Resetting an Apple Watch can be useful if you’re experiencing issues or if you’re planning to sell or give it away. Here’s how you can reset different models of Apple Watches:
Soft Reset:
This type of reset is like restarting your Apple Watch and won’t erase your data.
- Press and Hold the Side Button: Hold down the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
- Swipe to Power Off: Swipe the Power Off slider from left to right. Your watch will turn off.
- Turn On Your Apple Watch: To turn it back on, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
Hard Reset (Force Restart):
This is more forceful and can help if your watch is frozen or unresponsive. It also won’t erase your data.
For series 3 of the Apple Watch Series and Earlier:
- Press and Hold Both Buttons: Press and hold both the side button (the one below the Digital Crown) and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
- Hold Until Apple Logo: Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
For series 3 of the Apple Watch Series and Later:
- Press and Hold Both Buttons: Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
- Hold Until Apple Logo: Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings):
Performing a factory reset erases all data and settings from your Apple Watch, returning it to its original, out-of-the-box state.
- On Your Apple Watch: Go to Settings > General.
- Tap Reset: Scroll down and tap on “Reset.”
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings: Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Confirm: Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm the reset by tapping “Erase All.”
Unpairing from iPhone:
Alternatively, if you have your iPhone paired with the Apple Watch, you can unpair it via the Watch app on your iPhone. This also gives you the option to erase the Apple Watch during the unpairing process.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to My Watch > All Watches (top left corner).
- Tap on the info (i) icon next to your watch’s name.
- Select “Unpair Apple Watch.” You can choose to keep or erase data during the unpairing process.
Remember, a factory reset erases all data, so ensure you’ve backed up any important information before proceeding. These steps should help you reset your Apple Watch based on the type of reset you need, whether it’s a simple restart, a force restart, or a complete factory reset.