How do I set up an Apple Watch when it asks for an old email password I forgot?
Answer
The Watch is asking for the Apple ID password for the email shown—reset that Apple ID password through Apple’s official account recovery, then continue pairing on the iPhone.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not share your Apple ID password or one-time codes with anyone who calls or texts you unexpectedly.
- Erasing the Watch without unlocking Activation Lock can leave it unusable if you cannot prove ownership.
Follow these steps
Note the exact Apple ID email
On the Watch or iPhone setup screen, write down the email address it is asking for. That is the Apple ID you must unlock.
You should see: You know which Apple ID password is required.
Start Apple’s official password reset
On a phone or computer, open Apple’s account recovery page (iforgot.apple.com) or go to Settings > [your name] on a device already signed into that Apple ID, then choose Forgot Password / Change Password.
You should see: Apple’s official reset flow begins for that email address.
Complete verification and set a new password
Follow Apple’s prompts using a trusted phone number, device, or email recovery options. Create a new strong password and store it somewhere safe you control.
You should see: The Apple ID password is updated successfully.
Return to Apple Watch pairing
On the iPhone, open the Watch app and continue setup, signing in with the same email and the new password when prompted.
You should see: The Watch accepts the Apple ID and pairing continues.
Wait if Apple starts account recovery
If Apple cannot verify you immediately and starts a waiting period for account recovery, leave the Watch setup paused until Apple confirms access is restored, then try pairing again.
You should see: Access is restored after the recovery wait, and setup can finish.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The exact email address shown on the Watch or iPhone setup screen, and a Forgot Password option
Before you change anything: Write down the email address shown on the setup screen. Use only Apple’s official iforgot or Settings password-reset flow. Do not share the Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
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