Apple Watch Stuck in "Preparing" during watchOS 9.6 update

i’m Having the same problem with watchOS 10.4 I already tried to delete the file and download it again like 3 times and it keeps getting stuck on the exact same spot on the status bar of “preparing” any help? Thank you 🥺

Same. Tried everything in this thread over two days and talked with tech support. Also, while stuck in "preparing," my watch will only charge to 63% and then drain quickly while I'm wearing it. Deleting the 10.4 update lets my watch work normally running 10.3.1, which I will use until Apple fixes this glitch in 10.4.1.

My apple watch series 9 is not updating to watchos 10.4. Battery is draining very fast and to avoid this i tried to update to 10.4. But it’s very annoying since i tried several ways by unpairing - repairing etc. But failed to update. Cannot use watch since battery is draining within 3 hours

Where is this option to delete this update because I don't see it on my phone. I'm also stuck on 10.4 watch update.

The only option suggest is download and install but it is at the point that it gets stuck on preparing.

My iWatch is stuck on preparing the update! Now what??

THANK YOU! Not much worse than incorrect "help". Any way to get that post deleted?

I see NO update file whatsoever in General>Storage. And yet I still cannot update the ****** watch.

NONE of the suggestions provided by the Apple Support: were helpful; made ANY difference; DIDN'T work!!

I’ve got the same problem with WatchOS 10.4 it keeps preparing. This is happening from this morning at 6:00 am. Any help ? Thanks 🙏🏻

Still doesn't work after so many tries.

Thank you so much. Worked for me

You are welcome.

Thank you! It worked!!!

Today is March 26, 2024. Update 10.4 is stuck on preparing….

Finally updated successfully thanks.