Resetting an Apple Watch erases its content and settings, which is useful before selling it, giving it away, or fixing a stubborn software issue. You can reset from the watch itself or from the paired iPhone.
What you'll need
- Your Apple Watch
- Its charger
- The paired iPhone for some options
Step by step
- Decide how to resetUnpairing from the iPhone both backs up and erases the watch in one step, while resetting on the watch itself erases without a fresh backup.
- Keep the watch chargedMake sure the watch has enough battery or keep it on the charger so it does not shut off during the erase.
- Reset from the watchOn the watch, open Settings, go to General, then Reset, and tap Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode if asked.
- Confirm the eraseTap to confirm. The watch shows the Apple logo and a progress indicator while it wipes everything.
- Set up or unpairWhen it finishes, the watch shows the setup screen. To fully remove it from your account, unpair it using the Watch app on your iPhone instead.
Handy tips
- Unpairing through the iPhone is the better choice before selling because it creates a backup and removes Activation Lock.
- For a cellular model, keep or cancel the plan depending on whether you are keeping the watch.
- If you forgot your passcode, erasing on the watch or unpairing lets you set a new one.
Heads up
- Erasing removes all data and settings from the watch permanently. Use unpairing if you want a backup kept on your iPhone first.
- If Activation Lock is on, you may need your Apple Account password before the watch can be reused by someone else.
FAQ
Should I reset or unpair my Apple Watch?
Unpair through the iPhone if you want a backup and to remove Activation Lock before selling. Reset on the watch itself if the iPhone is unavailable.
Will resetting remove Activation Lock?
Unpairing with your Apple Account signed in removes Activation Lock. A reset done without signing out may leave the lock in place.
Do I need my iPhone to reset the watch?
No, you can erase directly from the watch under Settings, General, Reset. But unpairing, which also backs up, does require the paired iPhone.