update software on apple watch 8

Hello mikeswindsor,

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

If you're having trouble updating your Apple Watch, could you first follow these steps to ensure that your paired iPhone is fully up to date?

1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.

5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

You can find those steps and additional ways to update here: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If your iPhone is up to date, please try restarting both the iPhone and Apple Watch. Don't power either of them back on until they are both powered off.

This can help with powering off the iPhone: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support

This can help with restarting your Apple Watch: Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Once you've done that, try updating again. If you see the same error, please follow these steps to check if the update has already downloaded:

1. Open the Apple Watch App

2. Go to General > Storage

3. If you see the update, delete the update

After deleting it, please connect your Apple Watch to the charger and try updating once more.

These steps will help narrow down what's happening and how to resolve this.

Cheers!