Installing watchOS 8.8.1 stuck in preparing

I have a series 3 watch and an iPhone 11.

Apple Watch Series 3

Posted on Jul 24, 2023 8:04 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 25, 2023 3:04 AM

Series 3


If you have iOS16 or later on the iphone, series 1 to 3 Watches are difficult to pair because of relatively low storage but…


Ensure the iphone is on iOS16.4 or later.


Erase the Watch completely. Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps. (select the watch OS version) Erase Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 


When pairing do not try to restore the backup, pair as a New Watch Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK)


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 25, 2023 3:04 AM in response to Pieces_on_dryland

Series 3


If you have iOS16 or later on the iphone, series 1 to 3 Watches are difficult to pair because of relatively low storage but…


Ensure the iphone is on iOS16.4 or later.


Erase the Watch completely. Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps. (select the watch OS version) Erase Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 


When pairing do not try to restore the backup, pair as a New Watch Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK)


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Installing watchOS 8.8.1 stuck in preparing

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