If your Apple Watch update is stuck on the 'preparing' screen, it means the watch can't finish getting the update file ready to install. This usually happens because of connection issues with your iPhone, weak Wi-Fi, or software glitches. To fix it, start by restarting both devices and checking their connections, then try more advanced steps like unpairing if necessary—all without risking your data.
What does 'stuck on preparing' mean during an Apple Watch update?
The "preparing" phase is the first part of the update process where your Apple Watch downloads and sets up the update file before installing it. When the watch gets stuck here, it means it can’t complete these preparations. Common reasons include unstable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, software bugs on either the watch or iPhone, or limited system resources. For example, if Bluetooth disconnects during the download, the watch may freeze on preparing because it can’t properly verify or transfer the update file.
What situations make your Apple Watch update stall on preparing?
Updates often stall if your Apple Watch or iPhone has low battery because the system pauses updates to avoid interruptions. Poor Wi-Fi or a slow internet connection on your iPhone can cause the update file to download incompletely or slowly. Unstable Bluetooth or improper pairing between the devices can also stop the watch from communicating with the iPhone to finish the update. For instance, starting an update with weak Wi-Fi and a low-battery iPhone is a common setup for a stall at the preparing stage.
How to safely restart the update process without losing data
First, restart both your Apple Watch and iPhone to clear temporary glitches. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is on. Both devices should have at least 50% battery or be plugged in. If your Apple Watch is low on storage, freeing up space can help the update complete smoothly. To restart:
- On your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears, then drag it to turn off. Press the side button again to turn it back on.
- On your iPhone, press and hold the power button and a volume button (or just the power button on some models) until the slider appears. Slide to power off, then press the power button to turn it on again.
After restarting, open the Watch app on your iPhone and try the update again. This resets the connection and often clears minor glitches without risking data loss.
What to do if the update remains stuck after a restart
If restarting doesn’t fix the problem, try unpairing and re-pairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Unpairing resets the watch to factory settings, but your iPhone automatically backs up your watch during this process, so you won’t lose your data. To unpair:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap your watch at the top, then tap the info icon (i).
- Select "Unpair Apple Watch" and confirm.
After unpairing, set up your watch again and restore from the backup. Also, make sure both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running compatible iOS and watchOS versions, as mismatched versions can cause update failures. If your iPhone needs an update, install it before retrying the watch update. This step often fixes deeper software conflicts causing the stall.
How to check if the update is progressing again or truly stuck
Watch the progress indicator on your Apple Watch or the Watch app on your iPhone. If the update percentage or estimated time remaining changes over several minutes, the update is likely progressing. If the progress doesn’t change for over 30 minutes and the watch becomes unresponsive, it’s probably stuck.
Also, check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are active on your iPhone and that the watch and phone are close together. If the watch screen stays blank or frozen on preparing with no progress for a long time, it’s safe to assume the update is stuck. You can then try the fixes again or contact Apple Support.
Tips to avoid Apple Watch update stalls in the future
Before updating, make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and both devices have at least 50% battery or are plugged in. Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch updated to the latest iOS and watchOS versions to improve reliability.
Close unnecessary apps on your iPhone to free up memory and avoid interruptions. Keep your watch and phone close together during updates to maintain a strong Bluetooth connection. Avoid starting updates in places with weak internet or when devices have low power. These steps reduce the chance your update will get stuck on preparing again.
Conclusion
If your Apple Watch update is stuck on preparing, start by restarting both your watch and iPhone and ensuring good connections. If that doesn’t work, unpairing and re-pairing the watch usually solves deeper issues. Keep an eye on the update’s progress and prepare your devices before starting updates to avoid problems. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force quit the update on my Apple Watch?
No, the Apple Watch doesn’t allow you to force quit an update once it has started. Your best options are to restart both the watch and iPhone or unpair and re-pair the watch if it remains stuck.
Will unpairing my Apple Watch delete my data?
Unpairing resets your watch to factory settings, but your iPhone automatically backs up your watch during the process. This backup lets you restore your data when you re-pair the watch.
Why does my Apple Watch need my iPhone to update?
Your Apple Watch relies on your iPhone’s internet connection and processing power to download and prepare updates. That’s why a stable connection between the two devices is essential during an update.