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

I have spent two days trying to set up my new Apple Watch Cellular with my iPhone 15, but I keep encountering a persistent issue. When attempting to configure the watch, I receive the error message: “Couldn't sync iCloud data,” with options to either cancel or delete iCloud data. I have repeatedly selected “Delete data,” but nothing happens, and the Apple Watch app on my iPhone simply displays a “Server error” message.

At this point, I’m frustrated and disappointed. I’ve spent £500 on a product that I can’t even use. Both my iPhone and Apple Watch are updated to the latest iOS, so I expected a smooth experience. This watch doesn’t reflect the usual Apple quality—it feels like a rushed cheap product, and I'm frankly fed up. Apple's products are deteriorating.

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 7:34 AM

Top-ranking reply

hopeqing

Level 1

7 points

Posted on Nov 30, 2024 7:45 PM

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.

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23 replies

hopeqing

Level 1

7 points

Dec 2, 2024 4:57 AM in response to hopeqing

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.

bruuklin

Level 1

8 points

Dec 25, 2024 1:58 PM in response to Manuel_Andrei

Hi, right here with you on Christmas dealing with this. The suggestion from txholden and zeratul209 actually worked for me if helpful for you. Hope you're able to get it going. Bad form by apple on this.

Dec 25, 2024 2:15 PM in response to Henrik Carlsson

Nothing has worked for me. Do you need to have everything logged in as the child?

I did that, Web account, iPad account and still the watch says it can't connect to iCloud.

Not sure what else I can do... SOOOO FRUSTRATED

Dec 25, 2024 7:04 PM in response to KFerguson67

update: after 2 hours with the Apple guy on the phone, it worked! What a lousy way to spend Christmas Day. The procedure was basically that as outlined above with a few other little things that can’t even remember.

diverkk

Level 1

8 points

Dec 25, 2024 10:46 PM in response to Henrik Carlsson

I’m having the same issue! I’ve spent our entire Christmas trying to figure this out, including 1.5 hours in chat with no resolution. My child even commented we shouldn’t buy Apple products anymore. Sad he feels so lousy about his gift.

Dec 25, 2024 9:46 AM in response to Manuel_Andrei

Same! What a fun Christmas Day this has been.

Dec 25, 2024 7:08 PM in response to MjekuMati

I suggest you start a chat with Apple support. I did that and it still didn’t work. The chat person then had an Apple guy phone me. It finally worked for me this way.

ndzMN

Level 1

8 points

Dec 25, 2024 9:19 PM in response to bruuklin

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I too spent HOURS of my day trying to set up my child's apple watch. So infuriating! Your post was so helpful. Happy New Year!

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