If you’re wondering how to unpair Apple Watch, you’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing to sell it, fix a syncing issue, or upgrade to a new iPhone, knowing how to properly unpair your Apple Watch is essential.
Unpairing is more than just turning off Bluetooth. When you unpair Apple Watch, it resets the device, creates a backup (when using an iPhone), and removes it from your Apple ID account—making it usable for someone else. This guide will walk you through how to unpair Apple Watch in every scenario, including when you don’t have access to your iPhone or passcode.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to unpair Apple Watch securely, but also understand how to protect your data and prevent Activation Lock issues for future owners.
Why You Might Need to Unpair Your Apple Watch
There are several reasons why you may need to unpair your Apple Watch, and each one involves making sure the process is done right to avoid issues later.
- You’re selling or gifting your Apple Watch and need to erase your data securely.
- You’re switching from an old iPhone to a new one and want to pair the watch with the new phone.
- You’re experiencing performance issues or syncing problems and need a fresh start.
- You’re sending your Apple Watch in for repair and want to protect your personal information.
- You’re upgrading to a newer model and no longer need the current device.
No matter the reason, it’s important to understand how to unpair Apple Watch the right way so you avoid problems with Activation Lock, iCloud syncing, or data loss.
How to Unpair Apple Watch Using Your iPhone
The best and most complete way to unpair Apple Watch is through your iPhone. This method ensures your watch gets backed up and Activation Lock is removed automatically.
Follow these steps to unpair Apple Watch with your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap “All Watches” at the top-left corner.
- Find the watch you want to unpair and tap the small “i” icon next to it.
- Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.”
- Choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan if your watch is GPS + Cellular:
- Choose “Keep Plan” if you’re planning to pair the watch again.
- Choose “Remove Plan” if you’re getting rid of the watch.
- Choose “Keep Plan” if you’re planning to pair the watch again.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to turn off Activation Lock.
- The unpairing process will begin. Your watch will erase all content and settings, and a backup will be created on your iPhone automatically.
Using the iPhone is the safest and most complete method if you’re trying to learn how to unpair Apple Watch with minimal hassle.
How to Unpair Apple Watch Without iPhone
If you no longer have access to the iPhone the watch is paired with, you can still unpair it directly on the watch. However, be aware that this method does not disable Activation Lock, which means the next person won’t be able to set it up without your Apple ID.
To unpair Apple Watch without an iPhone:
- Place the Apple Watch on its charger.
- Press and hold the side button until the Power Off screen appears.
- Press and hold the Digital Crown or use Force Touch on the Power Off slider.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Confirm the action when prompted.
This method only resets the Apple Watch. It does not remove it from your Apple ID account. To fully unpair Apple Watch and make it usable for someone else, you’ll need to remove Activation Lock manually via iCloud.
If you want to know how to unpair Apple Watch without iPhone and make it ready for resale, keep reading to learn how to remove Activation Lock.
How to Reset Apple Watch Without Passcode
If you’ve forgotten your Apple Watch passcode, there is still a way to unpair and reset it. This can be done even without your iPhone, but again, Activation Lock will remain unless you remove it separately.
Steps to reset Apple Watch without passcode:
- Place your watch on its charger.
- Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown at the same time.
- When the reset screen appears, release the buttons.
- Tap “Reset” and confirm.
This method is useful if you’re locked out of the device, but keep in mind that it won’t remove your Apple ID from the device. You’ll still need to follow up with an iCloud removal if you plan to sell or give away the watch.
How to Remove Activation Lock from Apple Watch
Activation Lock is a security feature that prevents anyone else from using your Apple Watch if it’s lost or stolen. Even after a reset, the watch remains tied to your Apple ID until you manually remove it.
To fully unpair Apple Watch and remove Activation Lock:
- Visit iCloud.com on a web browser.
- Log in with the Apple ID used to pair the watch.
- Click on “Find iPhone.”
- Select “All Devices” at the top, then choose your Apple Watch.
- Click “Erase Apple Watch.”
- After it erases, click “Remove from Account.”
Once this is done, the watch is fully unpaired and Activation Lock is removed. The device can now be set up by another user.
What to Do Before You Unpair Apple Watch
Before you begin the process of unpairing, take these steps to avoid problems:
- Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are fully charged.
- Keep your devices close together during the unpairing process.
- Ensure your iPhone has enough free storage for the backup.
- Decide whether to keep or remove your cellular plan, if applicable.
- If possible, always use the iPhone method to unpair Apple Watch—it’s the only method that creates a backup.
These steps will help ensure that your data is preserved, Activation Lock is removed, and the watch is ready for future use.
Common Problems When Unpairing Apple Watch
Sometimes, unpairing Apple Watch doesn’t go smoothly. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
- The Watch app freezes or crashes: Restart your iPhone and Apple Watch, then try again.
- You forgot your passcode: Use the reset method described above to wipe the watch.
- You no longer have the paired iPhone: Use iCloud.com to erase and remove the watch.
- Activation Lock won’t go away: Make sure you’re using the original Apple ID and password to remove it.
- Can’t see the watch in Find My: The watch may not be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular. Try resetting or wait until it’s online.
Understanding how to unpair Apple Watch also means knowing how to troubleshoot these common obstacles.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to unpair Apple Watch properly is an important step when upgrading, selling, or troubleshooting the device. Whether you’re using an iPhone or working without one, there’s a clear method for each scenario.
The best practice is always to unpair Apple Watch using the Watch app on your iPhone. It ensures your data is backed up and Activation Lock is removed, making the transition to a new device simple and safe.
If you no longer have access to your iPhone, resetting through the watch or iCloud can still get the job done, though it may require extra steps to fully disconnect from your Apple ID.
Follow this guide step-by-step to unpair Apple Watch securely and prepare it for its next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I unpair my Apple Watch without my iPhone?
Yes, you can reset the watch directly from its settings, but Activation Lock will remain unless removed via iCloud.
Q2. What happens when I unpair Apple Watch?
The watch is erased, your Apple ID is removed (if using iPhone method), and a backup is created on your iPhone.
Q3. Will unpairing delete my data?
If you unpair through the iPhone, a backup is created. If done directly from the watch, all data is lost with no backup.
Q4. How do I remove my Apple Watch from iCloud?
Go to iCloud.com > Find iPhone > All Devices > Select your watch > Erase > Remove from account.
Q5. Do I need to remove my cellular plan when unpairing?
If you’re keeping the watch, you can keep the plan. If you’re selling it, choose to remove the plan.
Q6. Can I unpair Apple Watch without knowing the Apple ID?
No, you’ll need the Apple ID credentials to turn off Activation Lock and make the watch usable again.
Q7. How do I back up my Apple Watch before unpairing?
A backup is automatically created on your iPhone during the unpairing process via the Watch app.
Q8. What’s the safest way to unpair Apple Watch for resale?
Use the Watch app on your iPhone, enter your Apple ID password, and then remove the watch from iCloud to complete the process.
