Here’s how to properly reset your Apple Watch and pair it again, covering different scenarios:
Scenario 1: You have access to both your iPhone and Apple Watch, and both are working usually (This is the EASIEST and recommended method):
- Unpair from your iPhone: This process prepares the watch for a new user and removes the Activation Lock if it’s been linked to your Apple ID.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “My Watch” tab.
- Tap “All Watches” at the top.
- Tap the “i” icon (information icon) next to the name of the Apple Watch you want to unpair.
- Tap “Unpair Apple Watch”.
- If you have a cellular plan, you’ll be asked if you want to keep or remove the plan. Unless you plan to give the watch to someone else who will use it, choose to Keep the Plan. You can remove it later.
- Confirm by tapping “Unpair [Your Name]’s Apple Watch.” You’ll likely be prompted for your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock. Please enter it.
- The watch will reset itself to factory settings. This can take a few minutes.
- Pair Again: Once the watch has reset and displays the pairing animation:
- Bring your iPhone close to the watch. A pairing screen should appear on your iPhone. If it doesn’t, open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Continue” on your iPhone.
- You’ll see an animation on your watch. Hold your iPhone over the animation to pair automatically.
- If you can’t use the camera, tap “Pair Manually” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Choose whether to restore from a backup or set up as new. Restoring from a backup will restore your watch face, complications, and settings while setting it up as new will give you a clean slate.
- Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to configure your watch (select wrist, set passcode, etc.).
- If you restore from a backup, the watch will download the data. Keep the watch and iPhone close during this process and connect to power.
Scenario 2: You don’t have your iPhone, but the Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi (less common, but possible):
You’ll need to erase the Apple Watch directly on the watch. Necessary: This method will not remove the activation lock if the Apple Watch has been linked to the Apple ID, which means it will still be linked to your Apple ID when someone tries to use it.
- Erase All Content and Settings:
- On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app (gray gear icon).
- Go to General > Reset.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”.
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- You can choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan (if applicable). Keep it unless you’re giving it to someone else.
- Tap “Erase All” to confirm.
- The watch will reset itself to factory settings.
- Pair Again (after getting your iPhone):
- Once the watch has reset and displays the pairing animation, follow the pairing steps in Scenario 1. You will need your iPhone to complete the pairing and the Apple ID and account password if the activation lock is enabled.
Scenario 3: You’re selling or giving away your Apple Watch:
- Follow the instructions in Scenario 1 (Unpair from your iPhone). The most crucial step is removing the Activation Lock and ensuring the new owner can use the watch.
Scenario 4: You’re troubleshooting a problem with your Apple Watch (e.g., it’s frozen or not responding):
- Try a Force Restart (Hard Reset) first. This often resolves minor issues without erasing your data.
- Press and hold both the side button (the oblong button) and the Digital Crown (the round button) simultaneously.
- Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons.
- Wait for the watch to restart.
- If the force restart doesn’t fix the problem, proceed with one of the reset methods above, depending on whether you have access to your iPhone and want to erase the watch.
Important Notes and Troubleshooting:
- Activation Lock: If the Apple Watch is Activation Locked (linked to an Apple ID), you’ll need the Apple ID and password to complete the pairing process after any reset.
- Software Updates: Ensure your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest software versions. This can prevent pairing issues.
- Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
- Proximity: Keep your iPhone close to your Apple Watch during the pairing and restore processes.
- Battery: Make sure both devices have sufficient battery charge. It’s best to keep them plugged in during these processes.
- Wi-Fi: A stable Wi-Fi connection is recommended, especially if restoring from a backup.
- Backup: Regularly back up your Apple Watch to iCloud. This makes restoring your data after a reset much easier.