How to Factory Reset an Apple Watch

Whether you are preparing to sell your Apple Watch, handing it down to a family member, or experiencing severe software bugs that a simple restart cannot fix, performing a factory reset is the ultimate solution. A factory reset wipes all personal data, apps, and settings from the device, returning it to the exact state it was in when you first took it out of the box.

Because the Apple Watch is so tightly integrated with your iPhone, the reset process is slightly different depending on whether you currently have your paired iPhone nearby, or if you only have the Watch itself.

In this guide, we will walk you through the safest and most complete methods for erasing your Apple Watch, ensuring your Activation Lock is removed and your personal data remains secure.

Method 1: Reset Using Your Paired iPhone (Recommended)

If you still have the iPhone that is currently paired to your Apple Watch, this is the best method to use. Unpairing the Watch via the iPhone automatically creates a fresh backup of your Watch data and turns off Activation Lock, which is essential if you plan to sell the device.

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
3. Ensure you are on the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap on All Watches in the top-left corner.
5. Find the Watch you want to reset and tap the small “i” (info) button next to it.
6. Tap Unpair Apple Watch at the bottom of the screen.
7. For GPS + Cellular models, you will be asked if you want to keep or remove your cellular plan. If you are selling the watch, choose to remove the plan.
8. Type in your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock, then tap Unpair.

Your iPhone will now create a final backup of your Watch data before completely wiping the device. This process can take several minutes. Once you see the “Start Pairing” screen on the Watch, the reset is complete.

Method 2: Reset Directly from the Apple Watch

If you do not have your paired iPhone with you, you can still erase the Apple Watch directly from the device’s settings menu. Note: This method does not automatically disable Activation Lock, meaning the next owner will not be able to set it up unless you remove it from your iCloud account later.

1. On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to open the app list and tap Settings (the gear icon).
2. Tap on General.
3. Scroll all the way down to the bottom and tap Reset.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. If prompted, enter your passcode.
6. For GPS + Cellular models, choose to keep or remove your cellular plan.
7. Tap Erase All to confirm.

The Watch will now reboot and display the Apple logo surrounded by a spinning progress wheel. Once finished, it will return to the factory setup screen.

How to Remove Activation Lock Without Your iPhone

If you used Method 2 and have already sold or given away the Apple Watch, the new owner will be blocked from using it until you remove the Activation Lock from your iCloud account.

1. On a computer, open a web browser and go to iCloud.com.
2. Sign in with the Apple ID associated with the Watch.
3. Click on Find My.
4. Click All Devices at the top of the screen and select your Apple Watch from the list.
5. Click Remove from Account (do not click “Erase”, as it is already erased).

By following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth transition to a new device or give your current Apple Watch a fresh, glitch-free start.