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sahilshingote
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch software update stuck when pairing to new iPhone 17 Pro

I recently purchased iPhone 17 pro and traded my 15 pro for it. My Apple Watch was still paired to the previous one. So I erased the previous pairing and tried to re-pair and the watch said it would require a software update to setup. Now after the software update is done downloading the process is just stuck on installing for the last 2-3 hours.

Posted on Sep 15, 2026 12:55 PM

1 reply

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 16, 2026 12:11 AM in response to sahilshingote

Did you already try these suggestions?


...

Try these steps:

  1. Make sure that your Apple Watch is connecting properly to its charger. 
  2. Restart your Apple Watch.
  3. Restart your paired iPhone.
  4. Try again to update your Apple Watch.


If the update won't start:


  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General, then tap Storage.
  3. Delete the update file.
  4. Try again to update your Apple Watch.


Learn what to do if you see 'Cannot Install Update' when updating Apple Watch or if your Apple Watch says you need more available storage to install a watchOS update.

...

copied from: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256357530