If you’ve been wondering how to factory reset Apple Watch, this guide has the exact steps you need. Whether your goal is to erase data before resale, fix a performance issue, or unpair it from your iPhone, performing a full reset is an essential part of owning an Apple Watch.
In 2025, smartwatches are more connected to our lives than ever — from fitness tracking to remote payments. And with growing concerns about data privacy and device security, knowing how to factory reset Apple Watch safely and completely is crucial for startup founders, remote teams, and tech-savvy users alike.
This guide will walk you through three proven methods for factory resetting your Apple Watch, with or without an iPhone, including how to remove Activation Lock and troubleshoot issues. Let’s get started.
When and Why You Should Factory Reset Your Apple Watch
Understanding when and why to factory reset Apple Watch is the first step in deciding the best method. There are multiple situations where this action becomes necessary:
- You are planning to sell or give away your Apple Watch and need to erase personal data.
- Your Apple Watch is not functioning properly, lagging, freezing, or experiencing software bugs.
- You are upgrading to a new iPhone and need to disconnect your Apple Watch from the old one.
- You forgot your Apple Watch passcode and are locked out.
- You’re preparing the watch for trade-in or recycling and want to make sure your data is wiped.
In each of these cases, knowing how to factory reset Apple Watch ensures that your personal information is secure and the device is ready for its next user.
Pre-Reset Checklist: What to Do Before You Begin
Before you begin the factory reset process, it’s important to complete a few essential steps. These will make the reset go smoothly and help you avoid common issues like getting locked out by Activation Lock.
- Make sure your Apple Watch has at least 50% battery or is connected to its charger during the reset process.
- Back up your iPhone, because your Apple Watch data is backed up through your iPhone’s iCloud or iTunes backup.
- Understand that factory resetting the watch will erase all content, including apps, settings, and synced data.
- Most importantly, know your Apple ID and password. This is necessary to bypass Activation Lock after the reset.
Without these precautions, even if you know how to factory reset Apple Watch, you could end up unable to reactivate it afterward.
Method 1: How to Factory Reset Apple Watch Without iPhone
If you don’t have access to your paired iPhone, you can still reset your Apple Watch directly from the watch itself. This method is useful when your iPhone is lost, stolen, or not nearby. Here’s how to factory reset Apple Watch without iPhone:
- Press the Digital Crown to open the Apps screen.
- Go to Settings, then tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Reset.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the reset and allow the watch to complete the process.
Keep in mind that even if the reset is successful, Activation Lock will still be enabled. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID credentials after the reset to set up the watch again. This prevents unauthorized access but can be a problem if you forget your credentials.
Knowing how to factory reset Apple Watch without iPhone gives you more control over your device in unexpected situations.
Method 2: How to Factory Reset Apple Watch Using iPhone
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for resetting your Apple Watch. When your iPhone is still paired with your watch, you can perform the reset via the Watch app. This also automatically disables Activation Lock, making it ideal for resale or gifting.
Follow these steps to learn how to factory reset Apple Watch using iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your Apple Watch at the top of the screen.
- Select “General” and scroll down to “Reset.”
- Tap “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.”
- Choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan (for GPS + Cellular models).
- Confirm the reset. Your iPhone will begin unpairing the watch and erasing it.
Unpairing the watch through the Watch app ensures your Apple ID is disconnected and Activation Lock is turned off. That’s why it’s the best method when preparing to sell or hand off the device.
Many users only think of how to factory reset Apple Watch from the watch itself, but using the iPhone makes the process cleaner and safer.
Method 3: How to Factory Reset Apple Watch Without Passcode
If you’ve forgotten your passcode and can’t unlock the watch, don’t worry. You can still reset it using this special method, as long as it’s on its charger. Here’s how to factory reset Apple Watch without passcode:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger.
- Press and hold the side button until the power screen appears.
- Press and hold the Digital Crown until “Erase all content and settings” appears.
- Tap to confirm and allow the process to complete.
This method is particularly useful if you are locked out but still want to reuse or resell the watch. However, Activation Lock remains in place, so you’ll still need your Apple ID credentials after the reset.
This method is a good emergency fallback when you can’t access the watch settings or the paired iPhone.
Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse a hard reset with a factory reset, but they are not the same thing.
- A factory reset erases all data, apps, and settings, returning your Apple Watch to its original state. It’s useful for selling, giving away, or starting fresh.
- A hard reset (also called a force restart) is simply a way to reboot the device. It does not erase any data. It’s useful if your watch is frozen or unresponsive.
To perform a hard reset:
Press and hold both the Side Button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Understanding the difference ensures you’re using the right method based on your situation. Just make sure you’re choosing the full factory reset when your goal is to erase data and disconnect your watch.
How to Remove Activation Lock Before Resale
One of the most important steps when learning how to factory reset Apple Watch is disabling Activation Lock. If this step is skipped, the next user won’t be able to use the watch.
Here’s how to remove Activation Lock:
- Unpair the Apple Watch using the Watch app on your iPhone. This automatically removes Activation Lock.
- If you no longer have access to your iPhone, go to iCloud.com and sign in.
- Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices.
- Choose “Erase” and then click “Remove from Account.”
Only once Activation Lock is removed can the new user set up the device with their own Apple ID.
Troubleshooting Tips for Reset Issues
Even if you know how to factory reset Apple Watch, technical issues can arise. Here are common problems and solutions:
- If your Apple Watch won’t reset, check your battery level and make sure it’s charging.
- If the watch is not showing the reset option, try a hard reset and attempt again.
- If you’re locked out and forgot your Apple ID, visit Apple’s iForgot page to recover your account.
- If your watch won’t unpair from your iPhone, try restarting both devices and attempting the reset again.
If all else fails, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store may be the best option.
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Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to factory reset Apple Watch, you’re ready to securely erase your device in any situation—whether you’re switching phones, selling the watch, or fixing a software issue.
Remember to back up your data, understand the differences between reset types, and never forget to disable Activation Lock before handing off the watch.
Taking time to learn how to factory reset Apple Watch not only protects your privacy but also maximizes the value and usability of your Apple Watch in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I factory reset my Apple Watch without an iPhone?
Yes, you can reset the watch directly from its Settings menu. You’ll still need the passcode and Apple ID.
Q2. How do I factory reset Apple Watch without the passcode?
Use the side button and Digital Crown reset method while your watch is on the charger.
Q3. What is Activation Lock and why does it matter?
Activation Lock prevents unauthorized access to your Apple Watch. You must disable it before selling or giving away the device.
Q4. Will a factory reset delete all my Apple Watch data?
Yes. A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and synced data from the watch.
Q5. Does unpairing the Apple Watch also factory reset it?
Yes. Unpairing from the Watch app erases the device and removes Activation Lock.
Q6. How do I know if Activation Lock is still on?
After the reset, if the watch asks for your Apple ID, Activation Lock is still enabled.
Q7. Can I reset my Apple Watch if it’s frozen?
Yes. Use the hard reset method by holding the Side Button and Digital Crown.
Q8. Is factory reset the only way to improve Apple Watch performance?
Not always. You can try updating software or restarting, but if problems persist, factory reset is a clean solution.
