Connection problems between Xcode and Apple Watch

Question

Created 1d

Replies 5

Boosts 0

Participants 3

This post is from the WWDC26 watchOS Q&A.

Hello! As I try to use Xcode (has happened in versions 16 and 26) and my Apple Watch (has happened with Series 6 and 10), the Devices and Simulators window reports problems connecting to the Watch. Messages vary from "Connecting to Apple Watch" to "Waiting to reconnect: Previous preparation error: the tunnel connection failed while the system tried to connect to the device; client unable to receive tunnel handshake response", or "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." The Watch was operational, and on my wrist, so it was unlocked. Any suggestions on how to move beyond this? Thank you!

Answer 1

Frameworks Engineer OP

Apple

1d

This seems like a bug — please file Feedback and post the number here!

Answer 2

m2martin8 OP

1d

Thank you for your reply! This was first reported in August 4, 2025 (FB19367415). No resolution has been found.

Answer 3

Frameworks Engineer OP

Apple

1d

Can you try with the first Xcode 27 beta?

Answer 4

RyanFerrell OP

1d

I find toggling Bluetooth and sometimes restarting or physically connecting the paired iPhone helps to restore communication.

Anecdotal: Xcode 27 has had zero errors, although apparently my 3 year old Ultra 1 is now relegated to past OS testing only.

Answer 5

m2martin8 OP

1d

Thank you for the suggestion. I will download Xcode 27 beta and see what happens. I want to add that, after eight months of not being able to connect, Xcode 26.4 started to connect with my Watch in April '26. I still receive the error, but the communication is established after a few minutes. Current versions of software involved: Xcode 26.4 running from an M4 Mac mini running macOS Tahoe 26.2.1. Watch Series 10 (running watchOS 26.4) paired to an iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 26.5.