User profile for user: Chris5259
Chris5259 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Series 5 Watch bricked during WatchOS 9 update

Hi! I have a Series 5 Apple Watch that didn't survive the update to WatchOS 9.


Immediately following the attempted update, the watch face showed watch and iPhone icons moving back and forth and the iPhone said I need to recover Apple Watch ("there is a problem with this Apple Watch that requires it to be updated or restored"). The recovery process starts OK but always reverts back to the unrecovered state.


I have tried restarting the watch (and iPhone). I have tried resetting the watch by holding the crown button for 10 seconds followed by the side button for 20 seconds, but nothing happens. I have tried removing the watch from the iPhone but can't because the iPhone can't connect to the watch.


After all of this, I noticed that the watch no longer appears as one of my devices in Find My Devices.


Is there anything else I can try to resurrect my Apple Watch?

Apple Watch Series 5, watchOS 8

Posted on Sep 15, 2022 11:24 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: J. Black
J. Black
User level: Level 1
12 points

Posted on Sep 20, 2022 8:06 PM

Hi Chris,


I literally had this same exact issue the day WatchOS 9 came out. I took it to the Apple Store and they sent it out for service. Apple literally gave me a new Apple Watch at no cost, but did not exactly tell me what they think the cause was of bricking my old watch. As I type this message to you my new watch is right here in front of me. I did not have a warranty or AppleCare either. I suggest you get to an Apple Store ASAP and I hope your watch is in good physical condition because they might try to chalk it up to you mishandling it. With any luck, you'll get the same results I did.

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: J. Black
J. Black
User level: Level 1
12 points

Sep 20, 2022 8:06 PM in response to Chris5259

Hi Chris,


I literally had this same exact issue the day WatchOS 9 came out. I took it to the Apple Store and they sent it out for service. Apple literally gave me a new Apple Watch at no cost, but did not exactly tell me what they think the cause was of bricking my old watch. As I type this message to you my new watch is right here in front of me. I did not have a warranty or AppleCare either. I suggest you get to an Apple Store ASAP and I hope your watch is in good physical condition because they might try to chalk it up to you mishandling it. With any luck, you'll get the same results I did.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Series 5 Watch bricked during WatchOS 9 update

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up