Error downloading latest OS to Apple Watch

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Error downloading latest OS to Apple Watch

I know this question has been asked in the past, but I would like to check if there is some solution I have failed to follow.

I am getting repeated download messages when trying to download 8.4.2. WatchOS. (I thought I had set the OS to upgrade automatically but I see I am still on version 8.3.). Each time I have ensured I have enough battery, that both phone and watch are on chargers next to each other and on the same wifi. My phone is an iPhone 13 Pro Max running 15.2.1.

I have tried:

turning the wifi and bluetooth on and off
force restarting both phone and watch
checking if there was an update file to delete in iPhone Settings>iPhone Storage>watchOS. (Nothing there)

Can you think of anything else I should be doing?

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 8

Posted on Feb 14, 2022 9:05 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,618 points

Feb 15, 2022 8:12 AM in response to Francesrallen

What happens if you tap on Software Update in the Watch app on the iPhone? It should attempt to check for an update and should realize the Watch is updated if it is correctly paired to your iPhone. You can try restarting both devices, iPhone and Watch and see if that clears it up.

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Answer 2

Feb 14, 2022 9:14 AM in response to Francesrallen

Try to update from the watch itself.

Place the watch on the charger.

Make sure that your watch is connected to wifi.

On your watch, open the Settings app.

Tap General > Software Update.

Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.

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Answer 3

Feb 15, 2022 7:59 AM in response to Community User

Thank you. That was a good idea. My watch is now on 8.4.2.

However, my phone (Watch>Genersal>Software Update) still has a red 1 beside it and under General>Version it says 8.3.

I wonder how I can get the phone and watch to be in agreement. (I have restarted the phone, but no change.)

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Answer 4

Feb 16, 2022 12:27 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

I had been trying software update in the watch app on the iPhone interminably. It would simply hang on 'downloading' and after an hour or two I abandoned the effort and took my two devices off their chargers. I had also restarted both devices several times.

Then, mysteriously, last night the iPhone app got beyond "downloading" and actually downloaded (or re-downloaded) os 8.4.2. Goodness knows how this all happened, but the two devices are now in agreement and I'm crossing my fingers this was a mysterious glitch.

Thank you fieryjack and Christj4203 for prompt and helpful suggestions. This is what makes apple discussions such a welcome resource for users far from any nearby support.

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Answer 5

Feb 17, 2022 1:20 AM in response to Francesrallen

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Answer 6

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,618 points

Feb 16, 2022 4:50 PM in response to Francesrallen

Glad you seem to have it straightened all out. Come back if you have any problems.

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Error downloading latest OS to Apple Watch

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