How do I prevent 'Too Many Passcode Attempts' error on Apple Watch after normal overnight charging?

I went to put on my put on my Apple Watch Ultra this morning off the charger, and I got the message "Too Many Passcode Attempts. Reset Apple Watch and pair again." But I did not make ANY attempts at the passcode - not once. This is about the fourth time this has happened to me in the last few years, including a different apple watch model. From another community message, I reset it last time without using the backup, and it still happened - there are so many people that are complaining about this problem in the community, all on different threads, without any resolution besides instructions to go through the pain of reseting and repairing the watch. I know how to do that, I've done it a few times now, but I shouldn't have to. I get that apple wants to protect my privacy, but this is ridiculous. I would rather NOT have this protection if it continually makes a bug and makes my watch useless for a day until I have time to reset and repair it - is there a way to turn it off?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Watch message after normal overnight charging: "Too Many Passcode Attempts. Reset Apple Watch and Pair Again" but I never tried my pass code once, and this has happened many times before.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 9:19 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 9:48 PM

You can disable the passcode on your watch in Settings -> Passcode

Some features may not work anymore after that, for example Apple Pay:

Lock or unlock Apple Watch - Apple Support


I remember, that this passcode issue happened in a previous watchOS version, but I thought that Apple fixed that in an update. Resetting the watch is the only workaround.

If you forget your Apple Watch passcode - Apple Support


In any case, you should let Apple Techs know directly about this issue by using the Feedback link, to make them aware of the software issue:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 12, 2025 9:48 PM in response to Ziemoose99

You can disable the passcode on your watch in Settings -> Passcode

Some features may not work anymore after that, for example Apple Pay:

Lock or unlock Apple Watch - Apple Support


I remember, that this passcode issue happened in a previous watchOS version, but I thought that Apple fixed that in an update. Resetting the watch is the only workaround.

If you forget your Apple Watch passcode - Apple Support


In any case, you should let Apple Techs know directly about this issue by using the Feedback link, to make them aware of the software issue:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple


How do I prevent 'Too Many Passcode Attempts' error on Apple Watch after normal overnight charging?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.