Unable to verify my Apple Watch with an unknown error

I've tried all the suggested steps-checking my internet connection, restarting devices, updating software, unpairing and re-pairing, signing out and back into my Apple ID, checking Apple system status, and resetting my Apple Watch-but the issue still persists. Unfortunately, it still didn't work.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on May 12, 2025 12:30 PM

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Posted on May 18, 2025 11:20 PM

Glad to say this finally worked for me too! Here’s what I did:


  1. Skipped Apple ID sign-in during initial setup. When pairing my Series 4, I skipped the Apple Account step but did set up my watch passcode.
  2. Installed an app on the Watch. In the Watch App Store on the watch itself, I downloaded (and installed) any free app—I used the Nike app.
  3. Signed in post App installation. Post installing the app, I attempted to sign in to my Apple ID. I entered my password, then my two-factor code, and it went through without error.


So—by triggering the App Store flow I got the full Apple ID sign-in dialog. Hope this helps others who saw that same “Unknown Error” message!

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Unable to verify my Apple Watch with an unknown error

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