Issue Setting Up Apple Watch Cellular - "Couldn't Sync iCloud Data" Error

I am facing the same issue. I am setting up apple watch SE 2 for my son as a stand alone device. Just created a brand new apple ID for him. Still encounters the same error message. He doesn't have any other apple device besides this apple watch that I am trying to set up for him. I can't imagine what kind of icloud data he could have. Very frustrating.

Having the same issue, were you able to resolve it?

Now I have solved this problem!The cause of this issue is that the Apple account you created/separately logged in to on your Apple Watch is unable to sync iCloud, the solution is to just log in to the Apple account you logged in to on your Apple Watch on another Apple device (iPhone or iPad) and follow the instructions to sync or delete the data that can't be synced!

I was having the same issue and ended up going to the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store and they were able to figure it out. The issue was I had another Apple device (iPad in my case) with the Apple ID I was attempting to set up on the Apple Watch, and that other Apple device did not have a passcode setup/enabled. Once I put a passcode on the other Apple device, I was then able to enter that passcode on the new Apple Watch when asked and everything else in the setup completed as normal. Hope this helps.

Having the same problem for iOS18.1 iPhone14 Pro Apple Watch SE（Second generation） watch os 11.1

Having the same issue! Would love to get this addressed.

I am facing the same issue. Iphone 15 pro max and Apple Watch SE 2!

This worked for me. I was trying to set up an Apple Watch with a Child (Family Member) account. The Child had no other Apple devices. I had to find a spare device (iPad), wipe it, and set it up using the same Child's Apple Account account. After the iPad completed setup, there was a prompt to wipe the Child's iCloud data, so I did that. Afterward, I was able to pair the Apple Watch using the Child account.

After struggling with the setup of Apple watch SE 2 until late night, I gave up. The next day, when I went to try again from scratch, there was a software update. Once this update was installed, I had no problem setup the watch. Thanks whoever fixed this in the back end.

OK after hours and hours this worked for me. I just searched for “iCloud data” in iPad settings (one that was signed into my child’s iCloud account). I selected “Advanced Data Protections” and followed the prompts to delete any backups (like Health Data, etc). This didn’t change anything on her iPad and I was able to MANUALLY (not QR code) sync her watch. Ignore as many prompts as you can (set up later) and that worked for me.