11 and later!

Called the support and they told me to send it in to get the watch downgraded by apple technicians down to watchos 5 (free of charge).

Broke my sons heart when I told him that its going to be 5-6 more working days until he gets to fiddle with his favorite (only) birthday present.

Nov 29, 2019 8:15 AM in response to Chris_d52

Dec 26, 2019 7:45 AM in response to Andrehq

Beginning to feel more and more Orwellian and like I want to disconnect everything electronic. I feel you Chris_d52. Just terrible.

Jun 1, 2020 5:00 PM in response to pani176

No. You must have iPhone 6s or higher.

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Watch series 3 + iPhone 6 iOS 12.4.3 = not working