Resetting your Apple Watch can be done by deleting any data from it. First, you must unlink it from the Apple ID associated with your iPhone.
If you haven’t done so yet, follow the steps above to unlink it. Then, restart your iPhone to begin the factory reset process.
Your watch should be back to factory defaults in no time. You can now start using it! But, before you do that, make sure to back up your iPhone.
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How To Factory Reset Apple Watch (Without Passcode)
iMore:
When factory-resetting an Apple Watch, you’ll be returning it to its original settings. According to Apple’s support page, this will wipe the Apple Watch’s content, settings, and media.
However, before you can perform this action, you must first unpair your watch from your iPhone. Once this step is complete, you’ll be able to remove the Activation Lock.
The first step in factory-resetting your Apple Watch involves removing your iCloud account and removing your Apple ID. This process will erase all of your personal information, including the Apple ID and password.
This process also leaves your watch iCloud-locked, which may make selling or gifting it a hassle. It’s best to make a backup of your personal data before attempting to factory-reset the watch.
You can use the same procedure to factory-reset an Apple Watch if it’s not paired with your iPhone. First, make sure that you unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone using your watch’s Bluetooth connection.
Then, you can select “Erase All” to reset the device to its factory settings. After a successful factory reset, your Apple Watch will re-pair with your iPhone.
If you accidentally power-off your Apple Watch, you can restore it using this method. If your watch freezes, hold the side button and digital crown until you see the Apple logo.
When the screen re-starts, you’ll be asked to enter your passcode. In case you’ve forgotten your passcode, you’ll need to back up your device first. This method will help you restore it to factory settings, so it’s important to keep in mind your passcode.
If your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone, you’ll need to pair it with your computer to complete the reset process. If your Apple Watch is unpaired with your iPhone. You’ll need to follow the instructions from the phone’s operating system.
You may have to connect the watch to the charger during the entire reset, which can take a while. You’ll also need to remove it from your iCloud account in order to complete the reset.
Bryan Wolfe:
For the next step in this process, you’ll need to back up your watch’s data to your iPhone. You can do this by going into the settings app and choosing ‘Back up all data’.
If you have a backup on your iPhone, you can use this information to restore your watch to factory settings. Then, follow these steps to restore your watch to factory settings.
Once you’ve completed this process, your Apple Watch should be back in business.
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Unlinking Apple Watch From Associated Apple ID
To unlink an Apple Watch from its associated iPhone, follow these simple steps. Before doing so, you need to unpair your iPhone first. In macOS Mojave, open System Preferences and click on Apple ID.
Then, select the device to be unlinked. A confirmation dialog box will appear to confirm the action. Once you’ve confirmed this action, your Apple Watch will be unpaired from your iPhone.
Open the iPhone and Apple Watch in range. On the iPhone, open the Watch app. Tap on the My Watch tab at the top of the screen.
Tap on the watch entry, then press the “i” icon to the right of it. Select “Unpair Apple Watch.” Confirm the process by tapping the button next to “Unpair Apple Watch.”
For cellular models, you’ll be prompted to choose whether or not to remove your cellular plan. Then enter your Apple ID password to complete the process.
Alternatively, you can also unpair your Apple Watch by opening the Apple App Store app. To do so, follow the instructions below. Just be sure to keep your iPhone nearby while unpairing your Apple Watch.
The watch will boot to the home screen once you unpair it, so make sure you’re near your iPhone while doing the process.
Once you’ve done this, you can pair your Apple Watch to a new iPhone using your Apple ID or iCloud account. This process can take a few minutes, depending on your computer’s connection.
If you’ve opted to unpair your Apple Watch, you should keep in mind that it will remain locked to your Apple ID and password, even after you have unpaired it.
This is because it’s “activation locked” – meaning that it can’t be unlinked from an Apple ID – which can be a hassle if the next owner wants to use it.
If you’re trying to sell it, unlinking the device from associated Apple ID will make it available for a new owner.
Also, you have to check out my post on How to Charge Apple Watch Without Its Dedicated Charger?
Restarting iPhone To Factory Reset Apple Watch
There are two main ways to factory reset your Apple Watch: with your iPhone and without. Before starting, make sure you have a back-up of your watch.
If you have backed up your iPhone and Mac with iCloud, your Apple Watch will be automatically backed up as well.
Make sure to encrypt the backup to save the content on your Apple Watch. To perform a factory reset on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
- To force restart your Apple Watch, you can hold the side button and the Digital Crown together for ten seconds. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
- Your watch will restart and ask you to wait. It may take a few minutes so do not touch the screen during the restart process.
- Once it’s finished, it should be ready to go! Once it restarts, it will start up normally. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support to find a replacement watch.
To factory reset your Apple Watch, you must be connected to your iPhone and ready to pair it. The iPhone should be nearby.
After the pairing is complete, you can pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone and set it up as new. Afterwards, you can restore any previous data from your backup to your Watch.
But if you have an issue with your Watch, you may want to wipe the entire device and start fresh.
Before you begin, connect your Apple Watch to the charging cable. Then, follow the directions that come with your mobile browser.
When prompted, choose whether you want to keep or remove your cellular plan. Once the pairing is complete, you should be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.
Once you do this, your Apple Watch is ready to go back to its original factory settings. You can now trade-in your Apple Watch, sell it, or give it away to a friend or family member.
Conclusion:
Force restarting your Apple Watch is the same process as for your iPhone. However, you cannot force restart your Apple Watch while it’s charging. Instead, you should remove the charger first.
After doing this, your Apple Watch should be able to turn on normally. You will no longer need to force restart the Apple Watch to reset it.
The only problem you might encounter with force restarting your Apple Watch is a faulty charging cable.
Also, make sure to check out my post on Why Is My Apple Watch Showing The Wrong Time?
