Can not enable bluetooth / Can not "erase all content"

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sabinilie Author

Level 1

8 points

Can not enable bluetooth / Can not "erase all content"

Dear Apple community,

I come with a strange problem for which I was not able to find a resolution.

After 2 years of usage, my apple watch series 3 shows the red phone icon and doesn't connect to the phone any more.

Trying to check Bluetooth (settings - Bluetooth) it is inactive (don't know why, I didn't switch it off). Trying to move the "gray" switch to on - doesn't work (it moves a little and it comes back to "inactive" / off).
OK - let's see it if sync via WiFi (I was home, at my WiFi for one year at least, no change in it) - same behavior. It is inactive. I try to enable it - no success.
I tried a reset (Settings - General - Reset - "Erase all content and Settings") - doesn't work. I enter the password (I know it and it with accepted) -> it requires confirmation ("All media, data ... will be lost" Cancel or Erase all). After I confirm, it returns to the the "Settings" - the same like I would "click" cancel.
I tried a reset without knowing the password. Charger -> Locked watch, asking for password -> Long press power button until "power off" -> long press digital crown -> "Erase all content" -> 2x confirm. The watch turns black and the "wait" circle appears. After 1-2 minutes, it boots up with ALL data still there (same passcode, same apps, same layout, same music etc).
Trying to erase the home screen (Settings - General - Reset - "Reset Home screen layout" ) - same behavior - after "reset home screen" nothing happens. Not that Ii needed it, but as a test.
Tried to unpair the watch from the iPhone - success. It is deleted from the iPhone. But, as expected, being disconnected, the watch remains in the same status.
Tried to erase watch using iCloud / Find my iPhone -> "remove device" -> is in remove pending state. Didn't want to enable lost mode as I don't have it lost.

All happened after a shower (or at least I recognized it) and not even after a recharge or a restart.

Using apple watch "stand alone", without being connected to the phone - works. I pay with my credit cards from the wallet, I record workouts etc. But, it doesn't sync with the phone in any way NOR it resets so I can pair it again.

One more difference since then: battery usage time reduced from almost 2 days to 7-8h, but, I think this is an effect not a cause. It just active "search" for iPhone.

iOS version 14.2 on iPhone 8. (updated to 14.3 in the mean-time, as a test. No change).

iWatch 7.0.3 (18R410) on Model A1859 (series 3).

Any further ideas?

Many thanks,

Sabin Ilie.

Apple Watch Series 3, watchOS 7

Posted on Dec 15, 2020 6:17 AM

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Answer 1

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

Dec 18, 2020 10:57 AM in response to sabinilie

Hello Sabin,

Thanks for being apart of Apple Support Communities. It sounds like your Apple Watch Series 3 isn't pairing to your iPhone 8. We've got your back!

First, we'd check the time and date on both devices. Make sure they are correct, according to your location: On your iPhone go to Settings > General > Time & Date. If you can see the Watch app on your iPhone, check this in General > Time & Date to confirm.

If you've tried restoring the backup for the Apple Watch, try setting it up as new without the backup to test it out.

Ensure you're not using a VPN on the iPhone 8. If you are, try to remove the app or settings and test setting up your Apple Watch again.

Lastly, try to Reset Network Settings on your iPhone in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: This removes all saved network passwords (including VPNs). When you want to join the networks, it will prompt you to re-enter the passwords again to save them.

Should it persist, then you'd want to get the Apple Watch in for an inspection. This can help to Get your Apple Watch ready for service and you can use this link to search for a nearby service center: Find Locations

Hope this helps out, cheers!

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Answer 2

sabinilie Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 22, 2020 7:22 AM in response to Brian_P7

Hi Brian,

Thanks for checking.

I checked at that moment and time is sync between phone and watch.

No, I don't have a VPN on my iPhone.

In the end, after 2 days of staying in the charger, I found the watch reset, displaying the language / location selection.

Pairing doesn't work - automatic (with scan of the 3d rotating object) the message is "make sure it is not connect to another iPhone" and with manual I don't see the watch name in the list of devices. I tried with my iPhone 8 plus other 2 (for testing reason). Therefore, I concluded Bluetooth module is not working on the watch. I assume that repairing it would cost more than the whole watch.

As it is quite old and because I don't have a Christmas present, I decided to go with a brand new series 6 watch :).

Therefore, thanks a lot for your support.

Kind regards,

Sabin Ilie

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Can not enable bluetooth / Can not "erase all content"

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