Following the introduction of watchOS 8.5 and iOS 15.4, you can restore Apple Watch using your iPhone. While this feature is pretty reliable, it’s not perfect. Unfortunately, this device recovery feature is not working for some users. If you also can’t restore Apple Watch using iPhone, try out these 10 reliable solutions.
Fix “Can’t Restore Bricked Apple Watch Using iPhone” Issue
So, what could be the reasons behind the problem that prevents users from restoring a bricked Apple Watch with iPhone? Well, it could be due to multiple reasons like poor Wi-Fi and a hidden software bug. In this troubleshooting guide, we are going to try a variety of solutions to fix the issue. With that said, let’s cut the chase!
1. Make Sure Your Devices are Compatible
Before getting started with the guide, ensure that your devices are compatible with this new feature.
Compatible iPhone Models:
- iPhone 13 Seris
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone SE 2 and 3 (2020 and 2022 models)
- iPhone X series (iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR)
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
Compatible Apple Watch Models:
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 3
Side Note:
- Place your iPhone near your Apple Watch. Also, ensure that your iPhone is unlocked.
- Then, plug your Apple Watch charger to a power source and then put the smartwatch on the charger.
2. Double-Press the Side Button of Your Apple Watch
If you are unable to restore your dead Apple Watch, double-press the side button and then try to restore the watchOS device again.
3. Turn Off/On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The very first thing that you should do to fix the unable to recover Apple Watch issue is to turn off/on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Knowing that these are important components, enabling/disabling their toggles may help you resolve the problem.
- Open the Settings app on your device > Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- Now, turn off the toggles.
- After that, restart your device and then turn both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on.
4. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect to It
Another solution that you should give a chance is to forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it. Many a time, it works in fixing a sloppy Wi-Fi network.
- Go to the Settings app > Wi-Fi and then tap the “i” button next to a Wi-Fi network.
- Next, tap the Forget This Network and confirm.
5. Make Sure to Use 2.4GHz Network Instead of 5GHz
Apple recommends using the 2.4GHz network instead of 5GHz. Besides, it’s also recommended to not use the 802.1X or captive Wi-Fi networks like the ones available in hotel rooms.
6. Hard Reset/Force Restart Your iPhone
The hard reset has got the knack of fixing common iOS issues. So, be sure to give it a chance.
Force Restart iPhone 8/X or Later
1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Then, make sure to hold down the side button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Force Restart iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
1. Press and hold the side button and the volume down button simultaneously.
2. Keep holding both the buttons until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
Force Restart iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
1. Press and hold the home button and side at once.
2. Be sure to hold down both the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
7. Reset Network Settings
Haven’t been able to fix the issue as yet? No problem, try resetting the network settings.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings > Enter your Screen Time Passcode and confirm.
8. Reset All Settings
If you are still unable to recover your bricked Apple Watch, reset all settings. More often than not, this radical solution fixes complex iOS issues. Hence, do give it a try. Fret not, it will only wipe out the existing settings on your device. All the documents, as well as the media, will remain secure.
- Head into the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings > Enter your Screen Time Passcode and confirm.
9. Update Software on Your iPhone
If the issue hasn’t yet been solved, a hidden software bug or an outdated version may be behind the issue. So, it’s worth updating the software.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update.
- Then, download and install the latest version of iOS on your device.
- After you have updated the software, try to recover your Apple Watch.
10. Contact Apple Support, If Nothing Works
If none of the tricks has worked in fixing the bricked Apple Watch, I would recommend you contact Apple Support without any delay.
Hopefully, you may not have to come this far. Let me know the trick that has helped you troubleshoot your dead Apple Watch. And if there is any workable hack that hasn’t been mentioned in this guide, do mention that as well.
