My Apple Watch SE say 'Unable to verify update' after factory reset

factory reset watch se gen 2 44m. Was working before factory reset.


can pair. Just cannot install update to watchos 11.6 with ios 18.2. Says unable to verify update because i am not connected to the internet (i am connected via iphone). I can only either “install” or “exit and reset watch”.


the last watchos update may have been on an iphone with an older ios version running.


i have tried everything i could find online. Help!


Same issue as this person: Why does my Apple Watch say "Unable to ve… - Apple Community



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Factory reset watch se2 unable to verify update

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 06:03 AM

Reply
10 replies

Aug 30, 2025 03:15 PM in response to LD150

the watch pairs with my phone. I can see the two devices connected in the phone’s bluetooth setting. The update is downloaded directly onto the watch as well via the phone’s wifi. At least that is what it says. “Downloading to watch”.


Like I said, there is nothing that can be done on the watch during the time of download. It says something like “continue with update on the phone”.

Sep 1, 2025 06:41 AM in response to Jzapko13

Jzapko13 wrote:

Hi simdank
I think you need to connect to real wifi because the phones wifi is from mobile data and iPhone wifi isnt very fast because of the mobile data and every time you turn it on the iPhone it switches to mobile data you cannot make wifi from your phone with connected to wifi

Final answear :
Try to connect to wifi if possible.

Happy to help!

It's connected to wifi...

My Apple Watch SE say 'Unable to verify update' after factory reset

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