My son’s iPhone 13 won’t pair with new Apple SE watch

Hello Winemom78,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you have forgotten the Apple ID password to the Apple Watch you gave to your son. We are happy to help.

Do you have another trusted device or trusted phone number? If so, you can use that to reset the password that you’ve forgotten if using two-factor authentication. Here’s more information on that: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

"About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices

With two-factor authentication, a trusted device or trusted phone number helps verify your identity when you sign in to a new device or browser.

What is a trusted phone number?

To use two-factor authentication, you need at least one trusted phone number on file where you can receive verification codes. If you have a phone number that isn't associated with your trusted device, consider verifying it as an additional trusted phone number. If your iPhone is your only trusted device and it's missing or damaged, you won't be able to receive verification codes required to access your account.

To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers:

• On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > [your name], then tap Sign-In & Security. Tap Two-Factor Authentication, then tap Edit. From here you can remove an existing trusted phone number or add a new one.
• On your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click your name. Click Sign-In & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.
• Go to the Account Security section of appleid.apple.com.

What is a trusted device?

A trusted device is an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Mac that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication. It's a device that we know is yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser.

Learn how to see and manage your trusted devices"

If you do not have another trusted device or trusted phone number, the next step is to use account recovery using the steps here: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support

"What is account recovery?

Account recovery is a process designed to get you back into your Apple ID account when you don’t have enough information to reset your password. For security reasons, it might take several days or longer before you can use your account again. We know this delay is inconvenient, but it's important so that we can keep your account and information safe.

Before you start the account recovery waiting period, try to reset your password. 

• If you don't know your Apple ID, try your email address or phone number. In addition to your Apple ID, you can sign in and reset your password with other email addresses or phone numbers on file in your Apple ID account.
• Learn how to reset your Apple ID password on a trusted device or through the Apple Support app on a family member’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. You can also visit an Apple Store and ask to use a device on site.
• If you set up an account recovery contact, they can also help you reset your password.

Use account recovery only as a last resort when you can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password.

After you start account recovery

After you request account recovery, you get an email with a confirmation of your request and the date and time of when you can expect to regain access. This email arrives within 72 hours.

• If you submitted your account recovery request with iforgot.apple.com through your device's browser, you should avoid using that device during this period. Using that device might cancel account recovery. 
• To avoid delays, turn off other devices that are signed in with your Apple ID until account recovery is complete. 

When the wait period is over, Apple sends you a text or automated phone call with instructions to regain access to your account. Follow the instructions to regain access to your Apple ID.

In some cases, you might be able to speed up the account recovery process or reset your password immediately by verifying a six-digit code sent to your primary email address. You might also be able to shorten the wait time by providing credit-card details to confirm your identity. If you’re given this option, an authorization request goes to the card issuer.*

Check the status of your request

At any time, you can see how long it will be until your account is ready for recovery, or when more information will be available. Just go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID.

Cancel your request

• If you remember your information and can sign in successfully, your wait period cancels automatically and you can use your Apple ID immediately.
• To cancel a recovery request that you did not make, follow the instructions in your email confirmation."

These steps may help. Please let us know if you have further questions.

Take care.