Apple Watch Passcode Greyed Out
You go to your Apple Watch settings, ready to change or turn off your passcode—only to find the option is greyed out. Frustrating, right? If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Many users type “Apple Watch passcode greyed out” into Google when they’re stuck and can’t figure out why this setting is blocked.
Some blogs suggest downloading third-party iPhone unlocker tools, but the truth is—most of the time, you don’t need them. The problem usually comes from a simple setting or restriction that can be fixed in minutes.
In this guide, we’ll explore 5 surprising reasons why your Apple Watch passcode greyed out and show you step-by-step fixes for each one.
Reason 1: Wrist Detection is Disabled
Apple Watch relies on wrist detection for many security features. If it’s turned off, the passcode option may appear greyed out.
Fix:
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Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
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Go to Passcode > Wrist Detection.
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Make sure it’s switched ON.
👉 Once wrist detection is enabled, check if the Apple Watch passcode greyed out issue is gone.
Reason 2: MDM or Company Profile Restrictions
If your Apple Watch or iPhone is managed by a company (via MDM—Mobile Device Management), some settings like passcodes can be restricted. This often leads to the Apple Watch passcode greyed out problem.
Fix:
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Check if your iPhone has a management profile installed (Settings > General > VPN & Device Management).
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If it does, contact your IT admin to remove or adjust restrictions.
👉 If you’re using a personal device, and there’s an old profile still active, removing it can solve the Apple Watch passcode greyed out issue immediately.
Reason 3: Outdated Software
An outdated version of watchOS or iOS doesn’t always cause the passcode option to grey out—but it can trigger related bugs or glitches. Updating your devices is a smart troubleshooting step if the other fixes don’t work.
Fix:
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On iPhone, open the Watch app.
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Tap General > Software Update.
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Update both your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest versions.
👉 While updating may not always be the direct cause, it often helps clear issues connected to the Apple Watch passcode greyed out problem.
Reason 4: Restrictions in Screen Time Settings
Sometimes, Screen Time settings on iPhone restrict passcode changes, which then affects the Apple Watch.
Fix:
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On iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
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Tap Passcode Changes and set it to Allow.
👉 This small tweak can instantly bring back the option if your Apple Watch passcode greyed out.
Reason 5: Watch Not Properly Paired with iPhone
If your Apple Watch isn’t fully paired or the connection is broken, some settings—including passcode—may be unavailable.
Fix:
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Open the Watch app and check pairing status.
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If needed, unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
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Backup data first (it’s usually saved in iCloud).
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Re-pairing often refreshes settings and clears the Apple Watch passcode greyed out error.
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✅ Final Thoughts
Seeing your Apple Watch passcode greyed out can be confusing, but as you’ve seen, it usually comes down to a few common causes: wrist detection, profiles, outdated software, restrictions, or pairing issues.
By following the fixes above, you should be able to restore control over your Apple Watch passcode and get back to using your device with full security.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is my Apple Watch passcode greyed out?
The most common reasons are disabled wrist detection, company restrictions (MDM), outdated software, Screen Time settings, or pairing issues. Fixing these usually restores the option.
2. Can I fix Apple Watch passcode greyed out without unpairing?
Yes—start by checking wrist detection, Screen Time restrictions, and updating your watch. Unpairing and re-pairing should be your last option if other fixes don’t work.
3. Does outdated software cause the Apple Watch passcode option to grey out?
Not always. Outdated software can cause glitches that affect passcode settings, but it isn’t always the direct cause. Updating is still recommended to avoid related issues.
4. What if my Apple Watch passcode is still greyed out after trying all fixes?
If none of the solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support. It could be a deeper configuration issue or hardware-related.
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