How to Reset Your Apple Watch with or without iPhone

So, you’ve got your eye on a shiny new Apple Watch, and it’s time to part ways with your old one or switch to a WearOS alternative. Before handing your watch to someone else, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip: resetting it properly.

How to Reset Apple Watch: Featured Image
How to Reset Your Apple Watch

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to reset your Apple Watch and get it ready for its next adventure—whether it’s on someone else’s wrist or heading for recycling.

Why Reset Your Apple Watch?

There are several reasons why you might want to return your Apple Watch to its factory settings—that’s how it was when you first opened the box.

  • Troubleshooting: If your Apple Watch is experiencing glitches, running slowly, or has become unresponsive, a reset often helps resolve these issues.
  • Device Transition: When you’re upgrading to a new Apple Watch or passing your old one to family or friends, a reset erases all your personal data and returns the watch to factory settings.
  • Pairing Issues: If you’re having trouble pairing your watch with your iPhone, or you need to connect to a different iPhone, a reset gives you a fresh start and can help avoid compatibility problems.

How to Reset an Apple Watch

  • Prerequisites: The Apple Watch you want to reset, its passcode, and ideally your iPhone.
  • Expected Duration: The process usually takes about 7–9 minutes.

1. Back Up Your Apple Watch

Before you start, make sure you’ve backed up your Apple Watch. A factory reset will erase all of your data. If you’re upgrading to a new Apple Watch (or even just swapping to a different one), having a backup makes setting up your new device much easier.

Backing up is simple: your Apple Watch data is automatically backed up to the iPhone it’s paired with. All you need to do is back up your iPhone—either to your computer or iCloud—and you’ll have your Apple Watch backup, too.

2. Open the Apple Watch App

Step 2/3 of How to Reset Your Apple Watch via the iPhone

Apple recommends removing any Transit cards you’ve added to your Apple Watch first. To do this, open the Watch app (keep your watch and iPhone close by), then go to Wallet & Apple Pay > Transit Cards, and remove any cards stored there.

Next, in the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab at the bottom. In the upper left, choose All Watches. Find your watch in the list and tap the small “ⓘ” button next to it.

3. Unpair your Apple Watch

Step 3/3 of How to Reset Your Apple Watch via the iPhone

Now, tap Unpair Apple Watch, then confirm by tapping Unpair again. This will start the factory reset process for your watch.

Depending on your model (either the standard GPS or GPS + Cellular version), you’ll be prompted to keep or remove your cellular plan. Choose the best option for your situation. If asked, enter your Apple ID password to finish.

Resetting Your Apple Watch Without iPhone

If you don’t have your iPhone nearby, you can still reset your Apple Watch. Keep in mind that this won’t remove the activation lock, which means the watch is still tied to your Apple ID for extra security. Here’s how:

  • Prerequisites: The Apple Watch you wish to reset, and its passcode.
  • Expected Duration: This process should take about 5–7 minutes.

1. Launch Settings on Your Apple Watch

Open the Settings app right on your Apple Watch.

2. Navigate to the General Section

Scroll down and tap General.

Head to the General Section under Settings

3. Access the Reset Option

Scroll to the bottom, then tap Reset.

Tap on Reset under General - Apple Watch
Tap on Reset under General

4. Initiate the Factory Reset

Tap Erase All Content and Settings. If prompted, enter your passcode.

Enter your Passcode on Apple Watch
Enter your Passcode on Apple Watch

5. Manage Cellular Plan (For GPS+Cellular Models)

If you have a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch, you’ll see the choice to keep or remove your current cellular plan. Keep the plan if you’re keeping the watch, or remove it if you’re selling or giving away your Apple Watch.

6. Final Step: Erase All

Finally, tap Erase All to begin the factory reset process.

Final Step: Tap Erase All to Reset Apple Watch
Final Step: Tap Erase All to Reset Apple Watch

This method lets you reset your Apple Watch directly, even when your iPhone isn’t around. It’s especially useful for handling the cellular plan as needed.

What to Do If You’ve Forgotten Your Apple Watch Passcode

If you can’t remember your Apple Watch passcode, there’s still a way to reset your watch. However, keep in mind that this won’t remove the activation lock. The activation lock is there to protect your device against theft. Here’s how to proceed:

  • Prerequisites: The Apple Watch you want to reset. No other devices or information needed.
  • Expected Duration: You should be done in about 5–7 minutes.

1. Put Your Apple Watch on Charger

To start the reset process, place your Apple Watch on its charger.

2. Power Off Screen

Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off screen appear.

Power Off Your Apple Watch
Power Off Your Apple Watch

3. Access Erase Option

Now, press and hold the Digital Crown (the round button) until you see the erase option on the screen.

4. Initiate Reset

Tap Erase All Content and Settings, and confirm by selecting Reset twice.

Erase All Content and Reset Apple Watch
Erase All Content and Reset Apple Watch
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.