If you're upgrading to an iPhone, selling your watch, or need to troubleshoot a problem, unpairing and erasing your Apple Watch is a simple process. when you're clear about which option to use in each scenario. Still, there are important nuances to know, such as what happens with Activation Lock, backups, and data plans on models with cellular connectivity.
In this practical guide, we've compiled and rewritten key information so you don't miss a thing: the recommended method with the paired iPhone, How to erase the watch if you don't have your phone handy, what to do if you forgot the code y How to wipe your device in iCloud if you've already handed it over. You will also see what to decide with the data plan y What to check when buying or selling an Apple Watch.
What it means to unpair and erase an Apple Watch
Unpairing an Apple Watch from the paired iPhone removes Activation Lock and erases all data and settings on the watch.Additionally, the iPhone creates a recent backup of your Apple Watch before wiping it, so you can restore that information to a new watch if you're interested.
If you don't have the iPhone it was paired with with you, you can erase the watch from its Settings, but Activation Lock will still be active.This means that when you try to pair it again, you'll be asked for the Apple account and password you used to set it up.
Keep in mind that the Apple Watch does not have a physical SIM slot or a traditional “reset” button.The holes in the case are for the microphone, speaker, and, for Apple Watch Ultra, for measuring water depth. Do not insert objects into them, as this may damage the device.
Upon completion of the unpairing, the watch will display the screen to start pairing again. (“Start Link” or “Start Linking”), and you can set it up from scratch or turn it off if you’re going to sell or give it away.
Before you start: key notices and requirements
Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone very close together throughout the entire process.This prevents connection interruptions and ensures that backup and cleanup are completed without incident.
If you use transit cards in the Wallet app on your Apple Watch, remove them from your watch before unpairing.This will prevent future problems with those cards on other devices.
On GPS + Cellular models, you'll need to decide whether to keep or remove your mobile data plan.If you plan to pair the watch with that same iPhone (or use it again yourself), keep the plan; if you're not going to use it anymore or are going to pass it on to someone else, delete it. You may need to contact your carrier to cancel your subscription.
iPhone backs up Apple Watch just before erasing it when unpairing. It allows you to restore your data and settings to a new watch or to the same one if you change your mind.
Unpair Apple Watch from iPhone (Recommended Method)
This is the cleanest way because it removes Activation Lock, erases the clock and generates a backup. Follow these steps using your watch and iPhone together:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to the My Watch tab.
- Tap All Clocks at the top if you have several linked.
- Tap the information button (i) next to the Apple Watch you want to unpair..
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm when prompted.
- On GPS + Cellular models, choose to keep or remove the mobile plan:
- Keep if you are going to pair it again with your iPhone.
- Delete If you're not going to use that iPhone again, or if you're going to sell or give it away, you may need to contact your carrier to cancel your subscription.
- Enter your Apple account password when prompted. to turn off Activation Lock and continue until the process is complete.
During the process, the iPhone will create a backup of the watch and, when finished, the Apple Watch will be erased and ready to pair again.You will see the prompt on screen to start pairing again.
If you're selling or giving away your watch, turn it off once unpaired or leave the pairing animation ready for the next person.If, however, you're going to continue with it, start the link and decide whether to restore from the recent backup.
Erase Apple Watch directly from the watch
If you don't have your paired iPhone handy, you can erase all content and settings from the watch itself.Note: Activation Lock will still be active, so to re-pair it, you'll need the Apple account and password used when setting it up.
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the watch code if prompted..
- If the model is GPS + Cellular, choose to keep or remove the mobile data plan depending on whether you are going to reuse it or not.
- Tap Delete All to confirm. The watch will be restored to factory settings.
Once finished, you can set it up again as if it were new or pair it to another iPhone.If Activation Lock is still active (because you didn't unlink it from the iPhone), you'll need the previous owner's Apple account to use it.
iPhone alternative: You can also open the Watch app, go to My Watch > General > Reset, and tap Erase All Content and Settings.This method clears the clock, but it doesn't replace the ending if you want to remove Activation Lock.
If you have forgotten the code or the link is stuck
If you can't remember your Apple Watch passcode or the pairing animation freezes, you can reset your watch with a special procedure.You'll need a charger handy.
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger and make sure it is receiving power.
- Press and hold the side button until the screen with the power button appears (in older versions you will see the off slider).
- Release the side button and hold the Digital Crown until the red Reset button appears..
- Tap Reset and confirm again when requested.
If the pairing process is stuck (looping animation for minutes), try holding the Digital Crown while your Apple Watch is in pairing mode, then tap Reset when it appears.. Then try to link again.
Remember: If you reset instead of unpairing, Activation Lock remains in place.When you reconnect, you'll be asked for the account and password you used to set up your account.
Erase and remove your watch from iCloud.com if you no longer have it
If you've already traded in your Apple Watch or don't have it physically, you can erase its contents and remove it from your account at iCloud.com.This is the key option to clean it from a distance.
- Go to iCloud.com from a computer and go to the Search section. (Find My iPhone) with your Apple account.
- Open the All Devices menu and select your Apple Watch..
- Click Erase Apple Watch and confirm by proceeding until the erase is complete..
- When finished, delete the watch from your account.. In the interface you will see the option to remove it from the list of devices (click the X next to the Apple Watch if it appears).
Erasing removes Apple Pay cards, photos, contacts, music, and apps from your watch, and disables iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services.. Note: Your content is not deleted from iCloud when you wipe your device.
Buying or selling an Apple Watch: essential checks
If you are buying a pre-owned watch, make sure the owner has removed the Activation Lock and erased the contents.. Ask to have it unlinked from your iPhone and removed from your account on iCloud.com.
Signs to check:
- If you see the lock screen to enter the code or the home screen, you need to erase the device. before transferring it.
- Try pairing with your iPhone.If you're asked for the previous owner's Apple account password, Activation Lock is still active.
- On models with mobile data, check that the plan has been removed and canceled to avoid unwanted charges.
Mobile plan on GPS + Cellular models: keep or delete
The decision about your cellular data plan is important when unpairing or erasing an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity.It will save you headaches with charges and reactivations.
Keeping the plan makes sense if you're going to pair the watch with your iPhone again. and continue using it yourself. In that case, pairing will reuse the plan without any additional paperwork.
Deleting the plan is the right thing to do if you're not going to use that watch anymore, if you're going to pair it with another iPhone, or if you're selling/giving it away.. Removing your plan during the process doesn't always cancel your subscription: check with your carrier to close your line and avoid future payments.
If you change owners, the golden rule is to leave the watch without a plan and without Activation Lock.This way, the new user can activate it from scratch and purchase their own service if needed.
After: Set up and restore your Apple Watch
After unpairing or erasing, you can set up your Apple Watch as new or restore from your most recent backup. that the iPhone created during the ending. If you're continuing to use the watch, place it next to the iPhone and follow the on-screen wizard.
If you erased your watch without unpairing and Activation Lock is still active, you'll need to enter the Apple account and password associated with the device.. Only then will you be able to pair it and use it normally.
If you are selling or giving away, it is best to return the watch on the pairing screen and, if it was Cellular, with the plan removed and canceled with the operator.This way, the other person will have a flawless first-time experience.
Taking these steps correctly saves you time and trouble: you remove Activation Lock when appropriate, choose the right mobile plan, and ensure your Apple Watch is clean and ready to go. to reuse, sell or give away with complete peace of mind.