Watch Series 7 with Apple ID with MacBookPro (mid 2010)

Hi DaveMacLachlan,

We see you're attempting to add an Apple Watch to your Apple ID but are alerted about an older MacBook.

This is most likely related to two-factor authentication. Macs would need to have macOS El Capitan or later to be eligible for use with 2FA. That said, you should still be able to sign into that MacBook as outlined in the following article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID

What if I use two-factor authentication on a device running older software?

If you use two-factor authentication with devices running older OS versions—like an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)—you might be asked to add your six-digit verification code to the end of your password when signing in. Get your verification code from a trusted device running iOS 9 and later or OS X El Capitan and later, or have it sent to your trusted phone number. Then type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field.

So long as you have a device running an eligible OS, such as your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can generate the code needed to sign back into your older MacBook.

Cheers!

Hey DaveMacLachlan,

While this may be a recent change with the introduction of Monterey, the current minimum OS to be able to fully take use of 2FA is El Capitan.

Your Mac will sign out of your Apple ID as stated in that message, however when signing back in, enter the code provided on either your iPhone or other trusted device after your password and it should sign you back into your Mac on High Sierra w/out issue.

The main difference you'll experience between your Mac and other devices regarding 2FA is you can't use your Mac to generate the codes.

Take care.

DaveMacLachlan,

Thanks for the update.

Post update if you do notice an issue signing in on your Mac, try entering the 2FA code after your password. If you encounter continued issues, feel free to reply to this thread.

Cheers!