Cannot update Watch OS on new SE3

Cannot update Watch OS 26.2 on new SE3.

Purchased iPhone 17 pro max, paired new SE3 watch successfully. Get "unable to check for update"when looking for watch OS update. Husband also got new SE3 and 17 pro - he successfully updated on same internet. Have restarted iPhone - no change. Any suggestions?

Apple Watch SE 3, watchOS 26

Posted on Dec 31, 2025 7:04 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 1, 2026 1:45 PM

OK - apparently, when using my iPad to respond, it signed me in as "harrymd1". When I am using my computer, it signs me in this way - and this is how I asked the question.


Now, everything is OK now. After reading the two responses, looking at all the info in the support articles, and nothing had changed, in desperation I restarted the watch. And, lo and behold, that apparently solved the issue as it is now downloading and updating very successfully. Not sure what happened, and really don't care now that it is working like it should. I appreciate the responses from Ingo2711 and LD150. The other response was my own - from apparently a different account sign in.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 1, 2026 1:45 PM in response to LD150

OK - apparently, when using my iPad to respond, it signed me in as "harrymd1". When I am using my computer, it signs me in this way - and this is how I asked the question.


Now, everything is OK now. After reading the two responses, looking at all the info in the support articles, and nothing had changed, in desperation I restarted the watch. And, lo and behold, that apparently solved the issue as it is now downloading and updating very successfully. Not sure what happened, and really don't care now that it is working like it should. I appreciate the responses from Ingo2711 and LD150. The other response was my own - from apparently a different account sign in.

Cannot update Watch OS on new SE3

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.