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macbookguy12
User level: Level 1 (73 points)

How to stop Watch from updating to watchOS 27!!!

How do I stop my Apple Watch from updating to watchOS 27??? I never clicked the install button and it is downloading. There is no cancel button anywhere only way found how to stop it is to turn off wifi and Bluetooth of the Watch… but I would like to have wifi! I do not want to update because I need to keep walkie talkie app and I hate the new dynamic app grid. Why does Apple force updates on to us like this??? How do i make it stop??

Posted on Sep 16, 2026 7:55 PM

5 replies

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 16, 2026 11:16 PM in response to macbookguy12

Did you make sure, that in the WatchApp on your iPhone, Settings-> General -> Software Update -> Automatic Updates are disabled?

Then go to General -> Storage and delete the watchOS 27 update file.



Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 18, 2026 1:09 AM in response to macbookguy12


We saw this behaviour in past watchOS upgrades. Even if you choose not to download the update/upgrade automatically in the settings, and/or choose the previous watchOS update, your iPhone will offer the most current update at some point in time in the future, if your iPhone is running a newer iOS and your watch is still using an older watchOS but could upgrade to the newer version.


Maybe using the Feedback and letting Apple know directly about an option to stop the download will help to get this feature in upcoming updates:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

macbookguy12 Author
User level: Level 1 (73 points)

Sep 17, 2026 2:11 PM in response to Ingo2711

Thank you. How would I make it so that it does not start downloading by it self again?

macbookguy12 Author
User level: Level 1 (73 points)

Sep 19, 2026 6:19 PM in response to Ingo2711

Perfect I will do that. I found that, if I switch it to watchOS 26 betas it will say it is up to date and won't recommend me anymore so I think that will stop it. Thank you for your responses.

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 20, 2026 12:33 AM in response to macbookguy12

You're welcome 🙂

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256358649