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Watch OS8 will not install

How to fix the error “an error occurred installing the latest version of watchOS on your Apple Watch.”


The watch is on its charger, at 100% battery, and near my phone (updated to the latest software.

Posted on Sep 26, 2021 6:18 AM

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5 replies

Oct 6, 2021 7:30 PM in response to GOD0513

I have a series 4 Apple watch running OS version 7.6.2. My iPhone 11 is running OS version 15.0.1. The watch battery was fully charged and was on the charger when I tried these options. On every occasion (and after roughly 30 mins) the result is the same - "Software Update Failed An error occurred downloading the latest version of watchOS on your Apple Watch." The iPhone was sitting next to the Watch, both were connected to wifi and close to the router.

I have tried unsuccessfully to install OS8 as follows:

  1. Update from Watch app.
  2. Remove virtually all installed apps from the watch and update from Watch app. (My watch has 9.3 GB available.)
  3. Power off the watch and the iPhone and then power up and install from Watch app.
  4. Power off the watch and the iPhone and then power up and install directly from the Watch.
  5. Restore the watch from backup and install from the Watch app.
  6. Setup Watch as new and then update from the Watch app.


Suggestions please. Thanks.


Sep 26, 2021 6:19 AM in response to GOD0513

What model of phone is it and what version of ios is it running?

What model of watch is it and what version of WatchOS is it running?.

What troubleshooting steps have you tried?.

What errror messages are you receiving?.

Watch OS8 will not install

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