Ultra 3 action button error.

I recently transitioned from Ultra 2 to Ultra 3 (jumped from OS 11 to 26 as well).


I assigned “start workout” to the action button as I have done on previous Ultras.


Upon tapping the action button “workout start workout” appears, freezes for about 20 seconds and transitions to: “start workout” in “workout” failed.


Options are then “ok” or “open settings.” when I tap ok, the next screen is as if I had opened the workout app and I can start my workout there.


Is this a know OS 26 glitch? Is there a way to use the action button to start a workout without having to wait for the initial action to fail before proceeding?

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 4:50 PM

Reply
2 replies

Dec 17, 2025 5:39 AM in response to bikersbikebikes

Did you already try to force restart your Apple Watch Ultra 3?

To force restart your watch, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Side button together for about 10sec, until the Apple logo comes back again.


This happened to me right after the latest watchOS 26.2 update on my Ultra2, but hasn't done that again after I force restarted the watch.

I'm using a 3rd party WorkOutDoors app, and the workout is started directly by pressing the Action Button.

Ultra 3 action button error.

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