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Too Many Passcode Attempts on Apple Watch: Reset and Pair It Again

Too many incorrect passcode attempts mean you must erase and set up your Apple Watch again. Reset it on its charger or use the paired iPhone, and note that only unpairing removes Activation Lock.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Too many incorrect passcode attempts disable an Apple Watch; to use it again, erase it and set it up again. You can reset it on its charger or use the paired iPhone, and either method erases the watch’s contents and settings. If Erase Data is enabled, Apple says the watch erases its data after 10 failed passcode attempts.

Choose a reset method

Method When to use it Activation Lock and cellular plan
Reset on the watch You cannot use the passcode screen or do not have the paired iPhone. Erasing this way does not remove Activation Lock. The associated Apple Account may be required during setup.
Erase from the paired iPhone The paired iPhone is available and you want to erase the watch through its app. Apple’s erase steps do not by themselves establish that Activation Lock is removed. Choose whether to keep or remove the cellular plan as appropriate.
Unpair from the paired iPhone You are transferring ownership or want to remove the watch from the paired iPhone. Apple says unpairing erases the watch and removes Activation Lock. Choose whether to keep or remove the cellular plan.

Reset the Apple Watch on its charger

Use this route if you cannot enter the passcode or do not have access to the paired iPhone. Keep the watch on its charger throughout the reset.

  1. Place the Apple Watch on its charger.
  2. Press and hold the side button until the sliders appear.
  3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until the erase screen appears.
  4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
  5. Wait for the erase to finish, then set up the watch again.

See Apple’s instructions for erasing an Apple Watch when you forgot the passcode. Do not insert an object into a hole in the watch case; it is not a reset button.

Erase or unpair using the paired iPhone

If the paired iPhone is available, you can erase the watch from the Apple Watch app. Menu wording may vary by software version.

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  1. Open the Apple Watch app on the paired iPhone.
  2. Tap My Watch > General > Reset.
  3. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings and confirm.
  4. After the erase, set up the watch again and restore from a backup if one is offered and available.

Erasing is not the same as unpairing. To unpair, open the Apple Watch app, go to My Watch, tap All Watches, tap the information button next to the watch, then tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm. Apple documents unpairing and erasing an Apple Watch. Unpairing from the paired iPhone removes Activation Lock, which is especially important before transferring the watch to someone else.

What should I do with a cellular plan?

If you will pair the watch with the same iPhone again, choose to keep the cellular plan. If you will pair it with a different iPhone or intend to cancel the subscription, choose to remove the plan. Removing it from the watch may not cancel carrier billing; contact your carrier if needed.

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Pair the erased watch again

  1. Keep the watch and iPhone close together and follow the setup prompt. If it does not appear, open the Apple Watch app and start pairing.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions to pair the devices.
  3. If prompted, enter the Apple Account and password previously used with the watch.
  4. Choose to restore from a backup if one is offered and available, or set up the watch as new.

A backup is not guaranteed to be available, and a reset cannot recover content that was not backed up or synchronized. Restore from a backup if offered and suitable for your needs.

Activation Lock after a reset

If setup asks for an Apple Account after an on-watch reset, Activation Lock is still enabled. Enter the credentials previously associated with the watch. If you bought the watch used, ask its previous owner to remove it from their account. Resetting the watch does not bypass Activation Lock or reveal a forgotten passcode. Apple explains how unpairing removes Activation Lock.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock an Apple Watch without erasing it?

No. The documented solution for a disabled watch is to reset it and set it up again; this erases its contents and settings.

Will resetting remove Activation Lock?

Resetting directly on the watch does not remove Activation Lock. Unpairing from the paired iPhone removes it. After a direct reset, you may need the Apple Account previously associated with the watch.

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Will I be able to restore my data?

You can restore from a backup if one is offered and available. Do not assume a backup exists or that it contains every item.

When does Apple Watch erase its data automatically?

According to Apple, if Erase Data is enabled, the watch erases its data after 10 failed passcode attempts. Apple does not state a year for this figure in the cited guide.

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