Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support (2024)

Here's how to protect your information and save time before you mail in your Apple Watch or drop it off for service.

Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support (1)

Before you send

Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support (2)

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:

  1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.

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

  3. Tap All Watches at the top of the screen.

  4. Tap the Info buttonGet your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support (3) next to the watch that you want to unpair.

  5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. For cellular models, tap Remove [Carrier] Plan.

  6. Enter your Apple ID password. If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it.

  7. 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:

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com.

  2. Sign in with your Apple ID.

  3. Select Devices.

  4. Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices.

  5. Click Remove Items in the Wallet & Apple Pay section.

  6. 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:

  1. Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.

  2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

  3. Back up your iPhone. Your iPhone backup also includes a backup of your Apple Watch.

  4. Charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch.

  5. 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.

Published Date:

Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

How do I get my Apple Watch ready? ›

Set up your Apple Watch
  1. Turn on your Apple Watch and put it on. ...
  2. Hold your Apple Watch close to your iPhone. ...
  3. Hold your iPhone over the animation. ...
  4. Set up as new or restore from a backup. ...
  5. Sign in with your Apple ID. ...
  6. Create a passcode. ...
  7. Customize your settings. ...
  8. Set up cellular and Apple Pay.
May 23, 2024

How do I prepare my Apple device for service? ›

If you're sending your device to Apple for service

After you back up your device, erase it to protect your personal information and remove it from your Apple ID: In Settings, tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad), then tap Erase All Content and Settings. You need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

How to prepare your Apple Watch for repair? ›

Get ready for service
  1. Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.
  2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
  3. Back up your iPhone. Your iPhone backup also includes a backup of your Apple Watch.
  4. Charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
  5. Turn off Apple Cash on your Apple Watch.
Mar 27, 2024

How do I get my Apple Watch ready to pair? ›

Step 1: Turn on and pair your Apple Watch
  1. Put your Apple Watch on your wrist. ...
  2. To turn on your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. ...
  3. Hold your iPhone near your Apple Watch, wait for the Apple Watch pairing screen to appear on your iPhone, then tap Continue. ...
  4. Tap Set Up for Myself.

How do I force my Apple Watch into recovery mode? ›

On an Apple Watch
  1. Press and hold both the Digital Crown and the Side Button (power button).
  2. Wait for the shutdown screen, keep holding both for 3 seconds longer.
  3. Release side button and digital crown.
  4. Immediately hold the Digital Crown and wait 10 seconds.
Sep 23, 2023

How do I activate cellular on my Apple Watch? ›

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap Cellular. Your Apple Watch should automatically switch to the carrier that your iPhone is using. If you need to add a new plan, tap Add a New Plan, then follow the onscreen steps.

How do I prepare for Apple device support exam? ›

Preparing for the Exam
  1. Become familiar with using iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
  2. Gain practical experience in supporting Apple devices in an organization.
  3. Complete the Apple Device Support course. ...
  4. Read Reviewing the Learning Objectives to become familiar with the learning objectives and related resources.

What to do before going to Apple Service Center? ›

When you go to the service location, you should bring:
  1. Your device and any accessories that you need help with.
  2. If possible, your sales receipt (some repairs may require proof of purchase)
  3. A form of personal identification, such as a driving licence, passport or other government-issued ID.
May 24, 2024

Why do I have no service Apple? ›

Contact your network provider to: Verify that your account is active and in good standing. Make sure that you're in an area with mobile network coverage and there are no outages in your area. Check that your device isn't blocked or barred from receiving mobile services and is set up with the right data plan.

Can an Apple Watch be serviced? ›

If the glass on your Apple Watch gets damaged, we can service it for a fee. Accidental damage isn't covered by the Apple warranty. Damaged glass is eligible for applicable coverage for accidental damage from handling with your AppleCare+ plan.

Why is my Apple Watch not connecting to my phone? ›

Certain settings needs to be on or off in order for pairing to work. Open your Settings app. Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off and that you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid any connectivity issues. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and see if it gives you the option of pairing with your Apple Watch.

How do I reset my Apple Watch unable to pair? ›

If your Apple Watch is stuck while pairing
  1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time until your watch restarts. ...
  2. After your watch restarts, firmly press the screen or press and hold the Digital Crown.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. After your watch resets, you can pair it with your iPhone.

How to force restart an Apple Watch? ›

Force restart your Apple Watch

Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown until the screen turns black and the Apple logo reappears, then release both buttons. Your watch might take a few moments to restart.

How do I set up my Apple Watch for the first time? ›

To set up your Apple Watch, put it on your wrist snugly, then press and hold the side button to turn it on. Bring your iPhone near your watch, then follow the onscreen instructions. To prepare an Apple Watch for a person in your family who doesn't have an iPhone, tap Set Up for a Family Member.

What do I do if my Apple Watch is stuck on the pairing screen? ›

If your Apple Watch is stuck while pairing

Press and hold the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time until your watch restarts. Then release the Digital Crown and side button. After your watch restarts, firmly press the screen or press and hold the Digital Crown. Tap Reset.

How long does an Apple Watch take to activate? ›

Just make sure that the iPhone and Apple Watch remain as close as possible to each other during this time and you should be ready to enjoy your new Apple Watch in about 15 to 20 minutes (or less).

How to bypass activation lock on Apple Watch? ›

Turn off Activation Lock before you send your Apple Watch in for service, sell it, or give it away
  1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
  2. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
  3. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
  4. Tap the More Info button. ...
  5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
Mar 27, 2024

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