I also had the problem, that my Apple Watch did not pair, after replacing the screen.
But it was very strange, since the watch did pair at first. Then I was not able to add my credit card via Apple Pay or update to wOS 5.2.1 (from 5.2) and so I unpaired the watch, hoping that it would work once pairing it again.
Unfortunately it would not pair again at all.
So I opened it after reading this thread and figured out, that the GPS modules connector was loose and just fell of the display, when I touched the cable.
So connecting the (not working) display from another watch made it pair and upgrade again but still I am not able to add Apple Pay. I guess that it recognises the GPS module and since it is wOS 5 it works even though it is not the original GPS module. But I think, because it is not properly connected to all three cables of the display the GPS maybe is not able to fix a location which disables the Apple Pay function out of security or licensing reasons.
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Just changed a series 2 42mm screen and force touch sensor and Apple Pay wasn’t working so I unpairs to repair to reset the encrypted data and now it won’t pair to the iPhone and fails after the first step.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Rody crwdne2934271:0
John Lee has a great working solution below!
BUT in my case, I never had the old screen so I had to try 3 different old broken screens from other watches and the third one worked for me so if you can get your hands on a few broken screens then at least 1 should work for you.
You will notice that the watch will take long to boot if the screen wont work for you but if a the watch boots fast then that one WILL work for you. (Keep that one for future!) Don't throw it away!!!
You may never need it again but better safe than sorry!
PS: Series 2 or 3 screens both work on this fix, I used a series 2 on my series 3. Hope this helps you...
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Brandon crwdne2934271:0
I had the same problem. I was about to pair my old screen like other have done. Then, just set it up as a new device. It works fine. No problem pairing the watch to my phone.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Nezar Kassem crwdne2934271:0
I’m not understanding the process. Sooooo just purchase intact screens from previously owned apple watches and switch the screen out for one the preowned watches that boots fast?
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 J. Baker crwdne2934271:0