Can’t update to WatchOS 7.4

The sequence that fixed it for me after 2 unsuccessful 7.4 updates on my S3 without the restart:

• reset watch using watch app -> general -> reset -> Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings
• pair watch vanilla, don't install configure anything
• restart watch
• run 7.4 update

After unpairing my Series 3 Watch 2 times and setting it up as a new watch I still was not able to upgrade it. I had already restored the watch to a prior backup when I read the comments in this thread that mentioned power cycling the watch after the unpair / pair process. I decided to just power cycle my watch and try again even though I had restored it to a previous backup. After the watch powered back on I was finally able to get the software update to take even though the watch was restored to a previous backup.

Of course I don't keep any photos or music on my watch and there were not any apps installed either so depending on what your backup has you may not be able to restore it to a previous backup and get it to work. But it does seem like you need to power cycle the watch after the unpair / pair process before it will have enough storage to update.

Rebooting the watch immediately after unpairing and reinstalling as a new watch (running 7.3.3) meant it finally successfully updated to 7.4.1. Thanks to whoever figured out the restart at that point made all the difference!

The suggestion from today at 10:29 am worked for me, I wasn’t exactly sure what was meant by pair watch vanilla, the only thing I configured was my passcode…I downloaded the update again, it took forever for it to be prepared and verified, but when I restarted the watch and did install software, I left my watch on the charger and had the phone right next to it and the next time I checked on it, it had updated to 7.4..MANY THANKS TO ALL..

I did the same (unpair and set up as new watch) and had a similar issue where the installer states that 3GB are required.

The bypass is the following: after doing the above (unpair and install as new), attempt to install 7.4 without WiFI connection or a watch charger. Doing so will cause the installer to indicate that installation cannot proceed until you connect the watch to a charger and WiFi; then afterwards, connect to WiFi and Charger and the installer will go thru without prompting for 3 GB requirement. The Watch iOS took extra long to install but this did the trick.

Try deleting all music, podcasts, and photos off the Apple Watch.

I got mine to install finally. Have you rebooted your watch? That seemed to work for me.

That was after unpairing the watch, starting as a new watch.

I was surprised it actually worked. Good luck.

But I'm fed up with unpairing it every update.

I think Series 3 might be on it's last legs, we all may have to upgrade soon.

That’s great! At which point did you power cycle exactly?

I asked Apple to update their guidance here, I suggest you do the same. The more voices out there the better.

If you don’t have enough space to update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

• Hit Helpful=No and then comment that the provided steps do not clear enough storage on S3 for the 7.4 update.
• Thanks!

Restart your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off, then drag the slider. To turn your watch on again, press and hold the side button.

Restart your paired iPhone. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears, then drag the slider. To turn your iPhone on again, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.

Some people have reported that they were able to clear about .5 gigs by simply turning the watch off and then on. Would that help to get over the critical limit?

Trying restoring the Apple watch then updating at setup.

Yes, here i have 2,7GB free space, the upadte requires 3,0GB.

Did 2 times unpair and repaired, but still not enough space.

I’ve tried everything to update my apple series 3 watch and just like most everyone else nothing works including the unpairing and installing as new, and frankly I’m very disappointed with apple, so my question to you is what will happen if I don’t do any more updates on my watch and let it stay as is?

The solution for me is I'm simply not bothering with the update.

Absolutely ridiculous that even having literally nothing on the watch it still won't allow you to do the update.|

Unpairing it means I lose all my Apple wallet stuff as well & I really can't be bothered re-adding it all for an update.

You are absolutely right I say screw the update I’m also not going through the trouble of unpairing it and I’ve already deleted just about everything and it still want update, because you really can risk a lot by unpairing it..