Sometimes your Apple Watch may act slowly or unresponsive. It can also happen when you plan to sell or give it away. The best solution is to Factory Reset an Apple Watch.
This process removes all data and settings completely. Here, you will learn all safe methods to reset your Apple Watch easily and correctly.
Factory Reset an Apple Watch Using Paired iPhone
If you still have your paired iPhone, this is the easiest and safest way to reset. It also removes the Activation Lock, allowing a new user to pair it later.
Make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone stay close during the process.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the My Watch tab and choose All Watches.
- Tap the info (i) button beside your watch’s name.
- Select Unpair Apple Watch from the options.
- Confirm your choice by tapping Unpair [Your Watch Name].
- For cellular models, decide to keep or remove your mobile plan.
If you wish to pair again with the same iPhone, keep the plan. If you plan to sell or give away your watch, remove the plan. You might also need to contact your network provider to cancel your subscription.
Next, enter your Apple ID password to disable the Activation Lock. Before the reset, your iPhone will automatically create a backup of your watch data.
After unpairing, you will see a Start Pairing message on your Apple Watch. You can now set it up again or turn it off for a new owner.
Factory Reset an Apple Watch Without an iPhone
If your iPhone is not with you, don’t worry. You can still Factory Reset an Apple Watch directly from the device.
However, this will not remove the Activation Lock. It means the next person will still need your Apple ID to unlock it.
Here’s what to do:
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if asked.
- For cellular models, decide whether to keep or remove your plan.
- Tap Erase All to confirm your action.
Your watch will now erase all stored data and restore factory settings. Once completed, you can set it up again or prepare it for sale. Remember, your Apple ID and password are needed to disable Activation Lock later.
Important Note: Your Apple Watch has no reset button or SIM slot. The small holes you see are for sound and water measurement. Never insert any object inside them as it may damage the device.
Factory Reset an Apple Watch Without a Passcode
Sometimes you may forget your Apple Watch passcode or enter it incorrectly many times. In that case, you can still reset it using special steps.
This method works even if your Apple Watch is disabled or your iPhone is not nearby.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger. The process will not work without charging.
- Press and hold the Side Button until you see the sliders on the screen.
- Now, press and hold the Digital Crown until the “Erase all content and settings” option appears.
- Tap Reset, and then tap again to confirm.
Your watch will start the reset process and remove all data. Once done, you can set up your Apple Watch as new or restore it using a previous backup.
Alternative Method Using iPhone:
If your watch is unresponsive but still connected to your iPhone, you can also reset it from the Watch app.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to My Watch > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
- Confirm and enter your Apple ID password if required.
For Apple Watch models with a cellular plan, choose whether to keep or remove it. If you plan to sell or switch to another device, remove the plan. This ensures your new watch setup is clean and ready.
What Happens After a Factory Reset on an Apple Watch
When you reset your Apple Watch, all data, settings, and media get erased. It returns your device to its original factory condition.
Your Apple Watch remains paired to your iPhone if not unpaired manually. However, the Activation Lock stays unless removed during the unpairing process.
Resetting is useful for fixing performance issues, freeing up space, or starting fresh. But if you want to sell or gift your watch, always unpair it through your iPhone. This ensures a new user can easily pair and use it.
The Final Words
Performing a Factory Reset on an Apple Watch is simple if done carefully. You can reset it through your iPhone, directly from the watch, or even without a passcode.
Always back up important data before starting. Remember to remove the cellular plan and Activation Lock if you’re selling the device. A clean reset gives your Apple Watch a fresh and smooth start.
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