Fix: Unable to Update Apple Watch to watchOS 26

When trying to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26, you may encounter a frustrating error where the Watch app on your iPhone insists that you must update your iPhone first, even when your phone is already running the latest version of iOS 26. As users in this Apple Community discussion have experienced, this can create a loop where the Watch app sends you to your iPhone’s settings, which correctly report that your software is up to date. This issue is typically caused by a communication glitch between your iPhone and Apple Watch, a corrupted update file, or a temporary issue with Apple’s update servers.

Why the watchOS Update Fails

Updating your Apple Watch is a coordinated process that relies on your iPhone. The Watch app on your iPhone is responsible for checking device compatibility, verifying your iPhone’s software version, downloading the watchOS update from Apple’s servers, and then transferring it to your watch. The “Update iPhone First” error occurs when there is a breakdown in this verification step—the Watch app fails to recognize that the iPhone is already running the required iOS version, preventing the update process from starting.

How to Fix the watchOS 26 Update Error

Before you begin, ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26 or later, as this is a requirement for installing watchOS 26. Then, follow these steps to resolve the update issue.

1. Check Compatibility and Basic Requirements

First, ensure your devices are compatible and prepared for the update. An incompatible device will not be able to install the new software.

• iPhone Compatibility: You need an iPhone 11 or later, or an iPhone SE (3rd generation or later), running iOS 26.
• Apple Watch Compatibility: You need an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation or later), or any Apple Watch Ultra model.
• Preparation: Place your Apple Watch on its charger and ensure it has at least 50% battery. Keep your iPhone close to your Apple Watch, and make sure both devices are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

2. Restart Both Your iPhone and Apple Watch

This is the most effective solution for clearing the communication glitch that causes the incorrect “Update iPhone First” error.

1. Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.
2. Restart your Apple Watch: Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your watch. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.

3. Delete Previous Update Files

A partially downloaded or corrupted update file on your iPhone can prevent a new update from starting.

1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
2. Go to General > Storage.
3. Look for a watchOS update file in the list. If you see one, tap on it and select Delete.
4. After deleting the file, try starting the update again from General > Software Update.

4. Try Updating Directly on Your Apple Watch

If the iPhone app is the source of the problem, initiating the update from the watch itself can sometimes bypass the issue.

1. Ensure your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
3. Tap General > Software Update.
4. If the update appears, follow the prompts to download and install it.

5. Unpair and Re-pair Your Apple Watch

This step is more involved but is highly effective at resolving persistent communication issues. Unpairing your watch automatically creates a backup on your iPhone, so your data is safe.

1. Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close together.
2. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
3. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
4. Tap the info button (i) next to the watch you want to unpair.
5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm. You may need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
6. Once the watch is unpaired, follow the on-screen prompts to pair it with your iPhone again. During setup, choose to restore from the backup. After pairing is complete, try the update again.

6. Remove Any Beta Profiles

If you have ever installed a beta version of iOS or watchOS, a leftover beta profile can interfere with official updates.

1. On your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see a beta profile, tap it and select Remove Profile.
2. On your Apple Watch: Go to Settings > General > Profiles. If you see a beta profile, remove it.
3. Restart both devices after removing any profiles.

If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support.