"Approve with Apple Watch" is not working and am forced to enter user password

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Level 1

5 points

"Approve with Apple Watch" is not working and am forced to enter user password

"Approve with Apple Watch" initially works but then intermittently fails and I'm forced to enter user/pw. I haven't been able to tell what causes it to quit or what sequence of events fix it (other than using System Settings > Touch ID & Security > toggle Apple Watch or restarting).

I notice it most in Apple Passwords app, 1Password app, System Settings that require approval (e.g. System Settings > Privacy & Security > options in Security section).

1Password support suggested unpairing my apple watch and repairing but I'm hesitant to lose all my data. They also suggested contacting Apple to provide less destructive steps for troubleshooting the connection between your Mac and your Apple Watch. Thought I'd start with this community.

Any thoughts?

Macbook Pro (2018) w/ Sequoia 15.1.1

Apple Watch 6 w/ 11.1

On same WIFI, logged in with same Apple ID w/ 2 factor

[Re-Titled By Moderator]

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 3:11 PM

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Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

15,602 points

Nov 26, 2024 5:23 PM in response to EA439

I've recently had the same issue. Here is what worked for me:

Turn off "Watch Unlock" on Mac.
Open the Watch App o your iPhone.
Unpair your Apple Watch.
Pair your Apple Watch (you'll be prompted to use a backup, so you won't loose anything on your watch except the credit cards which you'll have to add again from the Watch app.)
Turn on "Watch Unlock" on Mac.
Shut down the Mac completely and turn back on (this is important.)

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