Why is my Apple Watch not updating with my new iPhone 16 Pro?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Why is my Apple Watch not updating with my new iPhone 16 Pro?

I have apple watch series 7. it is set to update automatically. I just got a new iphone 16 pro. When I go to the watch app on my new phone, I have a red notification "Update Required". I have clicked on that notification several times and it says it is checking for updates. After a few minutes I get a notification "Unable to check for update" saying it failed because I am not connected to the internet. (I am). I have tried turning the watch and the phone off and on again, and the problem persists. Meanwhile I am not able to access any of my watch info on the phone. Ideas??

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 12:52 PM

Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

67,417 points

Feb 26, 2025 3:37 PM in response to tahopp

Try updating the watch from the watch.

On the watch, go to Settings>General>Software Update.

M1 Mac mini, macOS 15.3.1;  Watch, series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 11.3.1; iPhone 16, iOS 18.3.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 18.3; HomePods, audioOS 18.3 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

Answer 2

Feb 27, 2025 3:52 AM in response to tahopp

Did you follow the steps in this article to restore your new iPhone from the backup of the old device, before pairing the watch to the new iPhone?

How to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone - Apple Support

Answer 3

Feb 27, 2025 12:20 PM in response to tahopp

Did you try to disable Automatic Updates on the watch, then check for updates again?

Also have a look at the troubleshooting mentioned at the end of this related article:

Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Answer 4

tahopp Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 27, 2025 9:23 AM in response to Dah•veed

I have automatic updates turned on on the watch. I haven't really looked at it in the past, but now when I go to Settings>general> software update, the "checking for updates" dial is continually spinning. ??

Answer 5

tahopp Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 27, 2025 9:26 AM in response to Ingo2711

I did do all of this. My old phone is out of storage, so I have not been able to update to the newest verision of iOS on that phone. My watch is no longer paired with that old phone. My watch shows up on my new phone, but just the name with the notification that an undate is required right under that.

Answer 6

Feb 27, 2025 4:51 AM in response to tahopp

If it’s a series 3 it cannot connect to devices newer than the 14.

Why is my Apple Watch not updating with my new iPhone 16 Pro?

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