Resetting your Apple Watch can help with issues or preparing the device for a new user. Here is how to reset your Apple Watch if performing a soft reset or a factory reset.
Soft Reset (Rebooting): If your Apple Watch won't respond or you would just like to restart it:
Hold Down the Side Button:
Press the Side button down until you see the power off slider.
Slide the Slider:
Drag the slider to the right to power down the watch.
Turn It On Again:
Once the screen of the watch goes black, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings):When it is desired to erase everything on your Apple Watch and revert to its factory state:
Using the Apple Watch:
Open the Settings App:
Press the Digital Crown to go into the Home screen, and then tap the Settings app.
Select General:
Scroll down, and tap on General.
Select Reset:
Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings:
Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
Confirm the Reset:
If asked, enter the passcode before tapping on Erase All.
Using the iPhone:
Open the Watch App:
On your paired iPhone, open the Watch app.
Select Your Watch:
Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
Go to General:
Scroll down and tap General.
Tap Reset:
Select Reset.
Select Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings:
Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
Confirm the Reset:
Hit the prompts then confirm for a reset.
Key Notes
Backup: Before doing a factory reset, it is good to backup your Apple Watch data. Most of your info will be restored through your paired iPhone automatically, but it is a good idea to ensure you have a recent backup in case you want to restore it in the future.
Unpair: Unpairing your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone is advised if you plan to sell or give it away, as this will delete all content, settings, and remove the activation lock.
Apple ID: If your Apple Watch has an Apple ID associated with it, you might be asked to provide your Apple ID password post the reset.
These steps will walk you through resetting your Apple Watch so you can troubleshoot problems or pass it on to someone else.
Soft Reset (Rebooting): If your Apple Watch won't respond or you would just like to restart it:
Hold Down the Side Button:
Press the Side button down until you see the power off slider.
Slide the Slider:
Drag the slider to the right to power down the watch.
Turn It On Again:
Once the screen of the watch goes black, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings):When it is desired to erase everything on your Apple Watch and revert to its factory state:
Using the Apple Watch:
Open the Settings App:
Press the Digital Crown to go into the Home screen, and then tap the Settings app.
Select General:
Scroll down, and tap on General.
Select Reset:
Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings:
Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
Confirm the Reset:
If asked, enter the passcode before tapping on Erase All.
Using the iPhone:
Open the Watch App:
On your paired iPhone, open the Watch app.
Select Your Watch:
Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
Go to General:
Scroll down and tap General.
Tap Reset:
Select Reset.
Select Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings:
Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
Confirm the Reset:
Hit the prompts then confirm for a reset.
Key Notes
Backup: Before doing a factory reset, it is good to backup your Apple Watch data. Most of your info will be restored through your paired iPhone automatically, but it is a good idea to ensure you have a recent backup in case you want to restore it in the future.
Unpair: Unpairing your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone is advised if you plan to sell or give it away, as this will delete all content, settings, and remove the activation lock.
Apple ID: If your Apple Watch has an Apple ID associated with it, you might be asked to provide your Apple ID password post the reset.
These steps will walk you through resetting your Apple Watch so you can troubleshoot problems or pass it on to someone else.