Unpairing an Apple Watch disconnects it from your iPhone, backs it up, and erases it so it can be set up fresh or handed to someone else. It is the recommended way to prepare a watch for sale or a new owner.
What you'll need
- Your Apple Watch
- The paired iPhone
- Your Apple Account password
Step by step
- Keep both devices closeBring the watch and iPhone near each other so they can communicate throughout the process.
- Open the Watch appOn the iPhone, open the Watch app and go to the My Watch tab, then tap All Watches at the top.
- Choose your watchTap the info icon next to the watch you want to remove, then select Unpair Apple Watch.
- Confirm and sign inConfirm the choice and enter your Apple Account password when prompted, which turns off Activation Lock.
- Wait for it to finishThe iPhone makes a fresh backup, then the watch erases and returns to its setup screen. This can take a few minutes.
Handy tips
- The backup made during unpairing lets you restore all your settings onto a new watch later.
- For a cellular watch, you will be asked whether to keep or remove the mobile plan.
- Do not manually erase the watch first if you want the automatic backup, since unpairing handles both.
Heads up
- Unpairing erases the watch. This is expected, but make sure the backup completes if you plan to restore to another watch.
- Entering your Apple Account password is required to remove Activation Lock, without which a new owner cannot use the watch.
FAQ
Does unpairing back up my Apple Watch?
Yes. The iPhone automatically creates a backup during unpairing so you can restore your data to a new or reset watch later.
What if my iPhone is broken or lost?
You can erase the watch directly from its own Settings under General, Reset, but this does not create a backup on the missing phone.
Will unpairing turn off Activation Lock?
Yes, as long as you enter your Apple Account password when prompted. That step is what clears the lock for the next owner.