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apple watch series 3 will not update or pair to my iphone

I unpaired my watch and reset to factory and now it will not pair with my iphone XR. I cannot get to the settings on my watch.

Apple Watch Series 3, watchOS 6

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 6:40 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 28, 2020 12:22 PM

Hello, jd031195.


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! We're happy to help troubleshoot the pairing issues you're experiencing.


Do you get an error message when you try to pair your Apple Watch?


Are you able to make it to step 4 in this support article? Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If so, are you able to set up the Apple Watch as new, instead of restoring from a backup?


Is your iOS up to date on your iPhone? Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


We look forward to hearing back from you. Take care!

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 28, 2020 12:22 PM in response to jd031195

Hello, jd031195.


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! We're happy to help troubleshoot the pairing issues you're experiencing.


Do you get an error message when you try to pair your Apple Watch?


Are you able to make it to step 4 in this support article? Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If so, are you able to set up the Apple Watch as new, instead of restoring from a backup?


Is your iOS up to date on your iPhone? Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


We look forward to hearing back from you. Take care!

Sep 28, 2020 12:32 PM in response to chris_g1

Hello chris_g1,


I'm going to jump in here since I'm having the exact issue OP is having.

My phone forced to reset my watch when the update failed.

the watch ( a series 3 ) is now factory reset

Now I can't pair the watch and the phone as the phone stays stuck in the " Downloading to watch" phase for hours.....

My watch is stuck on the " 42mm aluminum case" ring and doesn't allow me to go to the settings or anything past that screen.


In you suggestions to OP you asked:


Do you get an error message when you try to pair your Apple Watch? No I didn't


Are you able to make it to step 4 in this support article? Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support No, it asks me to set it up for myself or a family member. I select myself and the download starts. It never gives me the option to restore it from a back up.


If so, are you able to set up the Apple Watch as new, instead of restoring from a backup? only new


Is your iOS up to date on your iPhone? Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support I am on 14.0.1



Any help would be appreciated.


Thank you,





apple watch series 3 will not update or pair to my iphone

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