Here's how to protect your information and save time before you mail in your Apple Watch or drop it off for service.
Before you send
Before you drop off
Before you send us your Apple Watch
If your device won't turn on or respond, finish as many of these steps as possible.
Unpair your Apple Watch
When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. You can use the backup to restore your Apple Watch when your device returns from service.
Follow these steps to unpair your devices:
Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab.
Tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
Tap the Info button
next to the watch that you want to unpair. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. For cellular models, tap Remove [Carrier] Plan.
Enter your Apple ID password. If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it.
Tap again to confirm.
If you don't have your iPhone, but your Apple Watch is working, you can erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch. On your Apple Watch, tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings. For cellular models, tap Erase All to remove your plan.
Remove Apple Pay cards if you can’t unpair your Apple Watch
When you unpair or erase your Apple Watch, your personal data is erased, including the cards that you use for Apple Pay and Apple Cash.
If you're unable to unpair or erase your watch before sending it in, you can still remove your Apple Pay cards:
Go to appleid.apple.com.
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Select Devices.
Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices.
Click Remove Items in the Wallet & Apple Pay section.
Click Remove Items again to confirm.
Remove your Apple Watch band
Your Apple Watch band and any other accessories that you send won't be returned, so please remove them before sending your Apple Watch in for service.
Learn how to remove your band. If you have a Link Bracelet band, remember to separate the links before you remove the band.
Send in your Apple Watch
If you arranged a repair request, you should have received instructions for how to mail in your Apple Watch. If you already received a replacement Apple Watch, follow these steps to set it up.
If you haven't set up a repair request, choose from the service options available in your area: make a reservation at an Apple Store, find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or set up mail-in repair. Arrange service for your Apple Watch.
Before you drop off your Apple Watch
You might want to make an appointment before you go to a service location, like an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or carrier. You might need to sign in with your Apple ID to make a reservation.
Get ready for service
Follow these steps. If your device won't turn on or respond, finish as many steps as possible:
Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.
Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
Back up your iPhone. Your iPhone backup also includes a backup of your Apple Watch.
Charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Turn off Apple Cash on your Apple Watch. If you can't do this on your watch, follow the steps in the Remove Apple Pay cards if you can’t unpair your Apple Watch section above.
When you go in for service, make sure that you bring these things with you:
Your Apple Watch
The iPhone that you use with your watch
The power cables and adapters
Your Apple ID and password (For some repairs, you need your Apple ID password to erase your device and turn off Find My iPhone.)
Your sales receipt (if possible, in case your service requires proof of purchase)
A form of personal identification, like a drivers license, passport, or other government-issued ID
Drop off your Apple Watch
When you arrive at a store, a technician will inspect your device. If your Apple Watch needs a hardware repair, it will be shipped to an Apple Repair Center. Before it's sent, you'll need to unpair it from your iPhone. When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. You can use the backup to restore your Apple Watch when it returns from service.
Need help?
Contact Apple Support for more information.
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