User profile for user: angies91
angies91 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Apple watch series 2 won't charge without OS update, won't update OS without charging

I'm really stumped. I just bought an Apple watch via eBay, and I tried to charge it when it arrived. It didn't come with a charger, so I'm using a new one I purchased for it. But I keep getting an error message, "To use this accessory, upgrade watchOS via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone."


When I try to pair and update, the process fails because the charge on the watch is too low and the watch dies during. It does charge before it reboots (about 5 minutes), but after it reboots itself, it refuses to recognize the charger anymore.


I've tried all the suggestions I could find:

  • Clean the watch back and charger
  • Be sure there's no plastic on the charger
  • Plug the charger into a different outlet, a different port
  • Full restart of the watch


To no avail. Last night, on advice from Apple chat support, I let the process go all night thinking maybe the charge would eventually eke ahead of the update process, but this morning it was still in the vicious cycle. Apple support suggested trying another charger which I will try when the new one arrives.


Has anyone else encountered this and if so did you beat the cycle? I'd love to avoid sending it in if I can, but things aren't looking optimistic on that front.

Apple Watch Series 2, null

Posted on Jul 21, 2017 9:22 AM

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3 replies
User profile for user: Jonathan UK
Jonathan UK
User level: Level 10
164,015 points

Jul 21, 2017 10:35 AM in response to angies91

Hi


When pairing your Apple Watch, it may be necessary to update the software as part of the set up process (if so, this will take place automatically during set up). When updating watchOS, your Apple Watch should have at least a 50% charge level and be placed on the charger, connected to power, so I suggest that you charge your Apple Watch to at least 60% before starting the pairing process.


If your Apple Watch will not charge, then it may require battery service and/or your power accessories may be defective. Before contacting Apple to arrange for your products to be checked, it may help to try charging your Apple Watch again for at least 2 hours. When doing so, in addition to the steps that you have already tried (including cleaning your products and checking for plastic wrap), check that:


  • You are using a genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or Dock or an MFi-certified third-party accessory:

    If possible, test by using another genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable (for example, by borrowing one from a friend).

  • The charging head is properly aligned with the back of the watch, with the concave / curved side touching it fully:
    • Some docks, stands, cases or protectors might hinder this.
    • If you are using any such accessories, try instead charging the Apple Watch by connecting it directly to the charging cable, without using them.
  • If you are charging your watch by plugging the cable into mains power:
    • Check that the USB connector on the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable is pushed fully into the USB Power Adapter.
    • Check that the USB Power Adapter is pushed fully into the power outlet.
    • If you have (or can borrow) an Apple iPad USB Power Adapter, first try charging your Apple Watch using that (in conjunction with the Magnetic Charging Cable).
    • Otherwise, try using different adapters from the following:
      • The Apple USB Power Adapter, if any, that was supplied with the Apple Watch.
      • An Apple 5W (iPhone) USB Power Adapter.
      • An Apple-certified (MFi) third-party 5W USB power adapter.
    • Try using a different power outlet (one that is known to be working properly).
  • If no other suitable power adapters are available, test by charging via a USB port.

    If charging via a USB port on a computer, ensure that you use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, the computer remains turned on and awake and the cable is plugged directly into the computer (not into, for example, an external keyboard).


If you identify an issue with a particular component (adapter, cable or Apple Watch) or if the issue otherwise persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support again (mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider with a view to having your product(s) checked and, if recommended, serviced:



More information:

Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If your Apple Watch won't charge or it won't turn on - Apple Support

Charge your Apple Watch using the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock - Apple Support

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User profile for user: angies91
angies91 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Jul 21, 2017 11:18 AM in response to Jonathan UK

In my case it was demanding an update to complete the pair, refusing to use the genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable until the update was made, and did not have enough charge to complete the update.


I previously tried all the suggestions listed, with the exception of using a different charger because I didn't have one available.


Fingers crossed, but the watch seems happy with the MFi-certified third-party accessory I just received. When I plugged it in, I didn't get the alert that the update needs to occur before it can use the accessory, and the pairing/update process is now past the point where the watch previously rebooted itself when it ran out of charge.

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Apple watch series 2 won't charge without OS update, won't update OS without charging

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