How to reset the Apple Watch

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By Erric Buttlar

You might wish to get your existing Apple Watch ready to sell or gift to someone else in light of yesterday’s announcement of the new models. To do this, you’ll need to reset the Apple Watch.

You might wish to reset your Apple Watch sometimes, for instance, if you want to return it to its default settings. For instance, you may set it up as a new device and give it to someone else.

Before you reset and delete your Apple Watch, you must first unpair it from your iPhone; you cannot unpair the device without first doing this. If you intend on using your Apple Watch again or setting up a new one then you should also backup your device.

How to backup the Apple Watch?

If you want to manually backup the Apple Watch before resetting it, you can do so as well. The Apple Watch will automatically backup when your iPhone does so.

Right now, unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone is the only option to manually backup your watch. It will be backed up immediately after you complete the steps below and unpair your device from your iPhone. More details on this are available on Apple’s website.

How do I unpair the Apple Watch?

Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the “i” next to your Apple Watch name to reveal a menu with the option Unpair Apple Watch. This will allow you to disconnect your Apple Watch from your iPhone. That completes the process of separating your Apple Watch from your iPhone, allowing you to move on to the next step of resetting the watch.

How do I erase an Apple Watch?

You may reset your Apple Watch after separating it from your iPhone. Go to General > Reset > Erase all material and Settings in the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Your passcode must be entered when asked.

Your Apple Watch may be configured as a new Apple Watch and linked with a new iPhone after being reset.

You must disconnect your cellular plan from your Apple Watch if it is the cellular version. You may do this by selecting My Watch > Cellular, then touching the I next to the name of your plan. Selecting Remove will allow you to confirm that this is what you want to do.

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