According to Apple, unpairing an Apple Watch is a necessary step when upgrading devices, handing hardware over to a family member, or preparing a used wearable for sale. This process automatically erases device data and restores factory settings. Consequently, completing the procedure requires knowing both the associated Apple Account password and the watch passcode.
How to Unpair Your Apple Watch Using an iPhone
To safely wipe and unpair the device, users must keep the Apple Watch and paired iPhone close to one another with sufficient battery power, according to Apple’s support documentation. First, open the Watch app on the iPhone, navigate to the “My Watch” tab, select “All Watches,” and tap the Info button next to the target device. Scrolling down reveals the “Unpair Apple Watch” option. Selecting this prompts a confirmation step.
For cellular-enabled models, users face a prompt regarding active data plans. As noted by Apple, individuals keeping the watch within the family can choose to keep the cellular plan active, while others should remove it. However, the carrier plan remains active until the user contacts their cellular provider to officially cancel it. Finally, disabling Activation Lock requires entering the Apple Account password before completing the unpairing sequence.
Unpairing Without an iPhone and Restarting Alternatives
Users can technically erase an Apple Watch without an iPhone by navigating through the watch’s own settings, selecting “General,” then “Reset,” and tapping “Erase All Content and Settings,” according to Apple. Entering the passcode and choosing plan options finishes the device wipe. However, this method fails to remove Activation Lock, meaning sellers or gifters still require the paired iPhone to clear the device fully for a new owner.
When dealing with sluggish performance, a frozen screen, or pairing difficulties on a device intended to be kept, Apple advises against unpairing. Instead, users should restart the watch by holding the side button, selecting the power icon, and sliding the power-off toggle, or by accessing Settings, General, and Shut Down. For unresponsive screens, a force restart requires holding both the Digital Crown and the side button together for approximately 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Pro Tip: Upgrading Your Device
If you are setting up a new Apple Watch, selecting “Make This Your New Apple Watch” during setup will automatically deactivate the old one and transfer your data, but you will still need to manually unpair the older device to completely clear it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unpairing an Apple Watch delete my data?
Yes. According to Apple, unpairing erases all historical data from the watch and restores its factory settings.
Can I unpair my Apple Watch without my iPhone?
You can erase the watch from its own settings menu, but you need the paired iPhone to remove Activation Lock and make the device ready for a new user, according to Apple.
What should I do if my Apple Watch screen is frozen?
You can force restart the device by holding down the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
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