Apple Watch Series 3 Stuck on "Preparing" iOS 8.7.1

After speaking Apple Support it no possibility to update and pair the watch for next time. The bug is already known, but nobody can say when and if one update will come. Its really more that no OK, that a watch which was sold still this year is not working and Apple don't have solutions ;)

Did I really buy a watch for 3 years?

Hi again. So my watch is now at the Apple Store. They thought it install using old phone with old iOS but after many hours it didn’t work. They are sending it away to the ‘depot’ to attempt to fix. I agreed since it is free and I have no other option. Could take a few days. I’ll post back later with results.

You may need to unpair the watch, which will wipe it clean, create a backup and provide enough space for the update to download.

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Once done, pair it again, which will force the update through and then you can restore your backup.

Hello guys, The people who are connecting apple watch series 3 with IOS 16.1.1 or earlier you will hit with this situation.

am tried everything reset, erase all data but nothing works.

Finally visited store and they said ios 16.1.1 wont connect series 3 watches and it will wont complete update

I had the similar issue. My series 3 was working. Itchy hand went to update it. My watchOS was 6.3.6. And an error asked me to unpair. After unpaired, factory restored and stuck at preparing. Won’t let me to continue pair the Watch first. MUST UPDATE to continue. My Wifi is good and 1.3GB firmware is downloaded to the watch. I kept on repeating the same steps for 3 weeks but failed. So frustrating and I thought this Watch will be unusable and Apple is forcing us to buy new.

Until two days ago, iOS 16.3 was released. I updated it on my phone. Gave a try in the morning, still stuck at preparing. So went out to work. Then tried another time in the evening and left it be. The next thing I checked, I was so happy the “preparing” has started to move.

Successfully installed the updates and paired it.

Hope you guys also lucky to fix it soon.

Hi, I'm also having issues installing 8.7.1 on my apple watch series 3. The watch is now totally useless.

I have iPhone 13 pro. Right now i'm installing iOS 16.1 but as someone above said it didn't help, I'll see in an hour.

Please Apple correct this.

So I installed 16.1 on my phone, as others said, didn't help.

I went to the apple store last night, the person I talked to didn't know anything. I'd have to wait an hour to speak to someone that might. I made apt. to return tomorrow morning. All my googling around doesn't leave me with high hopes. Only bought this watch 2 years ago. I think all Applewatch 3 and below owners are screwed.

Yea, I also tried to use an old phone with iOS 15.7 and it did not work. Had to cancel my Genius Bar appt this weekend because I caught a cold a couple of days ago : ( Hopefully they can fix it for you.

So they sent away my watch, I remember my inlaw also had a series 3 but never used it, I got my hands on it and it also would not update, this time it said it could not connect to the internet. I took it to the apple store and they sent that one away too. They said if its a s/w issue they fix for free, if its h/w they charge, they will consult with me prior to and chargeable work. Should have answer in day or two.

Yes, I’m sure it worked on my watch. in other conversations it was a solution to change region and language and wait 72 hours after the battery 🪫 is empty. I tried both may be it is a part of solution. But the only thing which helped was update to 16.1 and try again

I initially tried to install the watch with iOS 16.1 on a iPhone 13pro but it failed. After multiple attempts, I tried an 8plus with 16.1 but it also failed. Then tried a 5SE and 7plus with 15.7 but they also failed to install watchOS 8.7.1 on my series 3 watch.

i have to try only one last solution - if anyone tried this already please tell me before westing to much time

someone told me to update the iPhone os to Beta 16.2 and watch OS 8.7.1 update will complete and we can connect with it

finger crossed

I was also experiencing this issue with my apple watch series 3 for the past couple of months, however, after updating my phone to iOS 16.1.1 it finally finished the upgrade to WatchOS 8.7.1 and is working fine again.

Exactly same issue. I already reached out to Apple Support who after a few hours directed me to Genius Bar. Even they couldn't determine so suggested sending the watch over to Apple Repair Center. But that's where it got really frustrating for me. If repair center determined there is a HW issue, I HAVE to pay for the replacement of $159. I do not even have the option to decline replacement and instead just buy a new $279 Apple Watch which is a much newer model anyways. Really disappointed by Apple this time. Am otherwise a die hard apple fan

That’s what they told me as well but it’s very unlikely that they will find a hardware issue. They will simply force install the latest WatchOS and send it back to you. My watch has worked well since getting it back from Apple.