Account verification requested only when swimming

Why does my Apple Watch (series 9, OS26.6) want me to verify my Apple account Only when I’m swimming?

I wear my watch all day, but it only requests an account verification when I’m in the middle of a swim workout.

This notification prevents me seeing the workout display, meaning I need to stop my workout, expel the water to unlock the screen, choose “not now” to check how many laps I’ve swum then turn the water lock back on before I start swimming again.

It did happen to me once outside of the pool, so I took the opportunity to verify my account as requested, but it only took a week before the next request came while swimming again. The requests appear randomly, but usually only when swimming.

I can see I’m not the only one with this issue, but can’t see that anyone has posted a solution for it yet.

Posted on Oct 13, 2026 3:26 AM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 14, 2026 7:44 AM in response to BeEmK

Hi there

Please try this

Re-verify through the Watch App: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > Apple Account, and sign back in to force a fresh token exchange.
Sign Out and Sign Back In to iCloud: On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name], sign out of your Apple ID, restart the phone, and sign back in to clear stubborn session glitches.
Check Payment and Security Info: Ensure your Apple ID payment method, billing details, and two-factor authentication info are completely up to date in your account settings, as expired or unverified card data can cause background verification prompts to loop.
Quick Dismissal Trick: Some users report that performing a quick wrist flick or a double-tap gesture (index finger to thumb) can temporarily clear or dismiss the modal without having to unlock and eject water, though this does not work for everyone.