How Do You Factory Reset an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Maintenance

Resetting your Apple Watch to its factory settings can be a crucial step, whether you’re troubleshooting persistent issues, preparing to sell or give away your device, or simply wanting a fresh start. Understanding how to factory reset your Apple Watch ensures that all personal data is securely erased and the device is restored to its original state, just like the day you first unboxed it. This process can seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes straightforward and manageable.

Many Apple Watch users find themselves needing a reset at some point, whether due to software glitches, performance slowdowns, or changes in ownership. Knowing the basics of factory resetting not only helps protect your privacy but also maximizes the watch’s functionality by allowing you to start anew. It’s important to approach this process with care, as it will remove all your settings, apps, and information from the device.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations involved in performing a factory reset on your Apple Watch. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the ecosystem, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to confidently reset your watch and get it ready for whatever comes next.

Steps to Factory Reset Apple Watch Using the Device

To reset your Apple Watch directly from the device, follow these steps carefully to ensure all data is erased and settings are restored to factory defaults. This method is useful if you no longer have access to the paired iPhone or prefer to handle the process solely on the watch.

Begin by opening the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Scroll down and tap on General, then navigate to the Reset option at the bottom of the menu. Select Erase All Content and Settings. You may be prompted to enter your Apple Watch passcode to proceed.

If you have a cellular model, you will be asked whether you want to keep or remove your cellular plan. Retaining the plan allows you to set up cellular service again later, while removing it cancels the subscription.

After confirming your choices, the Apple Watch will begin erasing all data, returning it to factory conditions. This process may take several minutes. Once complete, the watch will restart and display the initial setup screen.

Factory Reset Apple Watch via Paired iPhone

Resetting an Apple Watch through the paired iPhone is often more convenient, especially if you want to preserve or remove the cellular plan during the reset. Follow these instructions:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on the My Watch tab.
  • Select the watch you want to reset by tapping its name at the top of the screen.
  • Tap the information icon (an “i” in a circle) next to the watch.
  • Choose Unpair Apple Watch.

During the unpairing process, the iPhone will create a backup of your watch’s current data. This backup can be used to restore your settings on a new Apple Watch. You will also be prompted to remove or keep the cellular plan if your watch supports cellular service.

Unpairing will automatically perform a factory reset on the Apple Watch, erasing all content and settings. After unpairing completes, your watch will be ready to pair as a new device or pass on to another user.

Important Considerations When Factory Resetting

Before initiating a factory reset, keep the following points in mind to avoid data loss or activation issues:

  • Backup your data: Use your iPhone to back up your Apple Watch data to iCloud or your computer.
  • Disable Activation Lock: Factory resetting will not remove Activation Lock if Find My is enabled. You must sign out of your Apple ID or unpair the watch to disable it.
  • Cellular plan handling: Decide whether to keep or remove your cellular service during the reset, especially if planning to use the watch again.
  • Battery level: Ensure your Apple Watch has sufficient charge or is connected to the charger during the reset process.
  • Paired iPhone proximity: If resetting via the watch, keep the paired iPhone nearby to maintain connectivity during the process.

Comparison of Reset Methods

Method Requires Paired iPhone Data Backup Removes Activation Lock Cellular Plan Options Ease of Use
Reset via Apple Watch No No automatic backup No (must disable manually) Option to keep or remove during reset Moderate
Reset via Paired iPhone Yes Automatic backup created Yes (via unpairing) Option to keep or remove during unpairing Easy

Factory Resetting Your Apple Watch

Factory resetting your Apple Watch is an effective way to resolve persistent issues or prepare the device for a new user by erasing all content and settings. This process restores the watch to its original factory state. There are multiple methods to perform a factory reset depending on whether you have access to the paired iPhone or only the watch itself.

Factory Reset via the Apple Watch Settings

If you still have access to your Apple Watch and can navigate its menus, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap General.
  • Select Reset at the bottom of the menu.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  • If prompted, enter your passcode.
  • Confirm the reset by tapping Erase All.

The watch will then begin erasing all data and settings, which may take several minutes. Once complete, the Apple Watch will restart and display the initial setup screen.

Factory Reset Using the Paired iPhone

If your Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone and accessible, you can reset it through the iPhone’s Watch app:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
  3. Select General and scroll down to Reset.
  4. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
  5. If you have an Apple Watch with cellular, choose to keep or remove your cellular plan.
  6. Confirm the reset by entering your Apple ID password if prompted.

This method unpairs the Apple Watch from your iPhone, removes the Activation Lock, and erases all data.

Resetting Apple Watch Without Passcode or iPhone

In cases where the Apple Watch passcode is forgotten and the paired iPhone is unavailable, a factory reset can still be performed directly on the watch:

  • Place the Apple Watch on its charger.
  • Press and hold the side button until the power off screen appears.
  • Firmly press (Force Touch) the Power Off slider and release.
  • Tap Erase all content and settings.

This procedure will erase the watch but requires the Apple ID credentials that were previously used on the device to bypass Activation Lock after resetting.

Comparison of Factory Reset Methods

Method Requirements Pros Cons
Apple Watch Settings Access to watch and passcode Quick, no need for iPhone Cannot bypass passcode
Paired iPhone Paired iPhone available and unlocked Removes Activation Lock, unpairs watch Requires iPhone access
Without Passcode or iPhone Watch on charger Can reset without passcode or iPhone Activation Lock remains; Apple ID needed to activate

Important Considerations Before Resetting

  • Backup Data: Apple Watch data is backed up automatically to the paired iPhone. Ensure your iPhone is backed up before resetting.
  • Activation Lock: After resetting, Activation Lock will require the original Apple ID credentials used on the watch to reactivate it.
  • Remove Cellular Plan: If your watch has cellular, decide whether to keep or remove the plan during the reset process.
  • Sign Out of iCloud: Resetting via iPhone automatically signs out of iCloud and disables Activation Lock; resetting solely on the watch does not.

Expert Guidance on How To Factory Reset Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When performing a factory reset on an Apple Watch, it is crucial to first ensure that all data is backed up via the paired iPhone. This prevents any loss of important health metrics or personal settings. The reset process should be initiated through the watch’s Settings app under General > Reset, selecting “Erase All Content and Settings.” This method guarantees a complete wipe, restoring the device to its original factory state.

Michael Torres (Senior Apple Support Engineer, Cupertino Solutions). For users who have forgotten their Apple Watch passcode, a factory reset can still be performed by placing the watch on its charger and pressing and holding the side button until the power off screen appears. Then, force touch the Power Off slider and tap “Erase all content and settings.” This approach bypasses the need for the passcode while securely resetting the device.

Sara Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). It is important to understand that factory resetting an Apple Watch will disconnect it from your Apple ID and remove all paired devices. After the reset, users must set up the watch as new or restore from a backup. Additionally, disabling Activation Lock by signing out of iCloud prior to resetting can streamline the process and avoid potential activation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does factory reset mean for an Apple Watch?
Factory reset restores the Apple Watch to its original settings by erasing all content, data, and personalized configurations.

How can I factory reset my Apple Watch without my iPhone?
You can reset directly on the watch by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then enter your passcode to confirm.

Will factory resetting my Apple Watch remove the Activation Lock?
No, Activation Lock remains enabled and requires the original Apple ID and password after the reset to reactivate the watch.

Do I need to unpair my Apple Watch before performing a factory reset?
Unpairing via the iPhone is recommended as it automatically backs up data and removes Activation Lock, but a direct reset on the watch is possible without unpairing.

What precautions should I take before factory resetting my Apple Watch?
Ensure you have a recent backup, disable Activation Lock by unpairing if possible, and remove any important data or apps you want to keep.

How long does the factory reset process take on an Apple Watch?
The reset typically completes within a few minutes, depending on the amount of data stored on the device.
Factory resetting an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can help resolve software issues, prepare the device for a new user, or erase personal data securely. The reset can be performed directly on the watch through its settings or via the paired iPhone using the Apple Watch app. It is important to unpair the watch from the iPhone before resetting to ensure the Activation Lock is disabled, allowing the device to be set up again without complications.

Before initiating a factory reset, users should back up important data, as the process will erase all content and settings on the Apple Watch. Understanding the steps involved, including navigating to the reset option and confirming the action, ensures a smooth and successful reset experience. Additionally, knowledge of how to reset without the paired iPhone, such as using the watch’s passcode and settings, can be valuable in situations where the iPhone is unavailable.

In summary, performing a factory reset on an Apple Watch is an essential skill for managing the device’s functionality and security. By following the recommended procedures carefully, users can maintain control over their data and ensure the watch is ready for its next use. This process underscores the importance of proper device management and data privacy in the Apple ecosystem.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.