1. Apple Watch reset with iPhone
  2. Apple Watch reset without iPhone

How to reset the Apple Watch: Unpair from iPhone and restore factory settings

Start again with your Apple Watch with these simple steps
Wareable Apple Watch how to reset
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If want to start from scratch with your Apple Watch - or perhaps pass it on and upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 - you'll want to unpair from your iPhone and restore factory settings. 

There are two distinct methods for resetting the Apple Watch that we'll be covering in this guide - one for those who have their iPhone, and one for those who don't.

Both are effectively hard resets that will erase all your data and settings, with the only difference being how the Apple Watch's Activation Lock feature is affected.

Skip to your preferred route and follow the steps below - and check out our other guides listed below if you're looking for a different kind of Apple Watch explainer.

Apple Watch reset with iPhone

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If you still have the iPhone your Apple Watch is paired to, you'll want to follow the steps below.

Doing so will remove any content and settings on the smartwatch, and will also successfully remove Activation Lock.

This means that it'll be in the correct state to give away, sell, or simply turn off once complete.

1. Start by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

2. When on the 'My Watch' tab, tap 'All Watches' in the top-right corner.

3. From here, tap the 'i' icon next to the Apple Watch you wish to reset.

4. At the bottom of the page, you should now see 'Unpair Apple Watch' - select it.

5. If you have a GPS + Cellular model, you'll now be prompted to choose whether to keep or remove your mobile data plan. If you want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, make sure to keep it. If not, remove it - and make sure to contact your network provider to cancel it if you don't plan on pairing a new watch or iPhone.

6. Next, you'll have to type in your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock, at which point you can complete the process by tapping 'Unpair'.

Note: Before all your data is erased on the Apple Watch, the iPhone will create a backup. You can use this to set up a new Apple Watch.

Apple Watch reset without iPhone

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If you've lost your phone - or given it away or sold it before you could erase your Apple Watch (as shown above) - it is still possible to reset your Apple Watch.

However, the device's Activation Lock will remain in place.

To reset the Apple Watch without an iPhone, all you need to do is go from Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

If you have a passcode set up, you'll be prompted to enter this before going any further. 

Like in the instructions above, those with a GPS + Cellular model will next have to choose what to do with their plan. Again, if you want to pair the Apple Watch and iPhone again, make sure to keep it. If not, remove it.

You'll then simply have to confirm your choice by tapping 'Erase All'.


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Conor Allison

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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. 


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