My Apple Watch is locked and I don't have… (2024)

FAQs

What to do when Apple Watch says too many passcode attempts? ›

If your Apple Watch is disabled because you forgot your passcode or entered an incorrect passcode too many times, you can reset it from either your Apple Watch or iPhone and set it up again. Important: If Erase Data is turned on, the data on your Apple Watch is erased after 10 failed passcode attempts.

You can use your security key to unlock it. Tap Unlock Account, then follow the onscreen instructions to unlock your Apple ID. If you think your account might have been locked because someone else knows your password, tap Change Password and enter a new one.

Force restart your Apple Watch

Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown until the screen turns black and the Apple logo reappears, then release both buttons. Your watch might take a few moments to restart.

If your Apple Watch keeps locking when you take it off, that's normal behavior — it's a security measure to make sure no one else can use it. If your Watch locks while you're still wearing it, there are a number of ways to fix it, including adjusting the way you wear it, checking some settings, and cleaning the sensor.

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again. You will need your Apple ID and password to set your iPhone up again.

Normally, the wait period is 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can try to unlock the account using your password, and it may require your security questions.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to the Settings app and tap Sign in to your iPhone. Then tap "Forgot password or don't have an Apple ID?" and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you can't turn off your Apple Watch or if the problem continues, you may need to force your Apple Watch to restart. Do this only if you're unable to restart your Apple Watch. To force restart, hold down the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.

Press and hold the side button until you see the power button in the upper-right corner of the display. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again.

The Apple Watch allows you five passcode attempts before locking. It will lock for one minute before you can try again. After 60 seconds, you get another chance. If the same thing happens, you are locked out for five minutes.

How do I turn off the passcode on my Apple Watch greyed out? ›

go to settings > screen time > content restriction > scroll down and find “allow changes” under that check if passcode changes is “ON”. If it's on turn it OFF . Close the watch app from the background apps. Open it again and I'm sure you will have the options available to make changes.

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed. Only the previous owner can remove the lock by using their Apple ID & password. Apple will not help you find the previous owner. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else.

Turn off the passcode

You can also open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, tap Passcode, then tap Turn Passcode Off. Note: If you disable your passcode, some features won't be available. For example, you can't use Apple Pay or unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch.

Too many failed sign-in attempts might well flag certain accounts (ie/Google Account) for suspicious activity and result in the user being locked out. Factory resetting will require entry of the exact same credentials (email address/password) that was used on the latest occasion the phone was set up 'as new.