7 Fixes for “Apple Watch Passcode Not Working” – Quick Solutions You Need

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“Apple Watch Passcode Not Working”

If your Apple Watch passcode not working problem is driving you crazy, you’re not alone. Thousands of users face this issue every day—sometimes after a watchOS update, sometimes because the screen doesn’t register input properly, and often simply due to too many failed attempts.

It can feel stressful, especially if your watch suddenly refuses to unlock when you’re sure you’re typing the right code. But don’t panic. In most cases, the Apple Watch passcode not working issue comes down to a simple fix.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 quick solutions that work. We’ll also cover why it happens, what to do if you’ve completely forgotten your passcode, and when it’s time to contact Apple Support.

Why Does “Apple Watch Passcode Not Working” Happen?


The Apple Watch passcode not working error can be caused by several things:

  • Entering the wrong passcode (or mixing it up with your iPhone code).

  • Too many failed attempts → watch gets disabled.

  • A watchOS update glitch.

  • Touchscreen issues, water, or screen protectors interfering.

  • Accessibility settings (like VoiceOver) altering input.

  • Forgotten passcode or Apple ID lock (Activation Lock).

Now, let’s get into the fixes.

Fix 1: Restart Your Apple Watch and iPhone

Sometimes, the Apple Watch passcode not working error is just a temporary glitch. Restart both devices:

  1. Hold the side button on your Apple Watch until the Power Off slider shows.

  2. Drag the slider to turn it off.

  3. Restart your iPhone.

  4. Power both back on and try your passcode again.

Fix 2: Force Restart Apple Watch

If your screen is frozen and the Apple Watch passcode not working issue continues:

  1. Press and hold the side button + Digital Crown together.

  2. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

Now try unlocking again.

Fix 3: Clean the Screen and Try Again

It sounds silly, but dirt, sweat, water, or even a thick screen protector can cause the Apple Watch passcode not working problem. Wipe your screen and remove the protector if needed.

Fix 4: Disable Accessibility Interference

If you accidentally enabled VoiceOver or other features, the Apple Watch passcode not working message may appear even when you type correctly. Double-check your Accessibility settings in the Watch app on your iPhone.

Fix 5: Erase Apple Watch and Restore From Backup

If you’ve forgotten your passcode or the watch is disabled:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

  2. Go to My Watch > General > Reset.

  3. Select Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.

You can then set it up again and restore from backup. This solves the Apple Watch passcode not working issue in most cases.

⚠️ Important: This doesn’t remove Activation Lock. You’ll still need the Apple ID and password linked to the watch.

Fix 6: Erase Without iPhone (Directly on Apple Watch)

If your iPhone isn’t around, you can still fix the Apple Watch passcode not working problem:

  1. Put your Apple Watch on its charger.

  2. Hold the side button until the Power Off slider shows.

  3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see “Erase all content and settings.”

  4. Tap it, then set up your watch again.

Check "How to Unpair Apple Watch from iPhone." for more details.

Fix 7: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above resolves the Apple Watch passcode not working issue, it could be hardware-related. Book a Genius Bar appointment or contact Apple Support. Make sure you bring proof of purchase if Activation Lock is involved.

FAQs About “Apple Watch Passcode Not Working”



1. Why is my Apple Watch not accepting the passcode?
Because of wrong input, a frozen screen, forgotten passcode, or software glitches.

2. Can I bypass the Apple Watch passcode?
No. The only official way is to erase and restore. Activation Lock still requires your Apple ID.

3. How do I reset my Apple Watch passcode?
Erase your watch using your iPhone’s Watch app or directly on the watch, then restore from backup.

4. Will erasing remove Activation Lock?
No. Activation Lock remains until the original Apple ID/password is entered.

5. When should I contact Apple Support?
If your Apple Watch passcode not working even after erasing, or if you suspect a hardware issue.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch passcode not working problem feels like a nightmare in the moment—you just want your watch back. But the reality is, most causes are straightforward: a temporary software glitch, wrong input, or a disabled screen after too many attempts.

Start with the easy fixes like restarting your devices, then move on to erasing and restoring if necessary. Just remember, Activation Lock means you’ll always need the Apple ID tied to the watch.

So while it’s frustrating, take comfort in this: you’re not locked out forever. With the right steps, you can regain full access and get your Apple Watch back to normal.


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