Pairing reset Apple Watch without updating to WatchOS 4?

Question

Level 1

91 points

Pairing reset Apple Watch without updating to WatchOS 4?

So, I have a 1st G Apple Watch that I am trying to pair to an iPhone with iOS11. My friend gave me this watch because she didn't use it. In the watch Settings, I reset the watch to erase all of her data and start anew.

In the Apple Watch app on my phone, I went to "Pair New Watch" and the watch and phone found each other just fine. But it said I need to update to the newest WatchOS before I pair. I hit update and it starts the download process but immediately says that it will resume when the Apple Watch is connected to WiFi.

So now I'm stuck trying to download WatchOS4 to an unpaired watch that, itself, is not connected to WiFi (because it was reset was never tethered to my phone through which, I assume, is the only way the watch could connect to WiFi). So this is a Catch-22, unless my assumption that it is not tethered to WiFi through my phone is incorrect. I have a watch that can't connect to WiFi and an update that requires the watch to be connected to WiFi before downloading.

Any help? Is there a way to skip the WatchOS update until after I pair?

Apple Watch, watchOS 2.0.1

Posted on Sep 27, 2017 12:48 AM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Sep 27, 2017 2:05 AM in response to EPMoon312

Hi

Your iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi in order for the software on Apple Watch to be updated during the set up process. It is not possible to pair it without updating the software.

First update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS (start by making a backup):

Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Then pair your Apple Watch by following the remaining steps here:

Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Be sure to keep your Apple Watch on the charger and connected to power throughout the software update process, with the iPhone kept nearby both with Wi-Fi (connected to the Internet) and Bluetooth enabled on it.

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Answer 2

EPMoon312 Author

Level 1

91 points

Sep 27, 2017 6:17 PM in response to EPMoon312

Thanks for the speedy reply but it doesn't really address the Catch-22 or stuck loop I mentioned.

iOS 11 is installed on iPhone, as mentioned.

When the watch is powered up it goes into set-up mode, i.e., language selection>pairing process (with the options for manual or automatic pairing). They find each other.

Then, on the Apple Watch app on my phone, it says the Watch needs to be updated to the latest WatchOS before pairing. But the latest WatchOS can't be downloaded to the watch because the watch is not on WiFi because it is not paired to my phone.

Watch not paired nor on WiFi, so no way to download new WatchOS to the watch.

Unable to pair until new WatchOS is installed on the watch which is not on WiFi.

Therein is the rub.

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Answer 3

Oct 13, 2017 4:28 PM in response to EPMoon312

I'm not sure anyone is paying attention to your detail, but I am. I have the same problem. A watch stuck in first boot, no ability to connect it to wifi (no menu available), and the phone won't pair without an update.

Did you figure your issue out?

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Answer 4

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Sep 27, 2017 6:20 PM in response to EPMoon312

The latest version of iOS is currently iOS 11.0.1, not iOS 11.

Also check that your iPhone is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, not Mi-Fi.

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Answer 5

Nov 30, 2017 3:36 PM in response to MWCBoston

I have similar problem but the pairing gets interrupted saying my iPhone ios is not up to date -but it is! I restart everything and only get message that I have to update iOS! frustrating!

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