software update Then unpairs
Trying to pair my watch to my phone but it requires a software update. Once I select to do that it takes forever and then will unpair and I have to start all over again.
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 17
When you reset Apple Watch instead of unpairing it, the watch is still protected by Activation Lock. Before you can pair Apple Watch again, you'll have to enter the Apple ID and password that was used to set it up.
- Put Apple Watch on its charger.
- Press and hold the side button until you see the screen with the power button
in the upper-right corner, then let go of the side button. If your Apple Watch has an earlier version of watchOS, you see the Power Off slider instead of the power button. - Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see the red Reset button.
- Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
- After Apple Watch unpairs completely, you can pair again. Remember that you'll need the Apple ID and password that were used to set up the watch.
Reset Apple Watch if the pairing process stalls
If it seems like the pairing process has stalled — for example, the pairing animation remains on the screen for several minutes — resetting your Apple Watch might help:
- Press and hold the Digital Crown while your Apple Watch is in pairing mode.
- Tap Reset when it appears on your watch.
- After your watch resets, you can pair again.