You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

📰 Apple introduces the 2025 Black Unity Collection

Inspired by the rhythm of humanity, a new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpapers honor Black History Month. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

MTechE60 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apple Watch requires update on setup

I have just bought a Apple Watch series 2. I’m trying to pair it to my iPhone XS. But am having issues getting past the update phase.

to run you through the setup

Pairing both Watch and iPhone (successful, they detect each other)
phone states the Watch needs requires an update.
I hit the ‘update’ button.
phone says ‘to update the software on your Apple Watch, you first need to update the software on your iPhone.’

my phone is up to date.

can someone please suggest a fix to this!!

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Jul 16, 2021 3:21 AM

Top-ranking reply

better_half

Level 6

8,125 points

Posted on Jul 16, 2021 3:28 AM

That is likely due to incompatibility between that older watchOS version and the current iOS 14 on your iPhone. There are situations when this iOS is no longer able to complete the update for all those back level versions of watchOS any more.

Unless you happen to have access to an old iPhone with iOS 12 on it somewhere, it is best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple store and ask if they can complete that update for you.

View in context

Apple Watch requires update on setup

Similar questions