Unable to verify my Apple Watch with an unknown error

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!

I just got back from the Apple store. I wish they would’ve just told me this when I chatted with support the other day. Basically, 1st Gen SE and all other Apple Watches that are not compatible with watch os11 is no longer supported. SOME FUNCTIONS (like iCloud services) MAY NOT WORK with iPhone’s latest firmware, ios 18.5. The tech explained this to me. So, for now, my Apple Watch is paired; however, I cannot stream Apple Music, or access my Apple Wallet, and other iCloud features.

Apple Watch 5 44mm:

I was finally able to fix this error I had been having for about a year now. At lease 5 times a week, my Apple Watch would ask me to sign. I would select ok and use my iPhone keyboard to type in my password, because my password has special characters that will not pick up using the Apple Watch swipe feature. My Apple Watch would always say the verification failed, and show 5 characters, as if I did not complete the password. My password is 15 characters.

My fix was to use the iPhone to type in the password, but select done on the Apple Watch. Whenever I would select go on the iPhone after entering the password, it would always fail. I finally selected done on the Apple Watch and it worked. My watch no longer asks for my password.

Fixed it for myself! What I did was installed any app on my iPhone before going through the new pairing setup of the Apple Watch. Once I did this the setup did not even prompt me for a password and connected to my Apple account on its own.

I also added a passcode during the watch setup (previously I was skipping this step, not sure it matters)

I found helpful comments here: https://www.reddit.com/r/applehelp/s/wfGRPxJ2dg

Hi, I’m facing the exact same issue on my Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 44mm). After entering my Apple ID credentials, I keep getting the error:

"Verification failed. An unknown error occurred."

I’ve already tried resetting the watch, resetting my Apple ID password, and following all the steps Apple Support suggested—nothing worked. They eventually told me 2FA may not be supported for my Apple ID on the Watch, which is strange because it worked fine until recently.

Would be great if others experiencing this could also report it. Clearly something changed in a recent update.

Had the same issue. Solved.

steps:

open watch app

choose app not installed

install

choose settings

change to always download updates

you will see a notification to sign in to the store

sign in with passwords credentials

all set.

I have exact the same issue. I tried resetting my watch several times but no succes so far.

And since the watch is not connected to my Apple Account, I can't select it for a support case.

I verified that the password and username are correct, since other devices are able to connect to it.

Even on apple.com I am able to login.

Same issue with me. Bought a new iPhone 16 Pro Max. Went to pair my 44mm SE Watch - no luck. “Verification Failed An unknown error occurred” appears in a popup. I’ve tried at least 25 times. Reset the watch. Reset my new phone. Erased and reset network. Reset my region and tried that way. Nothing is working. Chatted with Apple Support - no help, no idea why its not working. I’m using my apple watch, but cannot access any of the iCloud features for now. PLEASE HELP!

I am having this same exact problem too. Upgraded iPhone to 16e, and now having this issue trying to setup Apple Watch Series 4 with it. None of the suggested solutions have worked.

Has anyone had any success fixing this with Apple support?

You can perhaps use the serial number located on the back of the watch to start a support case!

But yes, having exactly the same issue so I went to the store and they said it was a hardware issue and sent it off for repairs (I have AppleCare+). None of the troubleshooting steps worked. Either it’s a bug or a hardware issue.

The trick is to find the right to enter your password. So surely not when asking for update your account. This only valid is your add the password from your wallet.

ideally, deactivate and reactivate the option background app refresh to force reconnecting the system.

No, I tried that. It didn’t work. I skipped signing into my account when asked. I tried that as well. No luck. I’m meeting with a tech at the Apple Store this afternoon. I’ll report back my findings.

Yesterday I unpaired my watch so I can turn it in to get a new battery. But before doing so, it would not accept my apple password. Went to my macbook and it would not allow me to change password! said it had to be done on my iPhone. Ok..so changed the password and used it on both macbook and iPhone, but when I go to update on my watch app, it keeps on saying "verification failed...an unknown error occurred"....so watch is not accepting the NEW password that should have synced across devices. I would appreciate any help you can give me after you see the tech.

I open the watch app, but I do not see "choose app not installed"??? where is this? My watch wants me to update apple account settings but will not accept my password. Keep getting "Verification failed..an unknown error occurred".

Thanks so much! This post saved me! Logging in on the Apple watch itself is the answer. I chose the Audible app, which is free, to download to get the prompt to sign in. I then signed in on the watch when prompted. I then had to press download on the app again on the watch, at which time a prompt was sent to my phone for me to sign in on my phone. I clicked the sign in notification on the phone and signed in. Then, when I went back to the Watch app on iphone and clicked Set up Account, it disappeared!