Apple Watch Unable To Verify Update? WatchOS 8.7.1 Stuck?
Last updated on October 24th, 2022 at 06:42 pm
Posted in Errors and Issues by Patricia on October 14, 2022Are you getting the Apple Watch unable to verify update error? Does this happen when you try to update Series 3 to watchOS 8.7.1? iOS informs that you are not connected to the Internet, but that’s obviously not the case!
Apple Watch Unable To Update?
This issue has been reported by Susan on our watchOS 8.7.1 review page:
“No matter what I do, the 8.7.1 stays in “downloading to watch” I can’t get it to complete.”
and confirmed by:
- Mary:
“…the phone scans for a long while saying “Checking for update” and then says it’s preparing to install 8.7.1. It never finishes!”
- Cameron:
“I have a new Series 3. Trying to get it started. iPhone has been trying to download watchOS 8.7.1 for two days now. Wi-Fi is good, no drop outs.”
- Adam:
“Same problem here. Running iOS 16.0.2. Apple Watch Series 3 factory reset, currently has Watch OS 6.3. I cannot install 8.7.1. Seems to be in a boot loop during download/install process.”
- Harrya:
“Every time I update it says “unable to verify update because you’re not connected to the internet” I’m connected to the internet and cellular data is off. Please help.”
How To Fix Apple Watch Unable To Verify Update
We’ve found many other similar reports on the web and also a few fixes confirmed by users:
(Update 3, October 24)
1. Update To iOS 16.1
Apple has finally fixed this issue in iOS 16.1! Update your iPhone to the most recent release and watchOS 8.7.1 update will work on your Apple Watch 3!
Thanks for confirming this fix Robb, Armando and all others!
(Update 2, October 24)
Apparently, the only way to fix this issue is to bring your watch to an Apple Store and ask for a manual update to watchOS 8.7.1.
Tip: Apple will release iOS 15.7.1 and iOS 16.1 today. Do update and let us know if it helps. Else, the only option remains to bring or mail your device to an Apple Store.
(Update 1, October 17)
1. Deplete Apple Watch Battery
A troubleshooting attempt that hasn’t been mentioned before, implies depleting the Apple Watch battery completely:
- You can do this by keeping the screen turned ON until the device shuts down.
- Then wait an additional 48 – 72 hours without connecting the Series 3 to the charger. This will allow the battery to dry out completely and some setting on the watch that prevent the update from completing might reset.
- Try to update again to watchOS 8.7.1 after you’re sure that the battery is completely dead!
Fact: This fix was apparently suggested by Apple Support and shared by a Reddit user. Please confirm if Apple Watch is able to verify update after trying this fix!
2. Downgrade To iOS 15.7
Users that have contacted Apple support, have been instructed to use an iOS 15.x running iPhone to be able to complete the watchOS 8.7.1 update. Apparently, a bug in iOS 16 is bricking the upgrade. You can try the following:
- Downgrade iPhone to iOS 15.7. (Yes, it’s still signed and a step-by-step guide is available here.)
- Update Apple Watch 3 to watchOS 8.7.1.
- Update iPhone back to iOS 16.0.3.
Fact: This fix hasn’t been confirmed! Please use it at your own risk, share your feedback in the comments and let us know if you had success.
Thanks Harrya Harrya for sharing these fixes:
3. Change Language & Region
-
Apparently, changing the country and language will allow your Watch to verify the update:
- Open the Watch app and browse the My Watch tab.
- Tap on General -> Language & Region.
- Change Region to United Kingdom, or some other country. This is a game of trial and error until you select a country that works. (Some have confirmed Afghanistan).
- Also Add a new Language and set it as your preferred languages. If you’re on English US, switch for English UK or anything similar. (A language that’s confirmed to work is Portuguese.)
Tip: Now, retry to update to watchOS 8.7.1. Does it work?
4. Turn Off Cellular Data On iPhone & Reboot Devices
A Reddit user has confirmed that watchOS 8.7.1 has been verified and installed on the Apple Watch 3 after disabling Cellular data on iPhone and rebooting both devices!
Please try the same and let us know if Apple Watch unable to verify update still pops up?
5. Reinstall Watch App On iPhone
Another way to fix the stuck on ‘Paused’ watchOS update requires you to remove the Watch app from the paired iPhone and reinstall it:
- Open Watch app and tap on All Watches.
- Tap the ‘i’ icon, available next to your watch’s name and go for Unpair Apple Watch.
- Delete Watch app from iPhone.
- Reinstall it from the App Store (direct link).
Tip: Now, re-pair Apple Watch to iPhone again and the watchOS 8.7.1 update should start loading.
Did you manage to fix Apple Watch 3 unable to update watchOS 8.7.1? Do you have a better solution or other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments!
Related: Apple Watch 5 freezing after watchOS 9 update? Here is how to fix it!
Thanks for trying to help, but none of these worked. I followed Apple Support’s advice and waited 48 hours. Tried again, but this time, it says I am not connected to Internet or it just took long time at “activating…” then it automatically unpairing.
Before this it was stuck at reboot loop every time when the download finishes, which took hours to download. The update never finishes because the watch kept rebooting when download finished.
Sorry to hear this. Not sure what else to suggest at the moment.
I am having the same issue…
Having same issue
The only option as the moment is to visit an Apple Store and ask them to install the update manually for you.
posting my comment here at the top level since someone could be lazy enough to scroll down to the bottom of the page. GUYS it works after upgrading to iOS 16.1. yay.
Thanks for confirming. We’ve updated the news in the main content of the article!
Even I am facing the same issue. Got stuck at download and processing loop. Even though connected to wifi which is having 150 mbps speed it says that “not connected to internet” and the downloading takes more than 2hours.
It worked when I did a fresh pairing with 6s with current 8.4 version. But the same error while updating to 8.7.1..
“Unable to Verify Update
The watch OS update couldn’t be verified because you are not connected to the internet”
Have you tried the change the region and language trick?
Thanks for responding on this, yeah I have tried all possible things.. but no luck
Sorry to hear this. We’re continuing to look for a fix. Will update the article if something comes up. Don’t hesitate to follow up if you have a breakthrough.
Hey Apple – how about some help! Clearly this is an installation bug. I have the same issue. Called Apple support – zero help.
Sorry to hear this. Yes, they might have to release watchOS 8.7.2 to fix this. We will report the problem one more time, perhaps it gets more traction.
I have the same issue. I can’t get 8.7.1 to download and install.
Tell me please what iOS do you have running on the paired iPhone. Apparently, it should work with iOS 15.x. iOS 16 might be the cause of this issue.
Is your iPhone running iOS 16? You might have to downgrade to iOS 15.7:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-0-3-to-15-7-without-data-loss/
Hi, thanks for the suggestions.
I tried whole solution methods to upgrade watchos 8.7.1 but unfortunately they didn’t work for me.
i always tried to update from watch app on my iphone. I didn’t try it using the watch only.
My devices
– Iphone 6S / ios 15.7 and
– Apple watch 3 / watchos 8.3 .
Thanks for the feedback. Have you also tried the method that requires you to fully deplete the battery of your Apple Watch and leave it turned off for 48-72 hours?
Yes. After i depleted my watch’s battery, i didn’t use it and my watch was turned off for a while, maybe more than 72 hours.
Is it important to wait in between 48-72 hours?
No, not between. If you waited more it’s enough the idea is that when you press the Side button the clock isn’t shown anymore. Then you know that the battery is completely empty.
Got the same issue. I have already remove the watch and try to pair again. Nothing seems to work. I have reboot both device for thousands of times. The problem is once you remove the watch and pair again, you will never be able to use your watch again until you successfully update the watch. It basically just brick the device now.
What iOS version is the iPhone on?
Factory reset series 3 watch with iPhone 11. Wants to update to watchOS 8.7.1 as soon as I try to pair the watch to the phone. I either get stuck on preparing or I get unable to verify update because no internet connection. I’ve messed with this for the past 3 days. Rebooted both the phone and watch several times and have tried the suggestions that I could. No option to change region or language in the watch app because as soon as I try to pair it wants to run the update. At this point I have to hope Apple fixes the issue because it has to be a problem on their side of things.
Is your iPhone running iOS 16?
My iPhone 11 is running 16.0.3 but I also tried with a 6s Plus running 15.6.1 and had the same problems.
Thanks for sharing. That’s not encouraging. What about the last resort, to empty the battery until there’s completely no life in it?
I’ll try that next, thanks!
Keep us posted.
Waited for the update to install completely before confirming but can say for me that updating my iPhone 11 to iOS 16.1 allowed the update to install correctly. I would recommend that people set there phones not to lock after a certain amount of time because the first time I tried the update my phone locked and when I unlocked it the update failed. Set lock to “Never” and update went thru without a problem. Phone and watch both on chargers during the install because it took a while. Thanks for all your help Patricia. Hopefully iOS update to 15.7.1 and 16.1 helps all the other series 3 watch people out there!
You’re welcome. Thanks for the tip with setting Auto-Lock to “Never” in Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Auto-Lock.
I have a painful isue. I used my Watch Series 3 (i don’t remember the version) for years, with an iPhoneX on iOs 14 for years. No it was repkaced with a Series 5, which required iOS update. Fine. Old Watch is cleaned, unpaired and given to my daughter.
We spend days to pair the Watch to her phone (Iphone 12 iOS 15, then 16.0.3) – it is stuck in preparation after a long-long download (4 hours!!!) then cannot be verified and retry round. So trick óy that in many cases the download was 10 minutes only…
Hard rest of both device is behind us, networks setting reset too on iPhone.
I also tried to do the oairing and the update using iPhoneX with 16.0.3 and an iPhone 6s using iOS 15.5.
SAme results everywhere! Watch is completely unusable since it is unpared but requires the update for pairing…
Practicaly I believe that the battery killing option is just a magic – will not work, but risky for the battery.
We will try the language and region trip.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Battery killing option is the only fix that might be able to help. Most of the others including language and region have failed to be confirmed by users.
Battery killing isn’t that risky. I have the original version Apple Watch that was not used during winters for 3 months. Not charged fully dead. And it still works on my daughters wrist up to this day.
We’re continuing to look into this and will update the article if something new comes up.
Thanks, Patricia, I try that as the final remedy…
Fingers crossed…
Finally… IT HELPED! It required almost two weeks, sinxe the Watch was not pair at all, therefore it was hard to discharge the battery, but now the pairing was successful! After complete dscharge we were waiting some days before the new trial.
Having the same issue as well
Sometimes it errors out upon downloading and sometimes it gets stuck on preparing.
Had already tried the other solutions apart from draining the battery which i don’t feel comfortable doing.
P.S if anyone reading this is facing this issue, DO NOT unpair or reset your watch otherwise you’ll be stuck with a brick like i am
My apple watch series 3 was factory reset and I have been trying to pair it with my iPhone 12, but it’s stuck on “preparing…” of the watchOS 8.7.1 update. I tried all the methods above, but nothing is working. Has Apple said anything regarding this issue?
They’re aware of it. The only solution at the moment is to visit an Apple Store and ask them to update your watch.
How much does this cost?
Should be free of charge.
Still wondering if anyone found a working solution to this. Please leave it in the comments what you did if it worked. Been trying to get my s3 Apple Watch to work for a while.
Nothing yet. We’re scanning the web for it, but it seems that it can only be fixed if you bring your device to an Apple Store and ask for a manual update.
P.S.: Apple will release a revised iOS 15.7 version on Monday, October 24. It might address this problem.
None of these have worked for me.
Sorry to hear this. We’re still looking for a fix. Stay tuned.
I got the same issue with my series 3. I can not pair my watch. I have tried literally anythings unless for the battery drain. Is anyone report this to apple so they can release an new update. Thank you Patricia
Same here . Tried all possible ways to figure it out . nothing worked!!
Sorry to hear this. Let’s see if iOS 15.7.1 will fix it:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-15-7-1-update-security-patches-downgrade/
I am using iPhone iOS 15.7 with Apple Watch series 3 and it gets stuck as mentioned above. I have tried turning off cellular, trying another language, and some of the other things mentioned above. Nothing seems to work.
Sorry to hear this. Let’s wait and see if iOS 15.7.1 will fix this:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-15-7-1-update-security-patches-downgrade/
I have same issue with my apple watch 3 series and os8.7.1, I’m unable to connect with my new iPhone 14 pro and it is getting stuck in preparing mode and it never get finished even after a day. Both are fully charged and good internet speed. When the bug will be resolved and please advice any steps that is helpful to get both paired.
Yes, it’s an annoying issue. If you have an Apple Store nearby you can bring your Apple Watch in and ask them to update it manually.
Guys, don’t worry. I called apple support and they told me that this is a bug on the servers that should be fixed within 72 hours. There are many of us, they know about it and engineers are already solving the problem. They also said not to try to create a couple. so we are waiting.
Thanks for the update. Let’s hope they’ll be able to fix it server-side.
Still nothing…
The only way to fix it now is to bring your watch to an Apple Store and ask them to manually update it.
Just received brand new Apple Watch 3. Charged it up and it has been stuck on updated 8.7.1. I have restarted phone and reset watch twice with no changes. Please get this fixed Apple.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing. This is a widespread issue. Let’s see what Monday brings.
Same problem here, I’ve tried all the suggestions above using two different iPhones. Ultimately, I’m never able to get past the “Preparing…” stage on the iPhone. I’m hoping for the best too, @Patricia – thank you for having the page, to let me know I’m not alone.
You’re welcome Hank. Keep in touch.
I also have this issue. The watch 3 will pair to an old iPhone 7 I had lying around running OS 15.7 but I can’t update the watch OS. I can’t pair the watch to my iPhone 13 that is running OS 16.0.3 because it requires an update to watch OS 8.7.1 before you are able to pair. I went to the Apple Store and the tech. told me Apple Watch 3 isn’t compatible with my new iPhone 13 and offered no further help. I later called apple support and the tech took a bunch of notes and tried to get the watch to pair by remotely mirroring my screens on my phones but still couldn’t get them to update. He has sent a request to another department who I’m told will contact me in the next few days.
Thanks for the extended feedback. Keep us updated Matt. We’re curious if they come up with a solution.
Ok i’m not the only than.
Going to try and pair it with my old iphone and see if updates to 871. Then I’ll try pairing it with the Pro max 14 and see if does the trick
Most likely, it won’t. iOS 15.7.1 and iOS 16.1 will be released on Monday. Let’s hope for the best.
Glad i found this page, i have spent last 2 days trying to get it to update, so we have to wait till monday for the new update to be released.
Yes, let’s hope it will help.
Also struggling with the same issue. The watch will pair with iPhone iOS 14, as it is incompatible with the newer watchOS versions, so it will allow pairing WITHOUT an update. iOS 15 and 16 for me (using 3 different phones) do not allow even pairing, as they require the update in order to pair. Really frustrating and hope Apple can push an update soon to address the currently bricked watch.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, let’s see what happens on Monday.
The German apple support told me just to switch it off for 48-72 hours which didn’t help. I tried your suggestion by draining the battery also didn’t help. Tried iOS 15.7 didn’t help. Tried different Wi-Fi’s (as recommended by apple) and it didn’t help.
Stuck with a bricked watch for more than two weeks. Just seems like apple is having really bad software issues.
I just checked things with iOS 16.1 (the new iOS version which Apple will release on Monday), and unfortunately, the issue is unchanged. So either have your watch serviced or wait for Apple to fix this.
i has same problem!!!!!
i has found some answer for apple watch series 3.
Update: link removed
Yes, it’s the same advice that we offer. To visit an Apple Store and ask for a manual update. Thanks
Like all others, I wasted numerous hours due to this issue. I suggest that Apple should act more reponsibly by allowing these watch owners (most of them could be Apple fans) to exchange/upgrade their Series 3 watches to a newer series for FREE if this issue still could not be fixed in the near future.
Patricia: Thanks for all your effort. Perhaps you could relay my suggestion to Apple?
You’re welcome. Most likely users affected by this issue are able to ask for a free software update in an Apple Store.
That sucks for people that dont live close to apple stores. Including me
I faced the same issue, currently using iPhone 11 Pro Max with IOS 16.0.3, my Apple Watch series 3 is WatchOS 8.4. My Apple Watch was unable to paired with my iPhone 11 Pro Max without updated to the latest WatchOS, but the Watch is able to pair with my old iPhone 6s with iOS 15.7 but the update stuck preparing for few hours and days, I tried all the ways that show above, also contacting to the Apple Support still could not be fixed. I also sent to few Apple store last week, one of the store service person said, this could not be fixed too old to paired with my iPhone OS ask me to change a new Watch, so I went another store to ask for manually update but they said no guarantee to be fixed only 50% chances and I need to paid for service.
What should I do next?
Hi Eva, try to update your phone to the latest version, iOS 16.1 came up this morning, I installed it and now its finally showing some progress.
Has it worked for anyone, has a new update come out yet? I have the exact same problem. My watch was perfectly fine prior to this update!!!
Yes! I upgraded my iPhone 11 Pro to iOS 16.0.3 severals days ago and have been struggling to pair my Apple Watch Series 3 ever since. After downloading iOS 16.1 it is finally installing watchOS 8.7.1!
Great news! Thanks for confirming!
I had the same problem, tried everything I found on this and other forums, I updated my iPhone this morning to iOS 16.1 and tried again and its finally updating, at the moment its still on preparing but the progress bar its moving now and also the download time was around 10 mins compared to the 45 mins of the last attempts. I will reply back with the result but its looks like its finally fixed!
Thanks for confirming Armando. Great news!
Did it ask for your password and for you to agree to terms and conditions before beginning to update. I downloaded IOS 16.1 and i’m currently trying to update my watch, but it just started the downloading process after checking for update.
Just did it. via Iphone 11 ios 16.1 on apple watch 3 it turned out to install watchos 8.7.1 and it turned out to create a pair.
Did iOS 16.1 fix the update issue on series 3?
yes. i just update my watch3 to 8.7.1 with ios 16.1
Thanks for confirming!
Even with the new update to 16.1, for some reason my series 3 just won’t update to watchOS 8.7.1. It now gets stuck on the “Preparing…” progress bar and makes 0 progress! I’ve been waiting for over 2 hours now and absolutely no progress has been made
Too bad. I can only recommend you to try again.
Did it work eventually?
Pls did the ios16.1 fix the update issue on series 3 did it install the watch os 8.7.1
Yes it does.
Did you download it with Wi-Fi or mobile data
Wifi, it took about 10 mins to download it and 30 minutes in preparing but it worked.
Was having this issue and tried a number of fixes – the one that was successful (at least, the update is installing as I type, not complete yet) was draining the battery of the watch completely. I’m also installing from a phone with iOS 15.7, though it didn’t work before draining, maybe could be the combo..? Anyway, came to say a hopeful thanks for getting my new (to me) watch up and running!
PS I stopped by the Apple Store, they said they would have to send it away to be fixed – they cannot ‘force update’ at the store.
Thanks for the feedback. Did the update go through until the end?
Update is still not downloading on Iphone 14 pro max
Have you updated your device to iOS 16.1?
Yes. It is still saying I have no internet.
hmmm not sure what else to suggest, at the moment.
Had to set the watch to Afghanistan (not US). The article says to do this in the watch app but I had to do it on the watch before it would work.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for your contribution.
Confirmed, ios16.1 does fix the update issue on series 3. Thanks again Patricia.
You’re welcome. Thanks for confirming.
Try it again. Today it worked! New Apple iOS update (which I didn’t install) might have something to do with it. I’ve been trying a couple weeks and have been following this page. I can’t explain it but give it a try. Hope it works. Good luck!
So you managed to fix it without installing iOS 16.1?
Yes. I didn’t really fix anything. When I heard a new iOS was released I thought I would give it another try. It worked! I don’t know why but I did hear the word “servers” come up…cant really explain. Maybe the cell phone Gods cut me some slack…?
Let’s call it magic! ;) Enjoy your watch again.
Good to see it worked for many people; however, it didn’t work for me. My watch still restarts when finishing downloading. After I cancelled in the watch app, the watch is stuck at half pairing. I can’t reset the watch, forced to reboot a few times, still didn’t go back to initial pairing screen.
Thanks for the feedback. Try it again it has to work. Someone suggested to change region on the Apple Watch to Afghanistan instead of US. Not sure if this makes a difference though.
My watch has been reset, so I’m not able to change any settings on the watch. I left it downloading overnight, still no luck
Can you bring both iPhone and Watch on the charger and keep the iPhone with the screen on, set Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Auto-Lock to ‘Never’.
Woot woot!
All good now
iPhone 12 (ios16.1)
Apple Watch Series 3
Bit worried when it went through the process and then looked like I had to pair again, but it was actually the next process for restoring from backup.
Thanks for this website and discussion Patricia, it was easily the best place to find current info about this Apple Watch 3 update issue.
Great! You’re welcome Phil. Glad we could reach the end of the tunnel.
I’m still dealing with the issue despite having the same specs and updating to iOS 16.1
WatchOS 8.7.1 gets to the “Preparing…” stage after downloading the update to the watch and just stays there. Don’t know what my other options are (or if I have any other options) but it certainly sucks that my watch continues to be a paperweight for the foreseeable future
Uhhh sorry to hear this. Not sure what to suggest, except to recommend you to try again. Have you tried the option to allow your watch to deplete battery completely until it shuts down and then an extra 48 hours to make sure the battery is completely dead before trying again?
Did it ask you to agree to terms and conditions before beginning to download?
my iphone can’t upgrade to ios16.1 because it a i6s-plus & i7plus !!!!
iOS 15.7.1 should be released today. It should have the same fix as iOS 16.1 for this issue.
ios 16.1 did not worked for me. My watch can not finish installing watchOS 8.7.1 it automatically restart when verify process start. It is getting a bit frustrating!
Try to change region to Afghanistan instead of US from the Apple Watch. Let us know if it helps.
Do not give up! We are ALL on here because we are having the same issues. Make sure you have enough storage and keep, keep, keep trying. I think it’s pretty safe to say the problem is NOT with the watch. Be careful before you pay for ANYTHING. I was already eyeballing a newer Series before I got my watch to update.
Thanks again @Patricia for this page – install today worked fine! What a relief!!!!!!!
You’re welcome. Happy we could help. Congrats!
Today i was update Watch 3 to watchOS 8.7.1 from iphone 6s ( ios 15.7)
Last week, no matter what I did, nothing worked with iphone 6s,11,13 pro
They must have fixed something server-side too. Thanks for reporting.
woo ~ all good, i update Watch OS 8.7.1 !!
tks Patricia for this page :)
My phone:IPhone 14 pro IOS 16.1
Watch:Apple Watch Series 3
Perfect! Happy to help.
I’m using an Apple Watch Series 3. When I switched from an iPhone 7 to a 12 pro max my Apple Watch wasn’t syncing with my new phone because of iOS 16. I tried updating the Watch but it gave me the ensure your iPhone is connected to WiFi message. I unpaired it and tried repairing but in the process, it said it needed to update and I was still get the same issue and times when it finished downloading, it would stay on “preparing” for so long. I factory reset the Watch several times and even tried repairing the Watch to my iPhone 7 which was still running iOS 15 and could use the Watch without updating but when I tried updating I had the same issues. Eventually, I reset the Watch and left it on allowing the battery to drain to zero. I then charged it and tried again and it updated without any issues
Thanks for the extended feedback. Glad you managed to update it.
IOS 16.1 upgrade solved this issue.
i had apple watch 3 series.
It look almost 2 hrs to complete the process. ensure you can keep on charging all time. 3-4 times you need to input selection, so, don’t leave it for overnight, it did not work for me for overnight upgrade.
I tried just now, shows 9 minutes to download the update, but watch just rebooted during downloading, then it became 5 hours. Still no luck for me.
Are you keeping the iPhone screen turned ON during the process?
Thanks for the tips Satish. Enjoy your watch again!
If you are not using iOS16.1 here’s how it worked for me with 2 different Series 3 watches:
After 2 miserable days with my wife’s Series3 38mm watch vs iPhone13Pro running iOS15.7 without any luck this is how it worked:
Do NOT start the upgrade from the phone’s Watch app, start it on the watch instead:
Settings / General / Software Update -> latest 8.7.1 version pops up, you can hit “Download and Install” there. It’ll ask you to accept T&Cs from your phone. Do that then after download, Preparation part isn’t stuck but progresses and completes.
I tried it also on my Series3 42mm watch with iPhone XR / iOS 16.0.1 combination and that also worked the same way.
Hopefully, if you aren’t likely to upgrade to iOS16.1 this will do the trick.
Thanks for your contribution Andras. Let’s hope that this will help others. Please confirm if it does.
I was having the same issue with my Apple Watch Series 3 (iPhone 12 Pro Max) up until the most recent iOS 16.1. Thankfully, after updating to the latest iOS as of October 26, 2022, my watch is successfully paired and updated to watch OS 8.7.1. In my case, the watch was sitting unused for a few months and once I tried to update it, it would not work. So at that point I factory reset it and from there it would not pair and would not update. I had contacted Apple about the issue on two separate occasions and both Apple employees told me that nothing could be done and I would have to wait until a new iOS update came out to fix the issue. It was frustrating to hear that because my device was literally useless for weeks waiting for Apple to correct the problem. It’s so sad to think this giant company allegedly slows down their older devices to basically force you to upgrade. Truly a waste of time and should not have been an issue in the first place. I just wanted to make a comment on here because all of the responses in this thread have been really helpful in knowing I wasn’t the only one going through this issue. Hard to feel like your decide wasn’t a waste of money when it’s sitting around rendered useless by Apple themselves. Thanks again everyone! :)
Thanks for your feedback Marlena and for being part of the community.
Yes, everything makes sense, including the touch screen not working on iPhone models with aftermarket screen replacement glitch. However, that was fixed too in iOS 16.1.
I like to believe that all these for accidental and not done un purpose for a hidden update agenda.
I already updated to iOS16.1 and it stills says that I’m not connected to Internet when I try to update my Apple Watch Series 3 to watchOS 8.7.1 🥲
Is the Internet working on your iPhone though? Have you tried restarting it?
Yesterday, i have success for updated watchOS 8.7.1 on i7plus-ios15.7
Thank for all.
You’re welcome. Did you do anything different?
For all of you,
I have tried, iphone 7, iphone 8, iphone 12 mini and iphone 12
in both ios 15 and ios 16 from factory setting to pair any of my devices with all the methods above.
None of them worked.
I was on the phone with 4 different Apple technicians for 2 full days and they let me send my apple watch 3 over to fix.
They manually installed 8.7.1
I just received yesterday and it is working now!!!!! It was completely bullshit and so annoying for few days!!!
There is nothing else you can do. Just go let the Apple people install it manually.
Thanks for the extended feedback. Glad that you managed to get it updated in the end.
My watch is still not updating to 8.7.1 😭 I am trying to update it with my XR which has the recent update from Monday. Not sure what to try anymore I’ve been trying everyday for the past weeks and I am so frustrated. I had just gotten this watch series 3 so I have to pair every time and then at times it says I have no internet which I do, I have the best home internet xfinity offers. If I do get through to install the update, it’ll finish “installing” then say preparing and then start over again. First it said 20 min then went up to 40 then to an hour and then 2. I wait and then it starts again. Someone please help me!
Is an Apple Store nearby? Pay them a visit and they should restore it manually free of charge.