How to reset your Apple Watch: why and when?
Your Apple Watch is acting strangely. Apps are crashing. Notifications aren't coming through. Or maybe you just bought a refurbished Apple Watch and want to start with a clean slate. Resetting seems like the solution. But this is where the stress starts for many people: what if you lose data? What if your Watch freezes during the process?
Yet, resetting is often simpler than you think —and much safer than struggling with a malfunctioning smartwatch. The secret isn't complicated technical tricks, but rather following a few basic steps built into Apple's own system. Within ten minutes, you'll have a watch that works like it did on day one. In fact, with a refurbished Apple Watch, a reset can make the difference between a device that works okay and one that runs perfectly smoothly.
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Why reset your Apple Watch?
There are several reasons why resetting your smartwatch might be the best solution. Apps that keep crashing, notifications that no longer come through, or general system slowness are common issues. A full reset is also essential when reselling your watch or after purchasing a refurbished one.
The great thing is that Apple has deliberately kept the reset process simple. You don't need to be a technical expert to perform it safely. With the right preparation and this guide, you won't risk data loss or other complications.
Preparation: What do you need to arrange before you start?
Good preparation is half the battle. Before you begin the reset, there are several important steps you should take:
Backing up your data
Your watchOS data is automatically backed up via your paired iPhone. Therefore, first check if your iPhone has a recent backup. To do this, open the Watch app on your phone and check under "General" when the last sync occurred. If necessary, wait until all health data and workout information has synced.
Unpairing your iPhone
This is a crucial step that many people skip. By unpairing first, you automatically create a backup and disable Activation Lock. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap "My Watch," and select the info icon next to your watch. Then select "Unpair Apple Watch." The system will ask for confirmation and then automatically create a backup.
Charge to at least 50%
A reset that stops midway due to a dead battery can cause problems. Therefore, make sure your smartwatch is at least half charged. Even better: leave the device on the charger during the entire process.
The 8 steps for a complete reset
Now that you've made the preparations, you can begin the actual reset process. Follow these steps carefully:
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Open the settings on your watch
Press the digital crown to open the main menu. Find the gear icon (Settings) and tap it. -
Navigate to general settings
Scroll down in the settings menu and select "General." This section contains all of your device's system settings. -
Find the reset option
Scroll all the way down in the General menu. There you'll find the "Reset" option. -
Select full reset
Select "Erase all content and settings." This is the most thorough reset and will delete everything. -
Enter your access code
If you've set an access code, you'll need to enter it now. This is a security measure to prevent unwanted resets. -
Confirm your choice
The system will ask you for confirmation again. Tap "Clear All" or a similar option. This is your last chance to cancel. -
Wait patiently
The reset process will now begin. You'll see a progress bar or the Apple logo. This can take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is stored. -
Configure again
After the reset, the watch will start up with the welcome screen. You can now choose to restore from a backup or set it up as a new device.
Alternative method: reset via your iPhone
Sometimes your watch stops responding properly to touch or the screen is damaged. In that case, you can also perform the reset using your paired iPhone. Open the Watch app, go to "General," and scroll to "Reset." Here you'll find the same option to erase all content and settings.
This method has the advantage of giving you more control over the process. For example, you can quickly check or adjust certain settings before starting the reset.
What to do after the reset?
Your smartwatch is now completely clean again. But what are the next steps? This depends on your situation:
In case of resale
If you're selling the device, you're done. The watch is completely erased and ready for its new owner. Don't forget to include the original charger and any extra straps.
For own use
Want to keep using the watch yourself? During setup, you can choose to restore from a backup. This will bring back all your apps, settings, and health data. Pairing with your iPhone happens automatically via your phone's camera.
With a refurbished purchase
Just purchased a refurbished model? Set it up as a new device. This way, you'll start with a completely clean slate and can customize which apps and settings you want to use. This also provides the best insight into the performance of your "new" watch.
Common problems and solutions
While the reset process is usually straightforward, complications can sometimes arise. Here are the most common issues:
The watch doesn't respond during the reset: This can happen if the battery was too low. Let the device charge for an hour and try again. If this doesn't work, hold both buttons for 10 seconds to force a restart.
Activation Lock is still on: This happens if you forgot to unpair your iPhone first. You'll then need to sign in with your Apple ID to continue. Forgotten your password? Then you'll need to contact Apple Support.
Apps won't restore: Some apps need to be redownloaded after a reset. This usually happens automatically, but it can take a while. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi for faster downloads.
Tips for optimal performance after the reset
A reset gives you the chance to start with a clean slate. Use this opportunity to optimize your smartwatch:
- Only install the apps you actually use. Too many apps slow down the system.
- Turn off unnecessary notifications to extend battery life.
- Check your health and privacy settings.
- Set up automatic updates for watchOS.
- Make regular backups via your iPhone.
A well-maintained Apple Watch will last for years, especially if it's a quality product like the refurbished models available. Regular maintenance and occasional resets will keep your smartwatch performing optimally.
Conclusion: Resetting is easier than you think
Resetting your Apple Watch turns out to be not as daunting as it seems. With the right preparation and these eight steps, you'll have a watch running smoothly again in just fifteen minutes. Whether you're troubleshooting, giving your refurbished purchase a fresh start, or preparing it for sale, a reset is often the simplest solution.
Key takeaway: back up your iPhone first, disconnect it properly, and make sure it has enough battery. Then there's little that can go wrong.
