User level: Level 1 (8 points)I just got the iPhone 18 Pro moving from the 13 Pro. I also, have the 42mm Watch series 3 (MTF32LL/A). I decided to setup the watch as new and not restore from backup. Now I cannot add any faces selected from the iPhone Watch App to the Watch itself.
Has anyone else run into a similar issue and if so how did you resolve it. I have tried setting the 'Swipe to Switch Watch Face' as well as setting to current from phone. Nothing works.
Posted on Sep 21, 2026 8:33 AM
User level: Level 4 (1,080 points)Sep 26, 2026 10:38 AM in response to Red_Phoenix
Unfortunately, the Series 3 is no longer compatible with current iPhones/software. Apple lists the Series 3 as supporting only up to watchOS 8.8.1, while newer iPhones require newer watchOS versions for full compatibility.
So if the Watch pairs but faces selected in the iPhone Watch app won't transfer, this is likely a compatibility limitation rather than a setting you can fix. The Series 3 is now a very old model, and Apple no longer supports it with current software.
More info: Apple Support – Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256362013