In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to reset your Apple Watch and get it ready for its next adventure—whether it’s on someone else’s wrist or heading for recycling.
Why Reset Your Apple Watch?
There are several reasons why you might want to return your Apple Watch to its factory settings—that’s how it was when you first opened the box.
Troubleshooting: If your Apple Watch is experiencing glitches, running slowly, or has become unresponsive, a reset often helps resolve these issues.Device Transition: When you’re upgrading to a new Apple Watch or passing your old one to family or friends, a reset erases all your personal data and returns the watch to factory settings.Pairing Issues: If you’re having trouble pairing your watch with your iPhone, or you need to connect to a different iPhone, a reset gives you a fresh start and can help avoid compatibility problems.
How to Reset an Apple Watch
1. Back Up Your Apple Watch
Before you start, make sure you’ve backed up your Apple Watch. A factory reset will erase all of your data. If you’re upgrading to a new Apple Watch (or even just swapping to a different one), having a backup makes setting up your new device much easier. Backing up is simple: your Apple Watch data is automatically backed up to the iPhone it’s paired with. All you need to do is back up your iPhone—either to your computer or iCloud—and you’ll have your Apple Watch backup, too.
2. Open the Apple Watch App
Apple recommends removing any Transit cards you’ve added to your Apple Watch first. To do this, open the Watch app (keep your watch and iPhone close by), then go to Wallet & Apple Pay > Transit Cards, and remove any cards stored there. Next, in the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab at the bottom. In the upper left, choose All Watches. Find your watch in the list and tap the small “ⓘ” button next to it.
3. Unpair your Apple Watch
Now, tap Unpair Apple Watch, then confirm by tapping Unpair again. This will start the factory reset process for your watch. Depending on your model (either the standard GPS or GPS + Cellular version), you’ll be prompted to keep or remove your cellular plan. Choose the best option for your situation. If asked, enter your Apple ID password to finish.
Resetting Your Apple Watch Without iPhone
If you don’t have your iPhone nearby, you can still reset your Apple Watch. Keep in mind that this won’t remove the activation lock, which means the watch is still tied to your Apple ID for extra security. Here’s how:
1. Launch Settings on Your Apple Watch
Open the Settings app right on your Apple Watch.
2. Navigate to the General Section
Scroll down and tap General.
3. Access the Reset Option
Scroll to the bottom, then tap Reset.
4. Initiate the Factory Reset
Tap Erase All Content and Settings. If prompted, enter your passcode.
5. Manage Cellular Plan (For GPS+Cellular Models)
If you have a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch, you’ll see the choice to keep or remove your current cellular plan. Keep the plan if you’re keeping the watch, or remove it if you’re selling or giving away your Apple Watch.
6. Final Step: Erase All
Finally, tap Erase All to begin the factory reset process. This method lets you reset your Apple Watch directly, even when your iPhone isn’t around. It’s especially useful for handling the cellular plan as needed.
What to Do If You’ve Forgotten Your Apple Watch Passcode
If you can’t remember your Apple Watch passcode, there’s still a way to reset your watch. However, keep in mind that this won’t remove the activation lock. The activation lock is there to protect your device against theft. Here’s how to proceed:
1. Put Your Apple Watch on Charger
To start the reset process, place your Apple Watch on its charger.
2. Power Off Screen
Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off screen appear.
3. Access Erase Option
Now, press and hold the Digital Crown (the round button) until you see the erase option on the screen.
4. Initiate Reset
Tap Erase All Content and Settings, and confirm by selecting Reset twice.
