Q: Apple watch locks up on wrist

Hi

In order for Wrist Detection to work correctly, it certainly should not be necessary to wear your watch overly tightly. For the best results from this and other features, the back of your watch needs to be in contact with your skin. The right fit should be neither too tight nor too loose, with room for your skin to breathe:

• Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

Sensor performance may be impacted by temporary or permanent skin changes such as some wrist tattoos.

Otherwise, the following steps may help:

• Check that Wrist Detection is turned on: on your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > General > Wrist Detection.

• If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:
  • Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • Update the software on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

• Restart both your iPhone and your watch, turning both devices off together, then restarting your iPhone first;
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

• Unpair and re-pair your watch:
  • The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch automatically when unpairing via the app. Choose to Restore from Backup during set up. Most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions (eg Apple Pay cards, passcode).
  • Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support
  • Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the issue persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch checked and, if necessary, serviced under warranty:

• Contact - Official Apple Support
• https://twitter.com/applesupport
• http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

bethboulais wrote:

 

I've tried turning off the passcode to the watch and it will not allow that. It repeatedly states I must enter a new passcode.

You may have passcode restrictions enforced on your iPhone (via a corporate configuration profile, mobile device management or Exchange policy).

Passcode restrictions that are set on a managed iPhone also affect Apple Watch, so you may not be able to turn off the passcode on your watch.

bethboulais wrote:

 

.. but what of the problem with it locking up, continually requiring re-entering of the passcode? ..

Please see my first reply, which suggests various steps, including arranging for your watch to be checked by Apple if necessary.