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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To factory reset an Apple Watch, erase its content and settings; the right method depends on whether you are keeping it, transferring it, or have forgotten the passcode. For a sale or gift, unpair it in the paired iPhone’s Apple Watch app to erase the watch and remove Activation Lock. Erasing without unpairing leaves Activation Lock in place.
Choose the right reset method
| Situation | Recommended route | Key consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the watch and paired iPhone | Erase content and settings from the watch or Watch app | Erases content and settings; erasing directly from the watch leaves it paired. |
| Selling or giving away the watch, with paired iPhone available | Unpair it in the Apple Watch app on iPhone | Erases the watch and removes Activation Lock after Apple Account authentication. |
| Paired iPhone unavailable | On the watch, go to Settings, General, Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings | Erases the watch but leaves Activation Lock enabled. |
| Forgotten passcode | Use the watch-on-charger button sequence or erase it through the paired iPhone’s Watch app | Erases the watch; it does not by itself remove Activation Lock. |
Before you reset your Apple Watch
A reset erases content and settings on the watch. If someone else will use it, unpair it using the paired iPhone rather than simply erasing it from the watch. You will need the Apple Account password associated with the watch to disable Activation Lock during unpairing.
- Keep the iPhone and watch close together when unpairing.
- For a GPS + Cellular model, keep the plan if you will pair the same watch with the same iPhone again; remove it for a sale or gift.
- Removing a plan from the watch does not necessarily cancel the carrier subscription. Contact the carrier if you need to cancel service.
- Apple Watch has no physical reset button or SIM slot. Do not insert anything into case openings.
Method 1: Unpair and erase using your iPhone
Use this method when selling or giving away the watch. Apple’s unpair process erases it and removes Activation Lock after you enter the associated Apple Account password.
- Keep the Apple Watch and paired iPhone close together.
- Open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone.
- Tap My Watch, then All Watches.
- Tap the information button next to the watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch, then confirm.
- If it is a GPS + Cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove the cellular plan. Remove it for a sale or gift.
- Enter the Apple Account password when prompted to disable Activation Lock and complete unpairing.
If you are replacing the watch, the unpair process may create a backup for use during setup. Do not assume a backup exists if unpairing did not complete.
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Method 2: Erase the watch when you are keeping it
Use this route if you are keeping the watch and want to erase it, or if the paired iPhone is unavailable. Erasing directly on the watch does not unpair it and does not remove Activation Lock.
- Open Settings on the Apple Watch.
- Tap General, then Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the watch passcode if prompted.
- If the watch has cellular service, choose whether to keep or remove the plan.
- Tap Erase All to confirm.
The watch will erase its content and settings. If you intend to transfer it to someone else, use the iPhone’s unpair process instead so Activation Lock is removed.
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Method 3: Reset an Apple Watch if you forgot the passcode
Reset using the watch
- Place the Apple Watch on its charger and leave it there.
- Press and hold the side button until the power sliders appear.
- Press and hold the Digital Crown until the erase screen appears.
- Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
- Wait for erasure to finish, then set up the watch again. If prompted, choose whether to restore from a backup.
A compatible Apple Watch charger is required for this route. This reset erases the watch but does not remove Activation Lock.
Erase using the paired iPhone
- Open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone.
- Tap My Watch, then General.
- Scroll to Reset and choose Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
- Confirm the erase and choose whether to keep or remove a cellular plan.
Erasing through the Watch app does not by itself remove Activation Lock. To prepare the watch for a new owner, use Unpair Apple Watch and authenticate with the associated Apple Account password.
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Activation Lock and previously owned watches
Erasing is not the same as removing Activation Lock. The lock requires the Apple Account and password associated with the watch. If a previously owned watch is linked to another account, contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the lock before setup can proceed. A reset cannot bypass Activation Lock.
Cellular Apple Watch: keep or remove the plan?
| Situation | Choice | Additional action |
|---|---|---|
| You will pair the same watch with the same iPhone again | Keep the cellular plan | Usually no plan change is needed. |
| You are selling or giving away the watch | Remove the cellular plan | Contact your carrier separately if you need to cancel the subscription. |
Carrier cancellation requirements vary. Treat removing the plan from the watch and cancelling the carrier subscription as separate steps.
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- 【Portable design】-This 1.0M iWatch charging cable is convenient to carry around, especially for traveling，and is suitable as a backup charger for your watch.
- 【Advanced Safe & Rapid Charging】– Experience enhanced safety and speed with our wireless watch charger, delivering a 0% to 100% charge in under 3 hours.
- 【Smart Protection】 - Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms including over-current, over-voltage, short-circuit, and over-temperature protection. Automatically adjusts charging power to prevent overheating and overcharging, ensuring your premium watch battery remains healthy and extends its lifespan. Certified for safe, worry-free wireless charging day and night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I factory reset my Apple Watch?
To erase a watch you are keeping, open Settings on the watch, tap General, Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. To prepare it for someone else, unpair it from the paired iPhone instead.
How do I reset an Apple Watch without my iPhone?
On the watch, open Settings, tap General, Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. This erases the watch but leaves Activation Lock enabled.
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- USB-C Cable Length: 1m or 3.2 feet
How do I reset an Apple Watch if I forgot the passcode?
Place it on its charger, hold the side button until the power sliders appear, then press and hold the Digital Crown until the erase screen appears. Tap Reset twice to confirm. You can also erase it through the paired iPhone’s Watch app.
Will factory resetting an Apple Watch remove Activation Lock?
No. Erasing the watch does not by itself remove Activation Lock. Unpair it from the paired iPhone and enter the associated Apple Account password to remove the lock for a transfer.
How do I erase an Apple Watch before selling it?
Use the Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone: go to My Watch, All Watches, tap the information button next to the watch, and choose Unpair Apple Watch. Remove its cellular plan if applicable and authenticate with the associated Apple Account password.
The Bottom Line
For a watch you are keeping, erase its content and settings from the watch or Watch app. For a sale or gift, unpair it in the paired iPhone’s Apple Watch app to erase it and remove Activation Lock. If you forgot the passcode, use the charger-based button sequence or the paired iPhone route; neither erase route alone removes Activation Lock.
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