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My download of Apple watchOS 10.4 STOPPED during "preparing" and won't advance.

Download of apple watch 10.4 STOPPED during Preparing and won't advance. It is STUCK. What can I do? Can I cancel and start over?

iPhone has latest software. Watch is a Series 10XR



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


Apple Watch Series 5

Posted on Mar 7, 2024 3:58 PM

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Posted on Mar 9, 2024 10:39 AM

Having the same problem described above except my phone is an Apple 13 ProMax. Stops during "preparing" about 60% Have updated before with NO problem. How do I complete the download to install IOS 10.4 on my Apple watch? Please advise

148 replies

Apr 13, 2024 4:29 AM in response to tomac14

I had the same issue but was able to solve. I launched the update from my iPhone 13 Pro and then the process would get stuck at the “Preparing” step. Time didn’t play a role — I had this running several times and then also over night for 7 or 8 hours and the progress bar didn’t move. I have an Ultra 2.


I solved it by removing the downloaded update (under Storage in the Watch app) and then launch the update directly from the watch. I didn’t watch the process but came back after an hour or so and by then it was complete.


Maybe I was just lucky but that worked for me.

Apr 2, 2024 7:01 AM in response to tomac14

Just a little rewording...


If you have dowloaded the software update OS 10.4, but did not install it, below is how to delete it.

  1. Open the watch App on your iPhone.
  2. Then tap on General.
  3. Then scroll down to the word STORAGE and tap on it.
  4. If you find the download Watch OS 10.4, Delete it. Do NOT delete the current OS.
  5. Restart the iPhone and the watch. Then start the download again through your watch app on your phone.


The download is fairly quick, but the "Preparing" is very, very long. Don't watch it.

Just leave the watch and iPhone for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Then come back and it should be done.

If no display on the watch, just touch the screen.

Hope this helps


I did this the first time, but to no avail. I waited all night long and a full work day. But I did retry again the next day and it worked in less than 30 minutes from start to complete.

My download of Apple watchOS 10.4 STOPPED during "preparing" and won't advance.

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