How to Factory Reset Apple Watch: 3 Way to Do It

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Your Apple Watch stores a lot of personal information, from health data and messages to payment details and app settings. There are times when you may need to know how to factory reset Apple Watch, whether you are selling it, giving it away, fixing a problem, or simply starting fresh. 

A factory reset removes all the data on your Apple Watch and returns it to the state it was in when it first came out of the box. This can be useful when your watch is running slowly, behaving in an unexpected way, or when you just want a clean start. It is also a necessary step before passing the device on to someone else, so that your private information does not stay on it.

There are a few different ways to factory reset Apple Watch, depending on your situation. You might have your iPhone nearby, or you might not. You might also have forgotten your passcode. In this article, we will talk about how to factory reset Apple Watch using 3 different methods. We made this guide on Friday (20/2/2026). Let's check it out.

This is the best way to factory reset Apple Watch. It removes Activation Lock and creates a backup of your data before the reset begins. That backup can be used to restore a new watch later. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together throughout the entire process.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

2. Go to the My Watch tab, then tap All Watches.

3. Tap the info button (i) next to the watch you want to reset.

4. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.

5. Tap Unpair [your Apple Watch name] again to confirm.

6. If you have a GPS + Cellular model, you will be asked whether you want to keep or remove your cellular plan. If you plan to pair the watch again with the same iPhone, keep the plan. If you are giving the watch away or selling it, remove the plan.

7. Enter your Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock, then tap Unpair.

Once the unpairing is complete, your Apple Watch will display the Start Pairing screen. At this point, the reset is done. You can set up the watch again or turn it off if you no longer need it.

You can erase your Apple Watch directly from the watch itself if your iPhone is not available. Keep in mind that this method does not remove Activation Lock. Anyone who wants to use the watch after the reset will still need the original Apple Account and password. Use this method only when you cannot access the paired iPhone.

1. On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.

2. Tap General, then tap Reset.

3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

4. If your watch has a passcode, enter it when prompted.

5. For GPS + Cellular models, choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan.

6. Tap Erase All to confirm.

The watch will erase all media, data, and settings and return to its factory state. When you set it up again, you will need the Apple Account and password linked to the watch to get past Activation Lock.

If you forgot your passcode, you will need to reset your Apple Watch before using it again. You can do this directly on the watch or through your iPhone. Either way, a backup is saved on your iPhone first, so you can restore your data later. Note that neither option will remove Activation Lock.

Option A: Reset directly on the Apple Watch

1. Place your Apple Watch on its charger and keep it there until the process is complete.

2. Press and hold the side button until you see the power button in the top-right corner of the display.

3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until the Erase all content and settings option appears on the screen.

4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.

5. Wait for the process to finish. Once done, you can set up your Apple Watch again and restore from a backup if available.

Option B: Reset using the Apple Watch app on iPhone

Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together while following these steps.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab.

2. Tap General, then tap Reset.

3. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.

4. Tap it again at the bottom of the screen to confirm. You may be asked to enter your Apple Account password.

5. For GPS + Cellular models, choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan.

6. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again and restore from a backup when prompted.

One important note: Apple Watch does not have a physical reset button. The small holes on the case are for the microphone, speakers, and water-depth sensors on Apple Watch Ultra — they are not for inserting any tool or object. Never try to insert anything into these holes, as it can damage your device.