Apple Watch may need to be unlocked to recover from previously reported preparation errors

Question

Created Jul ’25

Replies 3

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I'm trying to run(debug) an Xcode watch app project on my watch. My phone is connected to my computer via USB cable, my watch is paired to my phone. When I open Xcode and then open "Devices and simulators", I can see my phone properly connected. But these errors show up for my watch........

Apple Watch may need to be unlocked to recover from previously reported preparation errors

Ensure the device is unlocked and associated with the same local area network as this Mac.

A connection to this device could not be established. Timed out while attempting to establish tunnel using negotiated network parameters.

I have booted computer, phone and watch. I have turned wifi off and on, on all 3 devices. I have turned developer mode on the watch off and then back on again.

Anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

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Answer 1

iOSDevLA OP

Jul ’25

Same result on 2 different computers. I've reset my watch and paired it with my phone again and have the same result.

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Answer 2

OkGages OP

1w

I have the same problem. Have restarted devices and reinstalled Xcode and the same issue occurs. First I see this: "Copying shared cache symbols from Apple Watch (7% completed) Xcode will continue when the operation completes." Then I see: "Apple Watch may need to be unlocked to recover from previously reported preparation errors Ensure the device is unlocked and near this Mac for better connection quality."

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Answer 3

OkGages OP

1w

Workaround: During "Copying shared cache symbols from Apple Watch", ensure all device screens (Watch, iPhone, Mac) never sleep. Do this by tapping the face of each frequently. This enabled successful pairing and testing of Watch App on my Apple Watch.

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