Your Wear OS smartwatch may work without issue most of the time, but knowing how to reset it is a seriously handy skill to learn.
Whether your Android device is a Fossil Sport, Skagen Falster 3 or even Tag Heuer Modular 45, if you're finding that your watch won't stay connected, sync properly or just seems kind of glitchy, it's time to give it a factory reset.
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Whatever your motivation is, below we've got step-by-step instructions for how to reset a Wear smartwatch.
- Read our full guide to Wear OS
- Check out our review of the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch
- Find our the most exciting upcoming smartwatches
Reset your Wear OS smartwatch
Before you follow the steps to give your Wear OS watch a factory reset, it's best to understand exactly what this does.
Once you perform this step, any data stored on the watch is erased, any apps and their data are removed and any system settings or preferences you've made are set back to default. Your smartwatch is also unpaired from your phone.
1. On your smartwatch, swipe down from the top and tap the Settings icon.
2. On the Settings screen, swipe down to System.
3. You'll then see the option to Disconnect & Reset, tap it.
4. To perform a Wear OS factory reset, tap Done.
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How we test
Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.