How to Factory Reset Apple Watch: Step-by-Step Guide

Your Apple Watch can usually handle anything you throw at it, but even the best tech sometimes needs a quick restart or a full reset. Whether it’s frozen, unresponsive, or you’ve forgotten the passcode, learning how to factory reset your Apple Watch the right way can save you time and frustration.

How to Restart Apple Watch (Soft Reset)

Restarting your Apple Watch fixes small glitches without deleting data. It’s like rebooting your iPhone, quick and harmless.

Before restarting, make sure your watch isn’t on charge.

1. Press and hold the Side Button until the Power Off slider appears.
2. Drag the Power Off slider to shut down your watch.
   
3. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Side Button again until you see the Apple logo.

If your Apple Watch is frozen and unresponsive, try a force restart: press and hold both the Side Button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

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This doesn’t erase your data; it just refreshes your system and clears temporary issues.

Watch this tutorial to learn how to restart or force restart your Apple Watch.

How to Factory Reset Apple Watch (Hard Reset)

A hard reset, or factory reset, wipes your Apple Watch clean. Use this when you forget your passcode, plan to sell or give it away, or when nothing else works.

Method 1: Unpair Apple Watch To Reset Automatically

If you can access your iPhone, unpairing your watch is always the best way to reset it. It removes Activation Lock and automatically creates a backup.

1. Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close.
2. Open the Watch app > All Watches > tap the info (i) icon next to your watch.
3. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
4. Enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
5. For GPS + Cellular models, choose whether to keep or remove your mobile plan.
   

After unpairing, your watch shows the Start Pairing screen and your iPhone stores the backup. For more details, check out our guide on unpairing an Apple Watch.

Method 2: Reset Directly from the Watch

You can reset your Apple Watch even without your iPhone, but it must stay connected to the charger during the process.

1. Open the Settings app on Apple Watch and go to General.
   
2. Select the Reset option, then tap Erase all content and Settings.
   
3. Enter your passcode.
4. Wait for the reset to finish, then set up your watch again.

Note

This erases all data but doesn’t remove Activation Lock. You’ll need the Apple ID and password used with the watch to set it up again.

Method 3: Reset Apple Watch Using iPhone

If your iPhone is still paired, this is the easiest and safest way to reset your watch; it also automatically removes Activation Lock.

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
3. Go to My Watch > General > Reset.
4. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
5. Confirm and enter your Apple ID password if asked.
   

If you have a GPS + Cellular model, you’ll see an option to either keep or remove your mobile plan. Keep it if you’ll pair with the same iPhone again, or remove it if you’re selling or switching devices.

Your iPhone automatically backs up your Apple Watch before resetting it, so you can restore everything later.

Method 4: Alternate Button Combination Reset (Last Resort)

If your Apple Watch doesn’t respond to any standard reset method, try this. This may not work on recent models, but for any old models like the Apple Watch Series 2, this should work even now:

1. Press and hold both the Side Button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
2. Wait a few seconds, then hold only the Side Button for around 20 seconds until the reset option appears.
3. Tap Erase All Settings, then confirm with the green check button.

Important Safety Tips for Apple Watch Reset

• Never insert anything into the small holes on your Apple Watch; they’re not reset buttons. They’re for the microphone, speakers, and water-depth sensors.
• Unpair from iPhone first if you’re selling or giving your watch away. This ensures Activation Lock is removed.
• Use the charger while resetting to prevent interruptions or damage.

What to Do After Resetting Apple Watch

Once your Apple Watch restarts or resets, it’s time to set it up again.

• Set up as new for a fresh start.
• Restore from backup to get all your old data back.

After setup, reconnect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, pair it with your iPhone, re-add Apple Pay cards, reinstall apps, and re-enable Health and Activity tracking.

If your Apple Watch still doesn’t respond or won’t reset even after trying everything, contact Apple Support for help.

Restarting or resetting your Apple Watch can often solve most issues, from a stuck screen to a forgotten passcode. It’s a simple fix that can save hours of frustration and make your watch feel brand new again.

Restart and reboot your Apple Watch to get a fresh start!

In short, restarting or resetting your Apple Watch isn’t something to fear; it’s often the quickest way to bring it back to life. A simple restart clears small bugs, while a full reset gives your watch a clean slate when nothing else works. Just remember to unpair it first if you’re switching devices or selling it. Once you’ve set it up again, your Apple Watch will feel as smooth and responsive as the day you bought it.

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