How to Hard Reset Apple Watch

A hard reset will erase all your data and files on the Apple Watch. It would be a good idea to try a soft reset first. This type of reset will take care of most minor problems.

Soft Reset

1. Press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch.
2. When you see the Power off slider, drag it to the right.
3. This will turn off your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

Once you have turned your Apple watch back on make sure that the issue resolved. If it is not then you may want to perform a hard reset.

Completing a hard reset on your Apple Watch will permanently solve most minor issues. However, remember it will erase all of your data and files. A hard reset is not difficult to perform. Follow the steps below to do a hard reset on your Apple Watch.

Hard Reset Series 1 and 2

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is on by pressing the side button.
2. Hold down the side button until the Watch options
3. Press and hold the Power off tab until the Factory Reset window appears.
4. Tap the Erase all content and settings.

Done! You have completed a hard reset.

Hard Reset Series 3

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is on by pressing the side button.
2. Hold down the side button until the Watch options
3. Press and hold the Power off tab until the Factory Reset window appears.
4. Tap the Erase all content and settings.
5. Connect your Apple Watch to the charger and make sure it is plugged in.
6. When the Reset menu comes up, confirm the reset.

All done! Double-check that the issue has been cleared by the hard reset.

Hard Reset Series 4 and 5

1. Take off your Apple Watch. This is not necessary but is recommended.
2. Press and hold the Digital Crown and side button at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons until the screen turns off. Let go when the Apple logo appears.

Finished! Go through your Apple Watch a make sure all issues have been corrected.

If the Apple Watch is still not working correctly you will need to perform a factory reset. This will put your Apple Watch back to the original settings.

Factory Reset

Now, understand that a factory reset will erase more than your data and files. It will erase all the applications, settings, and other documents you have put in place. Make sure to back these up before you perform a factory reset. To restore your Apple Watch to the factory settings do the following:

1. On your watch go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Enter your passcode to continue.
4. Scroll down the menu and confirm that you want to continue.

After a few moments, your Apple Watch will turn back on and appear as new. It will be as if you had just turned it on for the first time. You will need to pair your watch with your phone and set up everything again.

Doing a hard reset or even a factory reset to your Apple Watch is not difficult and it should resolve most issues going on with your watch. However, make sure before you do a hard reset or even a factory reset try a soft reset. Make sure before doing any reset that your Apple Watch and all files are backed up in case you have anything important on it.