Here’s how to reset an Apple Watch to factory settings, plus some extra context in a blog-style “Quick Scoop” format.

How to Reset Apple Watch to Factory Settings

If your Apple Watch is acting up, you’re selling it, or just want a clean slate, a factory reset erases all data and returns it to out‑of‑box state.

Quick Scoop

  • A factory reset erases all apps, settings, and data from your Apple Watch.
  • The safest way is to unpair from your iPhone first, because that also turns off Activation Lock and creates a backup.
  • You can reset:
    • From the Watch app on iPhone
    • From the Watch itself (if you know the passcode)
    • From the passcode screen (if you forgot the passcode).
  • After reset, you can restore from backup during setup or set it up as new.

Before You Reset: Important Notes

  • A factory reset deletes:
    • Health and fitness data stored on the watch, app data, and settings.
  • If you’re keeping the watch:
    • Make sure your iPhone has a current backup so your watch settings can be restored.
  • If you’re selling or giving it away:
    • Unpair from your iPhone so Activation Lock is removed; otherwise, the new owner may not be able to use it.

Think of this like wiping a laptop before selling it: you want your info gone, but you also want the next person to actually be able to set it up.

Method 1: Reset via iPhone (Recommended)

This is the cleanest way and is what Apple recommends for most users.

  1. Keep Apple Watch and iPhone together
    • Turn Bluetooth on and keep both devices charged and near each other.
  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
    • Open the Watch app, go to the My Watch tab.
  1. Go to your watch details
    • Tap All Watches (top left).
    • Tap the i icon next to the watch you want to reset.
  1. Unpair your Apple Watch
    • Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
 * If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activation Lock.
  1. Confirm the reset
    • Confirm you want to erase all content and settings. This restores your watch to factory settings.

During this process, your iPhone makes a backup of your watch data, so you can restore it later when you pair again.

Method 2: Reset on the Apple Watch (Know the Passcode)

If you have your watch on your wrist and know the passcode, you can reset directly from the watch.

  1. Put your Apple Watch on the charger
    • For some reset flows, Apple requires the watch to be connected to power.
  1. Open Settings on the watch
    • Press the Digital Crown to see apps, tap Settings.
  1. Go to General → Reset
    • Scroll to General , then scroll down and tap Reset.
  1. Erase all content and settings
    • Tap Erase All Content and Settings (or similar wording like Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings).
  1. Confirm
    • Enter your passcode if asked, then confirm to erase.

This will wipe the watch and bring you back to the setup screen as if it were new.

Method 3: Reset If You Forgot the Passcode

If you forgot your passcode, you can still reset from the watch’s passcode screen.

  1. Connect the watch to its charger
    • Ensure it’s charging during the process.
  1. On the passcode screen
    • At the “Enter Passcode” screen, press and hold the side button until a power/menu screen appears.
  1. Press and hold the Digital Crown
    • Keep holding the Digital Crown until you see an option like Erase all content and settings or Reset.
  1. Tap Reset / Erase
    • Tap Reset , then confirm again to reset to factory default settings.
  1. Wait for the process to finish
    • When done, the watch will restart and show the pairing screen so you can set it up as new or with an iPhone.

After the Reset: Setting Up Again

Once your Apple Watch has been erased, it behaves like a brand‑new device.

  • Bring your iPhone near the Apple Watch
    • A pairing screen should pop up on the iPhone.
  • Choose setup option
    • Set up as a new Apple Watch, or
    • Restore from a previous backup if you unpaired it earlier.
  • Sign in with your Apple Account when asked
    • You’ll need the Apple Account and password used before to fully turn off Activation Lock if it wasn’t removed during unpairing.

Mini “Forum Style” Notes & Trending Angle

On tech forums and YouTube comments, you’ll see a few recurring themes around “how to reset Apple Watch to factory settings”:

“I forgot my passcode and thought the watch was bricked, but the reset from the passcode screen saved it.”

“Unpairing from the iPhone felt slower but it backed everything up and removed Activation Lock—worth the extra minute.”

Common viewpoints:

  • Some users prefer resetting from the watch because it feels simpler and doesn’t require dealing with the phone menus.
  • Others insist unpairing from the iPhone is safer because of backups and Activation Lock.
  • For resale, nearly everyone agrees: always unpair to avoid the buyer getting stuck at activation.

In 2024–2025 era Apple Watch videos and guides, the main “trending” twist is better emphasis on resetting without a passcode and handling Activation Lock properly, since more people buy and sell used watches online.

Quick FAQ

Does factory reset delete everything on Apple Watch?
Yes—apps, settings, and locally stored data are erased and it returns to factory defaults.

Is unpairing the same as factory reset?
Unpairing from iPhone erases the watch and restores factory settings, and also handles backup and Activation Lock in one go.

Can I reset without the iPhone?
Yes, using the Settings app on the watch or the passcode screen reset method, as long as you can access the watch and charger.

Can I reuse the watch after factory reset?
Absolutely. Just pair it with an iPhone and optionally restore from backup during setup.

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Learn how to reset Apple Watch to factory settings using your iPhone, directly from the watch, or if you’ve forgotten your passcode. Includes forum-style tips, latest how‑to trends, and post‑reset setup guidance.

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