Unpair and erase Apple Watch (2024)

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Apple Watch User Guide

There are two ways to remove the contents and settings of your Apple Watch:

  • Unpair your AppleWatch from your iPhone. This erases the contents and removes Activation Lock (which prevents someone else from activating it). Do this if you plan to sell or give away your Apple Watch.

  • Erase your AppleWatch. This erases all content and settings from Apple Watch, but leaves it paired with your iPhone. Do this if you plan to keep your Apple Watch, and just need to reset it.

Unpair AppleWatch and remove Activation Lock

  1. Open the AppleWatch app on your iPhone.

  2. Tap My Watch, then tap All Watches.

  3. Tap Unpair and erase Apple Watch (1) next to your watch, then tap Unpair AppleWatch.

Your AppleWatch is erased and removed from your iCloud account, Activation Lock is removed, and your watch is ready to be set up again. For more information, see the Apple Support article About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch.

Erase AppleWatch and settings

To erase your AppleWatch without unpairing it, follow these steps.

  1. Open the Settings app Unpair and erase Apple Watch (2) on your AppleWatch.

  2. Go to General> Reset, tap Erase All Content and Settings, then enter your passcode.

  3. If you have an AppleWatch with cellular, choose to keep or remove your cellular plan.

    • Keep your plan if you want to pair your AppleWatch and iPhone again.

    • Remove your plan if you want to pair your AppleWatch with another iPhone or intend to cancel your cellular subscription. (Contact your carrier to cancel your subscription.)

  4. When the process finishes, set up your watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.

You can also open the AppleWatch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, go to General > Reset, then tap Erase AppleWatch Content and Settings.

Note: If you can’t access the Settings app on your AppleWatch because you’ve forgotten your passcode, you must reset it.

Remove your cellular plan

If you have an Apple Watch with cellular, you can remove the cellular plan at any time.

  1. Open the AppleWatch app on your iPhone.

  2. Tap My Watch, tap Cellular, then tap Unpair and erase Apple Watch (3) next to your cellular plan.

  3. Tap Remove [name of carrier] Plan, then confirm your choice.

    You may need to contact your carrier to remove this AppleWatch from your cellular plan.

Download this guide: PDF

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Unpair and erase Apple Watch (2024)
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