How to Reset Your Apple Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Resetting an Apple Watch may be necessary when experiencing issues with the device, such as unresponsiveness or errors with apps. Fortunately, resetting an Apple Watch is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in several ways.
One way to reset an Apple Watch is by unpairing it from the iPhone it is connected to. This can be done by opening the Watch app on the iPhone, selecting the specific Apple Watch, and then tapping on “Unpair Apple Watch”. This process will remove all data from the device and disconnect it from the iPhone.
Another way to reset an Apple Watch is by performing a hard reset. This can be done by pressing and holding the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This method is useful when the Apple Watch is unresponsive or experiencing software issues. However, it is important to note that a hard reset does not erase any data from the device.

How to Reset Apple Watch
Resetting an Apple Watch can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as selling or giving away the device, troubleshooting issues, or simply starting fresh. In this section, we will explain how to reset an Apple Watch in two different ways.
Resetting Your Apple Watch from the Watch App on Your iPhone
To reset your Apple Watch from the Watch app on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the “My Watch” tab.
- Tap on the watch that you want to reset.
- Tap on the (i) icon next to the watch.
- Tap on “Unpair Apple Watch”.
- Confirm that you want to unpair the watch by entering your Apple ID password.
- Wait for the unpairing process to complete, which may take a few minutes.
- Once the unpairing process is complete, you can set up your Apple Watch as new or restore from a backup.
Note that unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone also removes Activation Lock from your Apple Watch, which is a security feature that prevents someone else from using your watch if it is lost or stolen.
Resetting Your Apple Watch Directly from the Watch
If you are unable to use the Watch app on your iPhone, you can reset your Apple Watch directly from the watch itself. To do so, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Side button on your Apple Watch until the Power Off slider appears.
- Drag the Power Off slider to the right to turn off your watch.
- Press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the Side button and wait for the progress wheel to appear.
- Once the progress wheel disappears, your Apple Watch has been reset to its factory settings.
Note that resetting your Apple Watch directly from the watch itself does not remove Activation Lock from your Apple Watch. If you plan to sell or give away your Apple Watch, make sure to unpair it from your iPhone using the Watch app and erase all content and settings before doing so.
In conclusion, resetting your Apple Watch can be a simple process that can be done either through the Watch app on your iPhone or directly from the watch itself. By following the steps outlined in this section, you can reset your Apple Watch to its factory settings and start fresh or troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing.
Resetting Your Apple Watch from the Watch App on Your iPhone
Resetting your Apple Watch can be helpful in situations where you need to fix any issues or errors that you may be experiencing. Here are the steps to reset your Apple Watch from the Watch app on your iPhone.
Unpairing Your Apple Watch from Your iPhone
Before you reset your Apple Watch, you need to unpair it from your iPhone. This will ensure that all data is backed up and saved before you proceed with the reset. Here’s how you can unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your Apple Watch.
- Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the unpairing process.
Resetting Your Apple Watch from the Watch App
Once you have unpaired your Apple Watch from your iPhone, you can now reset it. Here’s how you can reset your Apple Watch from the Watch app:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Tap “General” and then tap “Reset.”
- Tap “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.”
- If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activation Lock.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” to confirm.
- Wait for the reset process to complete.
It’s important to note that resetting your Apple Watch will erase all data and content, including any saved settings, messages, and media. Therefore, it’s recommended that you back up your Apple Watch data before resetting it.
Additionally, if you have a cellular model, you can choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan during the reset process. If you plan to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, you can keep your plan. However, if you don’t plan to pair them again, remove your plan to avoid any unnecessary subscription charges.
In some cases, you may need to force restart your Apple Watch if it’s not responding or if the power off slider or Apple logo doesn’t appear. You can do this by pressing and holding the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
Overall, resetting your Apple Watch can be a helpful solution to fix any issues or errors you may be experiencing. By following these simple steps, you can reset your Apple Watch to factory settings and start fresh.
Resetting Your Apple Watch Directly from the Watch
Resetting your Apple Watch can be necessary if you are experiencing technical issues or if you plan to sell or give away your device. Fortunately, resetting your Apple Watch is a simple process that can be done directly from the watch itself.
Erasing All Content and Settings on Your Apple Watch
To erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and select Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Tap Erase All to confirm.
This process will erase all data and settings from your Apple Watch, including your passcode, cellular plan, and any synced media. It is important to note that this process cannot be undone, so make sure you have a backup of your data before proceeding.
Unpairing Your Apple Watch from Your iPhone
If you plan to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone or sell it, you will need to unpair it from your current iPhone. To unpair your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch tab.
- Tap your Apple Watch at the top of the screen.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
- If you have a cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan.
- Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
Once you have completed these steps, your Apple Watch will be unpaired from your iPhone and will be reset to factory settings. If you plan to sell or give away your Apple Watch, make sure to turn off Activation Lock and erase all content and settings as well.
In conclusion, resetting your Apple Watch can be a simple process that can be done directly from the watch itself. By following these steps, you can erase all content and settings or unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone.