How to re-pair watch to a reset iphone

[krisatwerk]

Hello,

I searched a bit and was unable to find a thread with this situation so I apologize if this question has been asked before. I did a full erase/load backup on my iPhone in an attempt to clean up the phone and generate some battery savings, but completely forgot to unpair my Apple Watch before doing so. As it stands, now my watch is locked and requires me to unlock my phone to get access to it. My phone doesn't even know it's paired so of course the apple watch app tells me to pair a watch from the beginning.

1. I've tried to do a full reset of the watch. So far it seems like this won't do anything to remove the existing pairing.

2. I tried plugging the watch into my laptop with the usb cord, thinking that maybe iTunes will find it matches my Apple ID and somehow unlock the watch. Nope.

So I have a situation where I can't get to the watch settings, and there's no pairing recognized on the iPhone because it was reset. Funny how loading a backup doesn't restore the pairing. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on what to try next? Thought I would try to get some answers online first before going to an Apple store. Thanks!

 

[Planey28]

Hello,

I searched a bit and was unable to find a thread with this situation so I apologize if this question has been asked before. I did a full erase/load backup on my iPhone in an attempt to clean up the phone and generate some battery savings, but completely forgot to unpair my Apple Watch before doing so. As it stands, now my watch is locked and requires me to unlock my phone to get access to it. My phone doesn't even know it's paired so of course the apple watch app tells me to pair a watch from the beginning.

1. I've tried to do a full reset of the watch. So far it seems like this won't do anything to remove the existing pairing.

2. I tried plugging the watch into my laptop with the usb cord, thinking that maybe iTunes will find it matches my Apple ID and somehow unlock the watch. Nope.

So I have a situation where I can't get to the watch settings, and there's no pairing recognized on the iPhone because it was reset. Funny how loading a backup doesn't restore the pairing. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on what to try next? Thought I would try to get some answers online first before going to an Apple store. Thanks!

What do you mean the watch is locked and wants you to unlock your phone to access it? The watch can be unlocked separately from your phone if you tap the screen/press the crown or side button and enter your watch passcode. Then you should be able to go into the settings app on the watch and go to General > Reset > Erase all content and settings. You can then pair the watch with your phone again.

 

[krisatwerk]

I think it has to do with the passcode settings for my iPhone. I neglected to mention it because I've actually never seen this screen on my apple watch that you speak of. My iPhone has a minimum 8-character alphanumeric passcode, which you can't enter into the watch. I believe Apple's solution for this is to require iPhone unlock as the only way to access your watch in these circumstances. So any tap on the screen, press of the crown, or push of the button will prompt me to unlock my iPhone in order to use the watch.

 

[krisatwerk]

As an addendum to the previous statement, I believe the security policy on the phone is extended to the watch, hence I can't use a 4-digit numeric code as security for the watch.

 

[perkedel]

I think it has to do with the passcode settings for my iPhone. I neglected to mention it because I've actually never seen this screen on my apple watch that you speak of. My iPhone has a minimum 8-character alphanumeric passcode, which you can't enter into the watch. I believe Apple's solution for this is to require iPhone unlock as the only way to access your watch in these circumstances. So any tap on the screen, press of the crown, or push of the button will prompt me to unlock my iPhone in order to use the watch.

I have complex alpha num passw for my ip6+, but on the watch, it's a 4 digit code. You can unlock the watch by entering the 4-digit code, or, when it prompts you to enter code on the watch, you press touchID to unlock, and your watch will unlock. unlock with iphone won't work since you severed the pairing.

when first setting up the watch it asks you about code. you remember that code? once you have it, you can reset all settings. they're numbers, not alpha num, can be 4digit long, or longer one if you choose the long passcode.

 

[krisatwerk]

I have complex alpha num passw for my ip6+, but on the watch, it's a 4 digit code. You can unlock the watch by entering the 4-digit code, or, when it prompts you to enter code on the watch, you press touchID to unlock, and your watch will unlock. unlock with iphone won't work since you severed the pairing.

when first setting up the watch it asks you about code. you remember that code? once you have it, you can reset all settings. they're numbers, not alpha num, can be 4digit long, or longer one if you choose the long passcode.

I don't know if it changes anything but it's paired to an iPhone 5s. Received the watch on day 1 and I can reiterate that there is no 4-digit code set up. With the 1.0 software, it actually failed when I tried to add a 4-digit passcode so that I could use Apple Pay. When a software update came out for the watch I was able to then use Apple Pay and set up credit cards, but no 4-digit passcode.

I guess the only way is to bring it into the Apple store, but yeah, there's no prompt at all for a code of any kind. Any tap, button press, crown press, crown spin, etc. will prompt me to unlock the phone, which won't work because the pairing is severed.

 

[krisatwerk]

For those curious, I was able to find something that I believe will work to resolve issues for those with similar problems:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7149187

There was no passcode prompt but I was able to get to erase all content and settings by plugging the watch into the charging cable, holding on lower button to bring power off options, and then force pressing on power off until the erase content screen came up. Currently restoring from backup.

 

[perkedel]

I don't know if it changes anything but it's paired to an iPhone 5s. Received the watch on day 1 and I can reiterate that there is no 4-digit code set up. With the 1.0 software, it actually failed when I tried to add a 4-digit passcode so that I could use Apple Pay. When a software update came out for the watch I was able to then use Apple Pay and set up credit cards, but no 4-digit passcode.

I guess the only way is to bring it into the Apple store, but yeah, there's no prompt at all for a code of any kind. Any tap, button press, crown press, crown spin, etc. will prompt me to unlock the phone, which won't work because the pairing is severed.

before you take in to the store, try this procedure: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204567
do shutdown by holding the long button, then force press on the power off. see if it gives you erase all setting without entering the password.

 

[Enygmatic]

Interesting read... I wish you had taken some screenshots. I fully-restored my phone to do a fresh beta install and forgot to unpair my Watch, but didn't have the issue you mentioned here. Still, thanks for posting the solution that you found.

 

[Rok73]

I don't know if it changes anything but it's paired to an iPhone 5s. Received the watch on day 1 and I can reiterate that there is no 4-digit code set up. With the 1.0 software, it actually failed when I tried to add a 4-digit passcode so that I could use Apple Pay. When a software update came out for the watch I was able to then use Apple Pay and set up credit cards, but no 4-digit passcode.

I guess the only way is to bring it into the Apple store, but yeah, there's no prompt at all for a code of any kind. Any tap, button press, crown press, crown spin, etc. will prompt me to unlock the phone, which won't work because the pairing is severed.

So, you're basically saying that you were able to use Apple Pay _without_ setting a 4-digit code? That also means you could put your watch on the wrist and it was instantly accessible, with no blue lockpad symbol above the watchface? I fail to believe this.

 

[krisatwerk]

So, you're basically saying that you were able to use Apple Pay _without_ setting a 4-digit code? That also means you could put your watch on the wrist and it was instantly accessible, with no blue lockpad symbol above the watchface? I fail to believe this.

Yes to the first and no to the second. I have to put my watch on first and then unlock my phone. That will unlock my watch, otherwise it remains locked. From there, Apple Pay is accessible until the watch comes off your wrist. I am able to use Apple Pay without using a 4-digit code though.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Yes to the first and no to the second. I have to put my watch on first and then unlock my phone. That will unlock my watch, otherwise it remains locked. From there, Apple Pay is accessible until the watch comes off your wrist. I am able to use Apple Pay without using a 4-digit code though.

But the point is you're required to set up a passcode in order to turn on Apple Pay, but can use Apple Pay without having to enter the passcode once you've unlocked the watch using your phone.

 

[krisatwerk]

But the point is you're required to set up a passcode in order to turn on Apple Pay, but can use Apple Pay without having to enter the passcode once you've unlocked the watch using your phone.

No I'm not required to set up a passcode to turn on Apple Pay. My watch has no passcode, only iPhone unlock set up.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

No I'm not required to set up a passcode to turn on Apple Pay. My watch has no passcode, only iPhone unlock set up.

This is due to a bug. The same thing happened to another member until he re-paired the watch and was confused when he was required to set up a passcode when he didn't have to do it before. Apple Pay normally requires a passcode to be set up and if your watch doesn't require it due to a bug, it's a security flaw.

 

[Planey28]

No I'm not required to set up a passcode to turn on Apple Pay. My watch has no passcode, only iPhone unlock set up.

Apple Pay requires a passcode. It's also impossible to have the watch only unlock via an iPhone. What you are confusing is the option to have the iPhone automatically unlock your watch when you're wearing it, and you unlock your phone. This feature requires you to have a watch passcode set.

The watch cannot be set to require an iPhone to unlock it, its passcode is separate from your phone's although you can make them the same of course. Just for future reference. I'm glad you managed to get it sorted and re-paired.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Apple Pay requires a passcode. It's also impossible to have the watch only unlock via an iPhone. What you are confusing is the option to have the iPhone automatically unlock your watch when you're wearing it, and you unlock your phone. This feature requires you to have a watch passcode set.

The watch cannot be set to require an iPhone to unlock it, its passcode is separate from your phone's although you can make them the same of course. Just for future reference. I'm glad you managed to get it sorted and re-paired.

That's how it's supposed to behave normally but there's a reported bug that actually skips setting up the passcode. If that's the case and I were the OP, I'd unpair and re-pair the Watch to correct this bug because it's clearly a security flaw.

 

[Neo1975]

Apple Pay requires a passcode. It's also impossible to have the watch only unlock via an iPhone. What you are confusing is the option to have the iPhone automatically unlock your watch when you're wearing it, and you unlock your phone. This feature requires you to have a watch passcode set.

The watch cannot be set to require an iPhone to unlock it, its passcode is separate from your phone's although you can make them the same of course. Just for future reference. I'm glad you managed to get it sorted and re-paired.

I agree with this. I don't believe you can use Apple Pay without setting a passcode on your watch. Otherwise someone could steal or find your watch and go on a spending spree ( as long as purchases were under £20 )

 

[krisatwerk]

Apple Pay requires a passcode. It's also impossible to have the watch only unlock via an iPhone. What you are confusing is the option to have the iPhone automatically unlock your watch when you're wearing it, and you unlock your phone. This feature requires you to have a watch passcode set.

The watch cannot be set to require an iPhone to unlock it, its passcode is separate from your phone's although you can make them the same of course. Just for future reference. I'm glad you managed to get it sorted and re-paired.

Not to sound confrontational or anything like that, but it clearly is possible because I've been using it that way and continue to use Apple Pay without a passcode on my watch. Please let's just assume for a moment that although you have not experienced these conditions, that does not make this scenario "impossible".

I am a little confused by your second paragraph and your second sentence from the first paragraph. I don't believe I am confusing anything regarding the use of the watch. When off my wrist, it remains locked. I then put it on and it remains locked. I unlock my phone and then the watch unlocks. From there, I have access to my Apple Pay without a passcode. If the watch comes off my wrist, it locks again.

 

[krisatwerk]

I agree with this. I don't believe you can use Apple Pay without setting a passcode on your watch. Otherwise someone could steal or find your watch and go on a spending spree ( as long as purchases were under £20 )

The watch unlock is valid as long as the watch remains on your wrist. The second someone took the watch off my wrist, it will lock. The only way someone would be able to go on a spending spree is if they were to put on my watch and I were to unlock my phone in proximity to that person.

 

[krisatwerk]

That's how it's supposed to behave normally but there's a reported bug that actually skips setting up the passcode. If that's the case and I were the OP, I'd unpair and re-pair the Watch to correct this bug because it's clearly a security flaw.

Hi, can you provide a link or further information about this reported bug? From a usability standpoint I don't really mind using Apple Pay this way, since there's a security requirement to unlock your phone while the watch is worn.

 

[Mascots]

I agree with this. I don't believe you can use Apple Pay without setting a passcode on your watch. Otherwise someone could steal or find your watch and go on a spending spree ( as long as purchases were under £20 )

You can. It's been determined on here before.

Passcode on the watch is not required for Apple Pay setup, locking is. The exception here is when you are required to have an alphanumeric passcode, all devices must be lockable, and numeric passcodes are restricted by a security certificate; the phone becomes the only method to unlock the watch since you can't enter an alphanumeric code on the watch (the watch will tell you to unlock it via iPhone instead of presenting a list of numbers).

You'll probably need to take it into Apple to have it reset or call Apple to see if they have a way to unpair without unlocking. I'm not sure a solution was found in previously, but you can also look through the forums.

 

[krisatwerk]

You can. It's been determined on here before.

Passcode on the watch is not required for Apple Pay setup, locking is. The exception here is when you are required to have an alphanumeric passcode, all devices must be lockable, and numeric passcodes are restricted by a security certificate; the phone becomes the only method to unlock the watch since you can't enter an alphanumeric code on the watch (the watch will tell you to unlock it via iPhone instead of presenting a list of numbers).

You'll probably need to take it into Apple to have it reset or call Apple to see if they have a way to unpair without unlocking. I'm not sure a solution was found in previously, but you can also look through the forums.

I was able to erase the watch and restore a backup. Thanks for the information, that helps me understand my scenario a lot better!

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Hi, can you provide a link or further information about this reported bug? From a usability standpoint I don't really mind using Apple Pay this way, since there's a security requirement to unlock your phone while the watch is worn.

Let me see if I can find the thread.

Passcode on the watch is not required for Apple Pay setup, locking is. The exception here is when you are required to have an alphanumeric passcode, all devices must be lockable, and numeric passcodes are restricted by a security certificate; the phone becomes the only method to unlock the watch since you can't enter an alphanumeric code on the watch (the watch will tell you to unlock it via iPhone instead of presenting a list of numbers).

So how would you go about setting up Apple Pay without a numeric passcode on the Watch?

 

[Mascots]

So how would you go about setting up Apple Pay without a numeric passcode on the Watch?

What do you mean? The same way you would if you were to set up Apple Pay with a passcode, in the companion app, Passbook & Apple Pay - it will allow you to start & finish the process without any issue.

The Watch will follow security certificates just as strictly as the iPhone and you can not set a numeric passcode to  Watch if the certificate restricts them; that process (as you noted above) will be skipped on setup and omitted from options. At that point, the watch can only be unlocked by an iPhone as no passcode setup can take place on the watch. I believe certs can allow numeric passcodes on  Watch while requiring alphanumeric passcodes for the iPhone, but that has to be explicitly allowed and doesn't seem configured that way for a lot of people's setups.