18 Solutions to Fix Apple Watch Update Problems

If you're experiencing issues with updating your Apple Watch, such as error messages like “Unable to verify update” or being stuck in an “Unable to check for update” loop, don't worry. We've got you covered with various solutions to fix these problems.

1. Restart Devices

Start by restarting all the devices involved – your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Wi-Fi modem. After restarting, try updating your watch again.

2. Charge Your Watch

Before updating or checking for an update, ensure that your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50%. Keeping it on the charger during the update process is also recommended.

3. Update Phone Software

Make sure your iPhone has the latest version of iOS installed. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.

4. Try Updating from Watch

If you're encountering an “Unable to check for update” or “Unable to verify update” error on your Apple Watch, try initiating the update directly from the watch itself. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your Apple Watch.

5. Change Wi-Fi

Ensure that your iPhone is connected to a working Wi-Fi network. You can try switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi modes or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if available.

6. Turn off Bluetooth, Data, VPN, or Hotspot on iPhone

Disable Bluetooth on your iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth. Additionally, turn off mobile data, VPN, and hotspot in your iPhone's settings to force it to stay on Wi-Fi.

7. Pair Manually

If your Apple Watch is not updating on the pairing screen, try manually pairing it instead of using the phone camera to scan the watch face.

8. Check Low Mode

Enable Low Power Mode on your iPhone by going to Settings > Battery and turning on the toggle next to Low Power Mode. This has surprisingly fixed update problems for some users.

9. Unlock Your Watch and Remove Passcode

Ensure that your watch is unlocked while attempting to check for an update. Remove the passcode from your Apple Watch before starting the update process.

10. Check Apple Watch Storage

Make sure your Apple Watch has sufficient free space. If the storage is full, delete apps, music, or photos from your Apple Watch.

11. Reinstall Watch App

Uninstall the Apple Watch app on your iPhone by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Remove App > Delete App. Then, reinstall the app from the App Store.

12. Change Country

If your Apple Watch is stuck on the “Unable to check for update” screen during the pairing process, change the country of your watch to Afghanistan temporarily. This solution has worked for some users.

13. Try Updating Using Another iPhone

Pair your Apple Watch to another iPhone and try updating it. Once updated, pair it back to your original iPhone.

14. Remove Apple Watch Backups from Your Phone

Remove the Apple Watch backup from your iPhone by going to iPhone Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Watch and tapping on Remove all backups.

15. Unpair Apple Watch

If all else fails, unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone by opening the Watch app, selecting All Watches, tapping the (i) icon next to your watch, and choosing Unpair Apple Watch. Then, pair it again.

16. Format Watch

Format your Apple Watch by turning it off, then turning it on and holding the Side button until you see the Erase content message. Format the watch and then pair it again to your iPhone.

17. Remove Apple Watch from Apple Account

Remove your Apple Watch from your Apple ID by signing in to appleid.apple.com, clicking on Devices, selecting your Apple Watch, and clicking on Remove from Account.

18. Reset Network Settings on iPhone

Try resetting network settings on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or reset > Reset > Reset network settings. This will restore all network settings to their default values.

Bonus: Try Three Times

If you're still unable to update your Apple Watch, try all the methods mentioned above three times. Some fixes have been reported to work after the third attempt.

Once you've resolved your Apple Watch update problems, take the time to customize your watch with complications and learn how to switch between analog and digital time on your Apple Watch.