How To Factory Reset Apple Watch
Factory resetting your Apple Watch erases all data and settings, returning it to its original state. Whether you’re selling your watch, fixing software issues, or unpairing before upgrading, here’s how to reset any Apple Watch in 2026.
Method 1: Reset From iPhone (Recommended)
This is the best method because it automatically creates a backup:
- Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap "All Watches" at the top
- Tap the (i) next to your Apple Watch
- Tap "Unpair Apple Watch"
- For GPS + Cellular models: Choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan
- Tap "Unpair [Your Name]’s Apple Watch" to confirm
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted (this disables Activation Lock)
- Wait for the process to complete — the Watch app creates a backup automatically
Your Apple Watch is now factory reset, Activation Lock is removed, and you have a backup that can be restored to a new Apple Watch.
Method 2: Reset Directly on Apple Watch
Use this if you don’t have your iPhone or the watch won’t connect:
- On your Apple Watch, open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap "Reset"
- Tap "Erase All Content and Settings"
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Tap "Erase All" to confirm
- Wait for the reset to complete (this takes a few minutes)
Important: If you use this method AND remember your Apple ID password, Activation Lock is removed automatically. If you don’t remember your password, the watch may remain locked to your Apple ID.
Method 3: Hard Reset (Forgot Passcode)
If you’ve forgotten your passcode and can’t unlock the watch:
With iPhone:
Follow Method 1 above — unpairing from the Watch app erases the passcode.
Without iPhone:
- Put the Apple Watch on its charger
- Press and hold the side button until you see the "Power Off" slider
- Press and hold the Digital Crown firmly
- Tap "Erase All Content and Settings" when it appears
- Tap "Reset" to confirm
- Wait for the process to complete
The watch resets and you can set it up as new. You may need your Apple ID password to remove Activation Lock.
Before You Reset: Checklist
Before factory resetting, make sure to:
- Back up your data: Unpair from iPhone (Method 1) to create an automatic backup. Direct reset from the watch does NOT create a backup.
- Note your cellular plan details: If you have GPS + Cellular, decide whether to keep the plan (for a new Apple Watch) or cancel it
- Remember your Apple ID password: You need this to disable Activation Lock
- Charge your Apple Watch: Make sure it has at least 50% battery
How To Remove Activation Lock
Activation Lock prevents someone else from using your Apple Watch. To remove it:
If You Have the Watch:
Unpair through the iPhone Watch app (Method 1) — this removes Activation Lock automatically.
If You Already Reset/Sold the Watch:
- Go to icloud.com/find
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Click "All Devices"
- Select your Apple Watch
- Click "Remove from Account"
If You Bought a Used Watch With Activation Lock:
The previous owner must remove it from their Apple ID using the iCloud.com method above. There is no way to bypass Activation Lock without the original owner’s Apple ID.
How To Reset Apple Watch for a New Owner
If you’re selling or giving away your Apple Watch:
- Unpair from your iPhone using the Watch app (creates backup + removes Activation Lock)
- The watch automatically erases and shows the pairing screen
- The new owner can now pair it with their iPhone
If you already reset the watch directly:
- Go to icloud.com/find → remove the watch from your account
- This clears Activation Lock for the new owner
Troubleshooting
Reset Is Stuck or Taking Too Long:
- Place the watch on its charger during the reset
- Wait up to 30 minutes — a full erase can be slow
- If completely frozen: press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for 10 seconds to force restart, then try again
"Activation Lock" Screen After Reset:
- Enter the Apple ID and password that was previously used on the watch
- If you don’t know it, the previous owner must remove it from icloud.com/find
Can’t Unpair From iPhone:
- Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are on for both devices
- Restart both devices and try again
- Make sure you’re using the iPhone that the watch was paired with
Tested on Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), and Apple Watch Series 10 running watchOS 11. Last updated March 2026 by the DevX editorial team.
