Apple Watch stuck in boot loop

A few weeks ago my series 3 watch got stuck in a boot loop after an update failed. For days, I did all the things I could find: hard reset, let it die, place on a charger, clean the buttons, etc. The one thing that brought it back was reattempting a Bluetooth connection. This first step may be unnecessary, but here was my process:

1. Place it on a charger and while on the charger, hold the crown and side button until a red exclamation point and apple support URL pops up (If you see "!" - Apple Support / Follow steps if necessary).
2. Once I performed the step of double clicking the side button, it went back into the loop.
3. Place iPhone that it's paired with next to watch and attempt to connect with Bluetooth while Apple logo is on screen (took me about 3 attempts) and a restore/pairing option will pop up once connected.
4. Choose to restore and leave on charger near phone.

Hope it helps someone else!

having same issue after taking Apple watch 6 to extreme park and soak it heavily in water. It boot loop non stop and none of the tips that i search online work. After 11 Months just try to on it and the problem already solved. LOL

I work at McDonalds making drinks, so I get a lot of sticky syrup on me, turns out it must have got stuck in my watch side key. It was stuck down, after finding this thread I tried washing it with a wash cloth, and warm water. It’s working again.

Thank you so much, I had been trying for hours and couldn´t find anything on the internet that helped. It worked right away.

👍👍

Thank you! It worked! ❤️

Been searching for a solution for days now. This worked! You saved my day :-)

Mine is doing the same thing. Same model. I also am not in the US. This gave me hope.

Its workingggg , i love you brooo

Thank you so much you saved me a lot of time going to an apple store

i was able to format the apple watch without the need of an iBus

Got the same issue.. I should just let it die.. Charge again and let it reboot on it’s own??

What worked for me is turning it on then put on charger right after you turn on try process multiple times. But not before on don’t leave on charger after either

I tried everything, and put it in the freezer as a last resort. It's working again! Thanks!