Apple Watch Series 7 Update and Connection Issues after iOS 26

After updating your iPhone to iOS 26, you may find that your Apple Watch Series 7 can no longer connect or complete its own required software update. This can lead to a frustrating loop where the update repeatedly fails, and if you unpair the watch to fix it, you find you cannot re‑pair it without completing the very update that is failing, a common problem described in this Apple Community discussion.

This issue is typically not a hardware fault but a breakdown in communication between the two devices, often caused by new compatibility requirements or a software glitch during the update process.

Why Your Apple Watch Can’t Update

An Apple Watch is entirely dependent on its paired iPhone to download and install major software updates. The release of a new iOS version is almost always accompanied by a corresponding watchOS version, and the two are designed to work together.

With watchOS 26, Apple has introduced a new, stricter compatibility requirement: your Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone 11 or a newer model running iOS 26. If your iPhone is older (e.g., an iPhone XS or XR), it can no longer support the new watchOS, and the update will fail.

For those with compatible hardware, the update can still fail due to a temporary software glitch, an unstable Wi‑Fi connection, or corrupted data from a previous pairing. This can leave the watch in a state where it is no longer properly communicating with the iPhone, preventing the update verification and installation from completing.

How to Fix Apple Watch Update and Connection Issues

Follow these steps in order to resolve the communication error and get your Apple Watch updated and reconnected to your iPhone.

1. Verify iPhone Compatibility (Crucial First Step)

Before trying anything else, confirm your hardware is supported. The watchOS 26 update for your Apple Watch Series 7 requires an iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd generation), or a newer model. If you are using an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or any older model, you will not be able to update your Apple Watch, and it will remain incompatible with your iOS 26 device. Additionally, ensure your cellular connection is working; you can fix cellular data issues.

2. Check Basic Update Requirements

The update process has several strict prerequisites that can cause it to fail if not met.

1. Make sure your Apple Watch has at least 50 % battery life.
2. Place your Apple Watch on its magnetic charger and keep it there for the entire update process.
3. Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi‑Fi network. If you experience Wi‑Fi problems, see how to fix Wi‑Fi issues.
4. Keep your iPhone close to your Apple Watch to maintain the Bluetooth connection.

3. Restart Both Devices

A simple restart of both your iPhone and Apple Watch can clear temporary software glitches that are blocking the connection.

1. To restart your Apple Watch: Press and hold the side button until the power‑off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
2. To restart your iPhone: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power‑off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
   If the watch still won’t pair, you may need to fix Apple Watch connection.

4. Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone

An unstable network connection can prevent the update file from downloading or verifying correctly. Resetting network settings can fix underlying connectivity issues. Note that this will erase all saved Wi‑Fi passwords.

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.

   

3. Reconnect your iPhone to your Wi‑Fi network and try the update again.

5. Erase the Apple Watch and Re‑pair

If your watch is stuck in a loop where it is unpaired and cannot be re‑paired, you will need to erase it directly. This forces the watch back to its factory state and will require you to update it as part of the new setup process.

1. On your Apple Watch, tap the screen to bring up the passcode entry or language selection.
2. Press and hold the Digital Crown until the option to Reset appears. Tap it.
3. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings on the watch itself.
4. Once the watch has been erased, bring it near your iPhone and follow the on‑screen instructions to pair it again. The update to the latest watchOS will be a required step during this setup.

If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support.