Top 10 Solutions for Apple Watch Unable to Check for Update

Help! I have an issue when trying to set up my Apple Watch Serial 5 after pairing it to my iPhone 12 running with iOS 14. I got an error on my iPhone:

Unable to Check for Update
Checking for a software update failed because you are not connected to the Internet.

However, I have internet connectivity! What should I do now?

It’s a common issue happens when setting up your Apple Watch after pairing. We get asked this all the time.

This issue could be caused by various factors, but it’s easy to fix.

In this post, I’m going to show you how to fix the “Unable to Check for Update” issue for your Apple Watch and reuse it as normal.

How to Fix Apple Watch Unable to Check for Update?

Just try the following methods one-by-one to find the one that works for your Apple Watch.

#1. Reset Network Settings

Although your iPhone is connected to a network, there may be some unknown issues with the network settings. So resetting it will be your first solution.

Don’t worry, it just removes the previously used Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings. You won’t lose your data.

Step 1. Open Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap General, scroll down and tap Reset.

Step 3. From the available options, tap Reset Network Settings. If needed, enter your iPhone passcode.

Your iPhone will restart, once it’s power on, repair your Apple Watch to your iPhone.

#2. Change Region

Sometimes, Apple’s Server will temporarily have something wrong in your country. At this time, you’re unable to check for software updates for your Apple Watch.

To resolve this, just change your region:

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > General > Language & Region

Step 2. Tap Region, then change to another one.

After this, trying to pair and set up your Apple Watch, it should work for you.

#3. Change Language

From our research, changing the language of your iPhone can also fix the Apple Watch unable to check for update issue.

The steps are just similar to the above solution:

Step 1. Tap Settings > General > Language & Region

Step 2. Tap iPhone Language and select another one.

Then check if this method work.

#4. Turn on Lower Power Mode

This is weird but it can actually fix the Apple Watch “Unable to Check for Update” issue for some users.

Here is how: Go to Settings > Battery > Turn on the Lower Power Mode.

I received a lot of feedback saying this way works for them. You can have a try.

#5. Pair Apple Watch Manually

According to the feedback from one of our readers, he resolved this issue by pairing Apple Watch to iPhone manually.

Here is how:

Step 1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap All Watches > Pair New Watch > tap Set Up for Myself. Make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone close together during the pairing process.

Step 3. Rather than putting your watch face in the viewfinder, tap on Pair Apple Watch Manually.

Step 4. Then follow the steps that appear to set up your Apple Watch.

That’s it, you should be able to use your watch now!

#6. Remove Passcode from Watch App

Turning off the passcode for your Apple Watch may also work for you. This solution is so easy and definitely worth trying.

Step 1. open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap My Watch > Passcode > Turn Passcode Off.

After the two steps, try to pair your watch again. You won’t see the “Unable to Check for Update” issue.

#7. Sign Out of iCloud Account from Your iPhone

This solution is popular and effective. You’ll need to remove your iCloud account from your iPhone first, then erase your Apple Watch. Finally pair to your iPhone without any hassles.

Here are the details:

Step 1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > scroll down and tap Sign Out.

Step 2. Enter the Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

Step 3. Once you sign out of your iCloud account, turn off your Wi-Fi network and turn it back on to reconnect.

Step 4. Put your Apple Watch on its charger.

Step 5. Press and hold the side button of your Apple Watch, then you’ll see the Power Off option. Press it and tap on Erase all content and settings.

Step 6. After resetting your watch, repair it to your iPhone. It should say your watch is now paired, then select Update. It will give you the “Unable to Check for Update” error again, ignore this and wait for 1 minute, it will start updating your Apple Watch!

#8. Force Restart Your iPhone

Force restart (also known as a hard reset) can fix common issues caused by unknown reasons. The whole process will take no longer than 1 minute.

The steps to hard reset an iPhone are different depending on the model. Here is how to hard reset iPhone x and above models (for more models, just check Apple’s guide):

Step 1. Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button.

Step 2. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

#9. Update Your Apple Watch with Another iPhone

You can also pair your Apple Watch with your family or friends’ iPhone to resolve the Apple Watch unable to check for update issue.

After the watchOS software update complete, repair your Apple Watch with your own iPhone. This fix has been proved and actually works.

#10. Contact Apple

If you have tried the other methods and you are still struggling then ask Apple for help is the last resort.

Visit Apple support page and submit the issue. They will help you with this.

Conclusion

Apple software & device are some of the best, but they are not perfect. You may encounter issues such as the Apple Watch “Unable to Check for Update”.

But don’t worry, we’ve listed the solutions for you.

If you are still receiving this error message and you have tried the above fixes then please leave a comment below. We’ll get in touch with you ASAP.