User profile for user: Henrik Carlsson
Henrik Carlsson Author
User level: Level 1
85 points

Apple Watch cellular setup fails with '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.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]



Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 7:34 AM

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User profile for user: Jeff Spearin
Jeff Spearin
User level: Level 1
17 points

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 9:15 AM

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.

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User profile for user: bruuklin
bruuklin
User level: Level 1
14 points

Dec 25, 2024 3:16 PM in response to Mikhala73

Here’s what I did. Who knows why it worked but hope it’s helpful:

  • kept iPhone logged in to my Apple ID
  • on an iPad I logged out of my Apple ID and logged into my son’s Apple ID. That had already been created awhile ago and was on Family Sharing
  • on the iPad it took awhile to sign me out because it said it had to clear iCloud data. But finally did.
  • I then followed prompts to unpair the watch and start all over.
  • the first time it got me further but stalled out when it asked me for the passcode for the iPad.
  • so I started over again
  • this time it accepted the passcode and it allowed me to fully set up
  • he’s now happily riding around on his bike showing it off to his friends and I’ve texted him to see it in action. 👍🏼🙂


I'm not sure why this process is so convoluted or what the iPad had to do with anything in the universe. But after two wasted hours that’s what finally worked.


I wish you luck and definitely sympathize.


Dear Watch OS team, please fix this mess. Signed: lots of frustrated parents who you hung out to dry on Christmas.

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Apple Watch cellular setup fails with 'Couldn't Sync iCloud Data' error

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