You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Issue Setting Up Apple Watch Cellular - "Couldn't Sync iCloud Data" Error

I have spent two days trying to set up my new Apple Watch Cellular with my iPhone 15, but I keep encountering a persistent issue. When attempting to configure the watch, I receive the error message: “Couldn't sync iCloud data,” with options to either cancel or delete iCloud data. I have repeatedly selected “Delete data,” but nothing happens, and the Apple Watch app on my iPhone simply displays a “Server error” message.

At this point, I’m frustrated and disappointed. I’ve spent £500 on a product that I can’t even use. Both my iPhone and Apple Watch are updated to the latest iOS, so I expected a smooth experience. This watch doesn’t reflect the usual Apple quality—it feels like a rushed cheap product, and I'm frankly fed up. Apple's products are deteriorating.



Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 7:34 AM

Reply
6 replies

Nov 27, 2024 9:15 AM in response to Henrik Carlsson

I was having the same issue and ended up going to the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store and they were able to figure it out. The issue was I had another Apple device (iPad in my case) with the Apple ID I was attempting to set up on the Apple Watch, and that other Apple device did not have a passcode setup/enabled. Once I put a passcode on the other Apple device, I was then able to enter that passcode on the new Apple Watch when asked and everything else in the setup completed as normal. Hope this helps.

Nov 24, 2024 9:00 PM in response to Henrik Carlsson

Now I have solved this problem!The cause of this issue is that the Apple account you created/separately logged in to on your Apple Watch is unable to sync iCloud, the solution is to just log in to the Apple account you logged in to on your Apple Watch on another Apple device (iPhone or iPad) and follow the instructions to sync or delete the data that can't be synced!

Issue Setting Up Apple Watch Cellular - "Couldn't Sync iCloud Data" Error

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.