Use a normal restart when your Apple Watch responds, and force-restart it only if it cannot be turned off normally or the problem persists. To erase the watch, use Settings or the passcode-reset procedure; to remove Activation Lock before selling or giving it away, unpair it through the paired iPhone. A passcode reset or erase directly on the watch does not remove Activation Lock.
The right procedure depends on what you are trying to fix. A normal restart shuts down the watch through its power controls and turns it back on. A force restart is for an unresponsive watch. Erasing clears content and settings, so do not use it just because an app is slow or the display needs refreshing.
Restart, force restart, or reset: which should you use?
| Situation | Use this method | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| The watch responds to its controls | Normal restart | The watch shuts down and starts again. |
| The watch cannot be turned off normally or its problem persists | Force restart | The watch reboots; this is not a factory reset. |
| You want to erase it but keep it paired | Erase from Settings on the watch | Content and settings are cleared; the watch remains paired and Activation Lock remains. |
| You are selling or giving away the watch | Unpair through the paired iPhone | The watch is erased and Activation Lock is removed. |
| You forgot the passcode | Reset while the watch is on its charger | The watch is erased; Activation Lock remains. |
How to restart an Apple Watch normally
Use a normal restart when the screen and buttons respond. The Digital Crown is not part of this procedure. Apple says the watch cannot be restarted while it is charging.
- Disconnect the Apple Watch from its charger.
- Press and hold the side button until the sliders appear.
- Tap the power control, then drag the Power Off slider.
- Wait for the watch to shut down.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then release it.
How to force-restart an unresponsive Apple Watch
Use a force restart only if the watch cannot be turned off normally or the problem persists. It is not the routine way to turn off the watch.
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- Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons.
A force restart is not a factory reset and is not intended to erase your apps, settings, health data, or media.
Before assuming the watch is dead: check charging
If the screen is blank or the watch will not turn on, its battery may be too depleted to start. Apple says a watch may need to remain connected for up to 30 minutes before a charging indicator appears.
- Confirm the magnetic charging cable is connected to power.
- Reposition the watch so the charger is correctly aligned with its back.
- Try another compatible cable and adapter if available.
- Leave the watch connected for up to 30 minutes before trying again.
Apple identifies its Magnetic Charging Cable and USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable as charging options. A compatible replacement cable may help if your existing cable is missing or unreliable; buying one will not fix a software problem.
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If the Apple Watch is stuck on the Apple logo
First, try the force-restart procedure: hold the side button and Digital Crown together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
If the watch remains stuck on the logo:
- Keep the watch and paired iPhone near each other.
- Unpair the watch from the iPhone, then pair it again. Unpairing erases the watch and creates a backup; you can restore from that backup during setup.
- If the logo still persists, seek service.
How to erase an Apple Watch from the watch
Use this method when the watch works and you know its passcode. This erases content and settings but leaves the watch paired and does not remove Activation Lock.
- Open Settings on the Apple Watch.
- Tap General, then Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the passcode if requested.
- On a cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove the plan. Keeping it is appropriate if you will pair the watch and iPhone again; removing it is for pairing with another iPhone or ending the subscription.
- Confirm the erase.
You may need to contact your carrier to cancel a cellular subscription. Erasing on the watch does not remove Activation Lock; the Apple Account used to set it up will still be required for activation.
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How to unpair and erase an Apple Watch using the paired iPhone
If you are selling, giving away, or transferring the watch, unpair it from the paired iPhone. Apple says unpairing erases the watch and removes Activation Lock.
- Keep the iPhone and Apple Watch near each other.
- Open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and tap My Watch.
- Tap All Watches, then the info button beside the watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm.
- Enter the Apple Account password if prompted.
- For a cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove the plan based on your intended use. Contact the carrier if you need to cancel the subscription.
How to reset an Apple Watch when you forgot the passcode
You can erase a watch without its passcode by using the reset option while it is on its charger. This does not remove Activation Lock; the Apple Account and password used to set up the watch will still be required before it can be paired again.
Recommended Free Tools
- Place the Apple Watch on its charger and leave it there.
- Press and hold the side button until the power screen appears, then release the side button.
- Press and hold the Digital Crown until the red Reset button appears.
- Tap Reset, then confirm.
- Wait for the erase to finish and set up the watch again.
Activation Lock: the reset mistake that prevents resale
Erasing and unpairing are not equivalent:
- Erase from Settings or use the passcode reset: clears content and settings but leaves Activation Lock on.
- Unpair from the paired iPhone: erases the watch and removes Activation Lock.
If a used Apple Watch asks for someone else’s Apple Account during setup, the previous owner must remove it from their account or unpair it properly. A reset by the buyer cannot remove that lock.
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Do not insert anything into the case openings
Apple Watch does not have a SIM slot or a physical reset button. Do not insert a pin, SIM tool, paper clip, or other object into openings in the case.
When to contact Apple or seek service
Seek service if the watch still will not charge after checking the cable and alignment, or if it remains stuck on the Apple logo after force restarting and unpairing and pairing again. Do not keep forcing restarts when the basic recovery steps fail; use Apple’s service channels or an Apple-authorized provider in your region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Will a force restart erase my Apple Watch?
No. A force restart reboots the watch; it is not a factory reset.
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Does erasing an Apple Watch remove Activation Lock?
No. Erasing from Settings or resetting without the passcode leaves Activation Lock enabled. Unpair through the paired iPhone to remove it before transferring ownership.
How do I reset an Apple Watch if I forgot the passcode?
Keep it on its charger, hold the side button until the power screen appears, release the side button, then hold the Digital Crown until the red Reset button appears. Tap Reset and confirm. You will still need the associated Apple Account to activate it.
What should I do if my Apple Watch stays on the Apple logo?
Try a force restart. If the logo persists, unpair and pair the watch again with the iPhone nearby; seek service if the problem remains.
The Bottom Line
Use a normal restart first. If the watch cannot be turned off normally or the problem persists, force-restart it by holding the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds. Erase only when necessary, and unpair through the paired iPhone before transferring ownership because that removes Activation Lock.
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