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How to Reset Your Apple Watch (With or Without iPhone) – Full 2025 Guide

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Learn how to reset your Apple Watch in 2025 — with or without a paired iPhone. Full guide on factory reset, force restart, Activation Lock removal, and more.

Whether you're selling your Apple Watch, experiencing software glitches, or switching to a new iPhone, resetting your Apple Watch can help you start fresh. But the process varies depending on your situation.
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through every way to reset an Apple Watch, including:
  • How to factory reset Apple Watch
  • How to reset Apple Watch without paired phone
  • Hard reset for unresponsive devices
  • Reset without Apple ID or passcode (and what to do if you can’t)
  • How to remove Activation Lock before selling
No matter what watchOS version you’re using or whether your iPhone is available, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step Apple Watch reset instructions.

Before You Reset: Important Notes

Before you perform any reset on your Apple Watch, consider these steps:

1. Back Up Your Data

Apple Watch data is backed up automatically when paired with your iPhone. To preserve health, fitness, and app data:
  • Make sure your iPhone is backed up to iCloud or a computer
  • Unpairing the watch also creates a fresh backup automatically

2. Unpair if Possible

If you can access your paired iPhone, unpair the Apple Watch first. This removes Activation Lock and allows the next user to set it up without needing your Apple ID.

3. Charge Your Watch

Make sure your watch is at least 50% charged and connected to a charger during the reset process, especially if you're using the on-watch method.

1. How to Reset Apple Watch from Settings (Normal Reset)

This is the easiest way to reset your Apple Watch — right from the device itself.
Steps:
  1. On your Apple Watch, go to Settings
  1. Tap General → Reset
  1. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  1. Enter your passcode if prompted
  1. Tap to confirm the reset
✅ This will erase all apps, settings, and data. If Activation Lock is enabled, you'll still need your Apple ID to set it up again.

2. How to Factory Reset Apple Watch Using iPhone

If your iPhone is still paired with the Apple Watch, this is the recommended method. It ensures Activation Lock is disabled during the process.
Steps:
  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
  1. Tap the My Watch tab
  1. Go to General → Reset
  1. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings
  1. If you have a cellular plan, choose whether to keep or remove it
  1. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted to disable Activation Lock
  1. Wait for the reset to complete
✅ This method is ideal if you’re selling or giving away the watch.

3. How to Reset Apple Watch Without iPhone (If Paired iPhone Is Lost or Unavailable)

Even if you no longer have access to your iPhone, you can still reset your Apple Watch directly.
Steps:
  1. On the Apple Watch, go to Settings → General → Reset
  1. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  1. Enter your passcode if required
  1. Confirm the reset
⚠️ After the reset, if Activation Lock was enabled, you will still need the original Apple ID credentials during setup.
This method is frequently searched for as how to reset Apple Watch without paired phone.

4. How to Hard Reset / Force Restart Apple Watch

This is not a data wipe. It’s used to restart an unresponsive Apple Watch.
Steps:
  1. Press and hold both the Side Button and the Digital Crown
  1. Keep holding for about 10 seconds
  1. Release when you see the Apple logo
🔁 This is a safe reboot and does not erase data. Useful if your watch is frozen or stuck.
This method is also referred to as how to force restart Apple Watch.

5. How to Reset Apple Watch Without Passcode

If you forgot your passcode, you can still reset the Apple Watch without needing the iPhone.
Steps:
  1. Place the Apple Watch on its charger
  1. Press and hold the Side Button until the Power Off screen appears
  1. Firmly press and hold the Power Off slider (not just tap)
  1. Release, then tap Erase all content and settings
  1. Confirm and wait for the process to complete
🔐 You will still need the Apple ID during setup unless Activation Lock is removed.
This is commonly searched as how to reset Apple Watch without passcode.

6. How to Remove Activation Lock (If Resetting for Sale)

To fully prepare your Apple Watch for resale or transfer, you need to remove Activation Lock.
Steps (using iCloud):
  1. Visit https://icloud.com/find
  1. Sign in with your Apple ID
  1. Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices
  1. Click Erase Apple Watch
  1. After it’s erased, click Remove from Account
✅ This makes the watch usable for a new owner. Without this step, Activation Lock will block setup.
Searches like reset Apple Watch for sale or how to remove Activation Lock Apple Watch often reference this method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to reset Apple Watch without paired phone?

You can reset directly from the watch: Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings. You’ll need the passcode and possibly your Apple ID during setup.

How to factory reset Apple Watch for resale?

Use the Watch app on your iPhone and choose to erase the watch under Settings → Reset. This ensures Activation Lock is turned off.

Does hard reset delete data?

No. A hard reset (force restart) simply reboots the watch. It doesn’t erase data or settings.

What to do if Apple Watch is locked or disabled?

If you’ve forgotten your passcode, use the charger + side button + press Power Off trick to erase it. You’ll still need the Apple ID credentials afterward.

Can I reset Apple Watch without Apple ID?

No. Activation Lock prevents anyone from setting up the watch without the original Apple ID. This is a security feature to deter theft.

Conclusion

Resetting your Apple Watch in 2025 is easier than ever — as long as you follow the right steps. Whether you're troubleshooting, changing phones, or preparing for resale, it's important to understand which type of reset you need:
  • Use your iPhone for the cleanest, Activation Lock-free factory reset
  • Use the watch itself if your phone is lost
  • Use hard reset to fix freezes or bugs
  • Use iCloud to remotely remove Activation Lock
Always unpair first if you can, and remember to back up your data.
For more details, refer to Apple's official reset instructions.

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About the author

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Ayan Ahmad Fareedi— writer at MagicSlides

Ayan Ahmad is our Senior Writer and brings over two years of experience from working with big companies like Amazon and Okaya. He loves writing stories that grab your attention and speak to a wide audience. When he's not working, you can find him watching movies or planning his next trip. Ayan's work is not just about words; it's about making every article special and interesting.

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