Apple watch stuck on update while pairing

Update:

I was wrong about running iOS 10.3 on the iPhone - I was still running 10.2.1. Updating to 10.3 resolved the issue - the Activation successfully verified that the Watch needs to be updated to the WatchOS 3.1 and is doing so now. 🙂

I also hard-rebooted the watch prior to trying another Pairing (holding both the Digital Crown and Side Button). I don't know if this also helped.

Hello,

I have the same problem too. The steps mentioned here don't resolve it.

Specifically, the problem occurs with the first pairing of a (new) Apple Watch on a (new) iPhone, so there aren't any options to delete update files, beta files, profiles, etc.

So:

- the first part of the pairing (bluetooth) is successful,

- the Activation process starts,

- then the Apple Watch App on the iPhone demands software update,

- the software update app tells me the current software version is up-to-date at version 2.2.1, no update is starting,

- the Watch is stuck in Activation mode, and,

- the only option in the App on the Phone at that point is to Cancel the update, which terminates the Activation process.

The watch (series 1) has been sold to me as (officially/certified) pre-owned and I'm running iOS 10.3 on the iPhone. The watch was bought off German eBay from an authorized seller and I'm running it on a Slovenian iPhone.

Please someone help.

Thanks!

Hi

The latest software version for Apple Watch is currently watchOS 3.2.

The following steps may help (try again after each):

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > General > Usage > Software Update - delete any update file, if one is shown.

Delete any beta profiles that may be installed for your iPhone and/or Apple Watch and then restart both devices after doing so.

Restart both your iPhone and your Apple Watch (normally):

• Close the Watch app on your iPhone:
  • Double-click the Home button, then swipe up on the Watch app preview to close it.
• Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first;
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch (which updates watchOS as part of the process):

• The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch when unpairing via the app. Choose to Restore from Backup when offered the option during set up. Most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions (eg Apple Pay cards, passcode).
• Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support
• Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

More information:

Update the software on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Hi everyone,

thanks for your support. I have the same issue on one of my two series 1 watches.

FYI: I both 2 watches both series 1, one is 42 and the other is 38.

The 42 one could be paired normal. Nothing wrong here..

The 38 one is stuck with "current software version is up-to-date at version 2.2.2.

Exactly like Blazheny described it earlier.

I have an iPhone 5 and I also tried another iPhone 5. I also unpaired the working 42 and deleted everything...

Sill the same. And both are running on the latest available version (10.3.3)

Any suggestions?

Not sure if this will work for everyone, but I was stuck on the “your watch is up to date screen”

Since this was the first time pairing, I didn’t have any settings to delete.

I deleted the Watch App from my iPhone 6 iOS 11 and reinstalled it from the App Store. Instantly after that when I attempted to pair again it prompted to update to the newest Watch OS

Hope that works!

Fantastic.. I had EXACTLY the same issue @Blazheny.. I didn't even know how to return the watch to the seller.. But once I saw your post and realized I was also running iOS 10.2.1, the rest was history! Updated my iPhone and attempted pairing again to update the watch OS, My Apple Watch is now kicking and screaming! I just love having notifications on my wrist!

Thank you.

Hello, I have the same problem too. I have tried updated my IOS software from 1.3.2 to 1.3.3 and reinstalling my watch app, but it still doesn't work. When I try to pair my apple watch, it goes to the Software Update tab, saying that my software is up to date (watchOS 2.1). Does anyone have a solution to this? Please help!

Hello again,

thx for the information Karren, but i have an iPhone 5 and no support for iOS 11.

I also tried to uninstall Watch App but it didn't helped either...

So I've called the Apple Support in Germany... They have to send this case to the engineers...

I let you know asap. I'm looking forward...

cheers enzo

The following step is not available prior to setting up a new watch. Is there a way to access these files and delete them without using the App?

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > General > Usage > Software Update - delete any update file, if one is shown.

Hello to everyone,

after a long time and not getting support from Apple. No answer on my "status update" and when I called a girl told me that this case-number doesn't exists anymore? So they save every information they can get, but the lost my case and "this can happen"... No it can't!

Anyway, I've update our phones to an 6s and to sync. the 5 with the 6s I had to downgrade it first to 10.3.3. As soon as this was done, I directly tried to pair the watch again... --> same error.

So I updated the phones to the latest iOS (11.1) and tried it again. Solved !!!

The only reason for this behavior in my opinion is that the watch was already updated to a version that isn't supported with iOS 10.3.3. So if you don't like to update your phone to a iOS 11 supported phone you need do downgrade the watch. A brief look into the Internet told me, that only Apple can downgrade it.

Dear Apple, feel free to send me a job invitation ;).

cheers enzo

Same problem here:

it says watchOS 2.2.2 Your software is up to date and all i can do is Cancel. Watch is stuck in activation screen.

Phone is running on iOS 10.3.3 so none of the mentioned stuff worked. Any other suggestions?

Ever get a response? I have the Apple watch 1, 42mm, iPhone 5, and can't get past the "watchOS 2.0 Your Software is up to date" screen and the Apple watch just sits on the 7000 series message with the Apple in the middle. Just awful! Thanks for any help.

I wanna ask you if your apple watch is updated now and already connected in your iPhone.because that's happened to me too..i really dont know what to do..i wanna know if yours is fine and how its works..im bad at english i hope you understand what i mean.sorry..

Are your apple watch and your iphone already resolved..?because mine doesnt work..i was running 10.3.3 and Im still thinking if i have to updated it into ios 11 ..please help me..

Thank you..Im not good at english,i hope you understand..

Only have the iPhone 5, which only goes to 10.3.3. Sad if Apple made it that way that you HAVE to update the watch, but CAN'T unless you have the new phone. But, that absolutely sounds like something they would do!