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quinquetta
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch stuck on setup screen and not updating

I have a used Apple Watch and it’s been charging for hours!! But I’ve paired it to my phone but when I touch the screen it says to set up on my phone?? And it’s been updating for hours now, what do I do

Posted on Oct 26, 2026 6:58 PM

1 reply

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

Oct 26, 2026 11:51 PM in response to quinquetta


Which Apple Watch are you using? Is it being charged to at least 50% and still on the charger?

The iPhone is being charged as well and near the watch?


Did you already open the WatchApp on your paired iPhone and check the update process in My Watch -> General -> Software Update?


You may also try these troubleshooting 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.

...

copied from: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support



Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256383651