How to reset Apple Watch without paired phone

Question:

Question: How to reset Apple Watch without paired iPhone

Hi there..

My brother has an Apple watch, but it looks like the watch can not be paired with his iphone. They keep asking the password. Even though he put his password, but unfortunately, the phone keeps asking the password.

Would it be possible if I can reset the Apple watch, and start again from the beginning? Anyway, we don't have anything important to keep on apple watch.

Please advise..

Josh

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch

Posted on Jul 14, 2017 12:40 AM

Answer:

Answer:

Hi

If the Apple Watch is locked by a passcode and your brother cannot unlock it via the normal procedure, then follow these steps to erase it and re-pair it:

• Connect the watch to its charging cable, with power connected.
• Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
• Press firmly on the display (do not try to slide the Power Off slider - just press down more firmly than a normal tap) and then tap on Erase all content and settings.
• Re-pair the watch using the Watch app, choosing to Restore from Backup if offered the option.

More information:

Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you forgot the passcode for your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you are instead referring to Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:

If the watch is locked to your brother's own account, but he is having issues with his credentials:

• It may help to follow the instructions here:
  • If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
  • If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

• If he still needs assistance, he should contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along the Apple Watch and his original proof of purchase for it:
• Contact - Official Apple Support
• https://twitter.com/applesupport
• http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

If the Apple Watch is pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:

• Your brother will need the previous owner (who may not be the seller) to either enter their Apple ID and password on your iPhone or to turn the feature off via https://www.icloud.com/ (by signing in with their Apple ID > Find My iPhone > select the Apple Watch > Erase Apple Watch > Next until erased > click X next to the watch).
• If he cannot arrange for the previous owner to do this, he should return the watch for a refund.
• He will not otherwise be able to use the watch. There is no way around this security feature.

More information:

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Posted on Jul 14, 2017 12:50 AM

If you’ve forgotten the passcode to your Apple Watch, you'll need to reset the watch and set it up again.

How to reset your Apple Watch if you’ve forgotten your passcode

1. Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.
2. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off.
   
3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings.
4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
   
5. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.

Deleting all content and settings erases all media, data and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock, unpair the watch first. Before your watch is erased, a backup of its contents is created on your iPhone.

How to reset your Apple Watch using your paired iPhone

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together until you complete these steps.
2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab.
3. Tap General > Reset.
4. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings, then tap it again at the bottom of the screen to confirm. You might need to enter your Apple ID password.
   

5. For Apple Watch models with GPS + Cellular, choose to keep or remove your cellular plan:
   • If you want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, keep your plan.
   • If you don't want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, remove your plan. If you aren't going to pair with a different watch or iPhone, you might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription.
6. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.

Published Date: October 18, 2021

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