Apple Watch needs a software update to be paired, but I can't access that Apple ID

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple Watch needs a software update to be paired, but I can't access that Apple ID

My iWatch was originally paired with my old Apple account (the comcast.net email was deleted so I made a new gmail.com Apple ID). I paired my iWatch with a new iPhone 12 a few years ago with my new gmail.com Apple ID.

This is where it gets a little strange.

I dropped the watch on a tile floor and it needed to be unpaired and re-paired. Should be no problem. On I un-paired it and on pairing it now I get a message that the iWatch needs a software update before it can be paired. But to update the iWatch software I need the original comcast.net Apple ID account password, message is that find my device was set on the old comcast.net even though I had paired it to a phone with the new gmail.com Apple ID. The old account doesn't exist any more and I can't reset that accounts password so there is no way I can update the software on the iWatch.

Question: Do we just throw these things in the garbage?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 27, 2023 12:05 AM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

67,213 points

Dec 27, 2023 12:14 AM in response to CrybabyToo

First off, you shouldn't have made a new Apple ID, you should have just updated the original ID with your new email account!

Changing the email address you use for your Apple ID -

Change your Apple ID - Apple Support

Are you sure that you can't recover the original Apple ID?

Otherwise, Apple Support may be able to assist you. No one here works for Apple or has access to your account(s).

Worldwide Apple Support -

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.2;  Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.2; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 16.7.3; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.2; HomePods, audioOS 17.2 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

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Answer 2

CrybabyToo Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 27, 2023 5:22 AM in response to Dah•veed

Thanks for responding. It’s always more complicated. I’m living in the Philippines now. My daughter was using my iTunes to download hundreds of songs years ago (I never use iTunes so I didn’t notice). Along with getting that email hacked, the credit card on that account stollen, then problems using VPN here in the Philippines (some apps need VPN some refuse to allow it), the account was not worth the trouble so I started a clean one. No problems until I realized there is a hidden link to the account it was first set up on, separate from the phone I paired it to. The link you sent does have a contact, none of the preset selections seem to match my problem. I’ll keep trying, then use this as an excuse to go buy a new watch in Manila, it’s old enough.

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Apple Watch needs a software update to be paired, but I can't access that Apple ID

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