The Apple Watch is a smart device that has become an essential companion for many users, with a wide range of capabilities to monitor physical activity, receive notifications and function as an extension of the iPhone making it unique. But like all electronic gadgets, the Apple Watch needs to be restarted from time to time and it is not clear how to do it.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to restart your Apple Watch in different scenarios: from a basic restart to a forced restart and a factory reset.
Plus, we'll tell you when and why you should consider taking these steps to ensure your Apple Watch runs optimally.
When is it necessary to restart the Apple Watch?
Although the Apple Watch is known for its stability, there are situations where restarting it may be necessary:
- Slow performance: If you notice that apps take a long time to open or the watch is slow to respond to your commands.
- Software bugs: Such as notification failures, iPhone disconnection, or issues with watchOS updates.
- Frozen screen: When the device does not respond to touches or physical buttons.
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues: If the watch has difficulty connecting to iPhone, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth devices.
Types of reset on Apple Watch
There are different ways to restart your Apple Watch depending on the situation, but these are the main options:
- Basic reset: Ideal for minor issues and everyday adjustments. It is the equivalent of turning the device off and on.
- Forced restart: It is used when the Apple Watch is unresponsive or completely frozen.
- Factory reset: A more drastic option that erases all data and restores the watch to its original settings. This is useful if you plan to sell the device or are facing a persistent problem.
Below we explain each of these options in detail.
How to perform a basic reset on Apple Watch
The basic reset is the Easiest way to solve common problems and does not require deleting any data. It is the typical “turn off and on” basically, all your life. To do it, this is what you should do:
- Press the side button: Located just below the Digital Crown, press and hold until a menu appears on the screen.
- Select “Turn Off”: Slide the power off option to the right. This will turn off your Apple Watch completely.
- Turn on Apple Watch: After a few seconds, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
This method is quick and effective in solving minor problems such as Unresponsive applications or functions that do not run correctly, or it's just ideal if you want turn off the computer.
How to force restart your Apple Watch
If the Apple Watch is Completely frozen and not responding to touch commands or the side button, it is time to perform a forced restart, also called “soft reset”. This method is safe and does not affect your data, but should only be used if the watch is “stuck” and does not respond to touch.
Steps to force restart the Apple Watch
- Press the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously: Find both buttons on the right side of the watch.
- Hold both buttons: Continue pressing for about 10 seconds.
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear: Once you see the logo, release the buttons. This indicates that the hard reset has started and the device is rebooting.
This method is useful for fixing serious issues such as a frozen screen or a crash in the operating system. However, it is not recommended to do it frequently as it may affect the performance of the hardware in the long run.
Factory reset your Apple Watch
Factory reset erases all data, settings, and apps from the Apple Watch, returning it to its original state, and is the most “brutal” method of resetting a device. If you ask me, I would only use it in the following cases:
- You plan Sell or give away your Apple Watch.
- Problems persist after a basic or forced reset.
- Do you want to Pair the watch with a new iPhone no setup issues.
Before you reset your Apple Watch
- Make a backup: Apple Watch automatically backs up data to your paired iPhone, but it's a good idea to make sure it's up to date so you don't lose important data.
- Turn off Find My Apple Watch: Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, select «All the clocks», Tap the information icon next to Apple Watch and Turn off “Find My Apple Watch.”
Factory reset steps:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone: Go to the tab "My watch".
- Select "General": Then scroll down and tap "Restablecer".
- Choose “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings”: Confirm the action and enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
- Confirm on the watch: If you're doing the reset directly from your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and configuration.
This process may take a few minutes. Once complete, your watch will be ready to be set up as new or paired with another device.
What to do if Apple Watch won't restart?
If after trying all the above methods your Apple Watch won't restart or is still unresponsive, here are some additional solutions:
Charge Apple Watch
Make sure that the device has enough battery, so we advise you toor connect to the charger for at least 30 minutes and then try restarting it again.
Update watchOS
An outdated operating system can cause problems. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, select «General > Software Update» and check for available updates.
Contact Apple Support:
If the problem persists, it could be a hardware failureIn this case, it is best to go to a Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider.
Ultimately, restarting your Apple Watch can resolve a wide variety of issues, from minor bugs to more complex glitches, so we believe that knowing how to perform a basic restart, a hard restart, and a factory reset is essential for any user of this device, and that's why we've made this post with so much care.
We just hope that if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to reset it, now You will have everything you need to do it like an expert. and be able to continue enjoying this wonderful piece of hardware that is the Apple Watch.