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Watch OS 8.7 not updating

As the title suggests, my S7 watch isn’t updating to OS 8.7. Phone (12) is updated, 50% plus battery etc etc - all the basics I’ve done but still no dice. See screen shot - it doesn’t shift from this for ages then just says it’s failed. Same when tried direct from the watch. Anyone else experiencing this?


Posted on Aug 1, 2022 10:52 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 10:56 AM

Have you tried updating from the watch itself?


If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or later, you can install subsequent updates without your iPhone:

  1. Make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. On your watch, open the Settings app.
  3. Tap General > Software Update.
  4. Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Leave your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes, and don't restart your Apple Watch. When the update completes, your Apple Watch restarts on its own.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 1, 2022 10:56 AM in response to mcdeed

Have you tried updating from the watch itself?


If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or later, you can install subsequent updates without your iPhone:

  1. Make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. On your watch, open the Settings app.
  3. Tap General > Software Update.
  4. Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Leave your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes, and don't restart your Apple Watch. When the update completes, your Apple Watch restarts on its own.

Sep 14, 2022 3:35 PM in response to mcdeed

Yes this has been very frustrating. Not only does the update not work, but some apps like navigation don't work anymore. Also, my iphoneX tells me every 10-20 seconds that I need to update my watch, lol.


I'd love to try updating straight from watch, but I tried resetting the watch and now I can't even use it until I "finish setting up from my iphone" which doesn't work. Might just be time for a new phone and smart watch. Perhaps something that is compatible with my PC anyway...

Watch OS 8.7 not updating

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