To reset a smartwatch to factory settings, back up your data, then use the Settings menu to erase all content and pair again. On iPhone or Android, you can also reset through the companion app. A forced reset is available from recovery mode if the watch is locked.
How do I perform a factory reset on smartwatch?
A factory reset erases user data and returns software to default. It fixes many issues like failed updates, app glitches, and pairing errors. Expect the process to take 3 to 10 minutes, plus setup time.
General steps on the watch
Open Settings, then find General or System. Choose Reset or Erase All Content and Settings, confirm with your passcode, and keep the watch on its charger. After wiping, the watch restarts and shows the pairing screen.
General steps from the phone app
Open the companion app, select your watch, and choose Unpair or Reset. This often removes activation locks and may create a backup first. Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on until completion.
Apple Watch 11 - precise reset methods
The Apple Watch 11 can be reset directly on the watch or via the iPhone. Unpairing through the Watch app also disables Activation Lock. LTE users can choose to keep or remove the cellular plan.
From the watch Settings
On Apple Watch 11, go to Settings - General - Transfer or Reset - Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted. For cellular models, choose to keep or remove your plan before confirming.
Using the iPhone Watch app
On your iPhone, open Watch app - All Watches - tap the info icon - Unpair Apple Watch. This creates a final backup on the iPhone and removes Activation Lock automatically. The watch wipes and shows the pairing animation.
If you forgot the passcode
Put Apple Watch on the charger. Press and hold the side button until the power screen, then press and hold the Digital Crown to see Erase all content and settings. Confirm to wipe; Activation Lock remains until you pair with the original Apple ID.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 - precise reset methods
The Galaxy Watch 8 supports resets on-device, in the Galaxy Wearable app, and via recovery mode. Always back up via Wearable - Watch settings - Accounts and backup first. Keep the watch at 50 percent battery or on the charger.
From the watch Settings
On the watch, open Settings - General - Reset. Confirm and enter the PIN if required. The reset typically completes in 4 to 8 minutes.
Using the Galaxy Wearable app
Open Galaxy Wearable on your phone - Watch settings - General - Reset. Confirm the wipe; this may sign the watch out of accounts. After reboot, pair again through Wearable.
Recovery mode when locked
With the Galaxy Watch 8 powered on, press and hold both buttons until Rebooting appears. Repeatedly press the Home button to reach Select Reboot Mode, choose Recovery, then select Wipe data - Factory reset. Confirm and reboot to complete.
Backup, unpairing, and data protection
Unpairing an Apple Watch 11 from iPhone makes a final local backup, which syncs to iCloud with the next phone backup. Samsung backups can be triggered manually in Galaxy Wearable and stored to your Samsung account. Health data may require iCloud Keychain or Samsung Cloud for full restoration.
Pre-reset checklist
- Charge to 50 percent
- Back up watch data
- Disable PIN or lock
- Note Wi-Fi passwords
- Keep charger connected
What gets erased and what remains
A factory reset deletes apps, settings, notifications, health metrics, and offline media. Payment tokens are revoked server-side for Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Activation locks may remain until properly unpaired or signed in again.
| Device | Settings path | Typical duration | Data erased | Phone required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch 11 | Settings - General - Transfer or Reset - Erase | 3 to 8 minutes | Apps, health, media, settings | No, but iPhone unpair preferred |
| Galaxy Watch 8 | Settings - General - Reset | 4 to 8 minutes | Apps, health, media, settings | No, Wearable app optional |
| Wear OS 4 device | Settings - System - Disconnect & reset | 5 to 10 minutes | Apps, health, media, settings | No, app reset optional |
Will resetting my smartwatch erase all data?
Yes, a factory reset wipes user data and returns defaults. Stored cards, offline playlists, alarms, faces, and app data are removed. Cloud items remain with your account and resync after setup if supported.
Notes on cellular plans and eSIM
On Apple Watch 11 Cellular, you can keep or remove the plan during erase; keeping the plan simplifies reactivation on the same account. On Galaxy Watch 8 LTE, plans are managed via your carrier and Wearable app after pairing. If selling, remove the plan before transfer.
What about activation locks
Unpairing an Apple Watch 11 through the iPhone removes Activation Lock. Erasing on the watch alone will still require the original Apple ID on setup. On Galaxy Watch 8, ensure Samsung account removal before resale.
Post-reset setup and restore speed
Initial pairing usually takes 2 to 5 minutes over Bluetooth, then Wi-Fi accelerates app downloads. Restoring a full backup with many apps and watch faces can take 10 to 20 minutes. Health data resync duration depends on account sync and network speed.
Optimizing the restore
Place the phone and watch within 10 cm during pairing. Connect both to stable Wi-Fi at 20 Mbps or higher for faster app reinstalls. Keep the watch on the charger to prevent throttling during large transfers.
Troubleshooting common reset problems
If the watch will not erase, charge to 50 percent and try again. Remove VPNs or battery savers on the phone that might interrupt Bluetooth. For stubborn cases, use recovery mode or reset from the companion app.
Quick fixes
- Toggle Bluetooth off-on
- Reboot phone and watch
- Try another charger
- Use Wi-Fi only
- Clear app cache
Security, privacy, and resale prep
Always unpair to remove locks before selling or gifting. After erasing, verify that Find My or Find My Device no longer lists the watch. Refresh your style with new Apple Watch straps and add essentials from Apple Watch accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Does a factory reset update firmware?
No, it does not change firmware. After pairing, check for updates in the Watch app or Settings. Install updates over Wi-Fi with the watch on the charger.
Can I reset without the original phone?
Yes, use on-device settings or recovery mode. However, Apple Watch 11 may still require the original Apple ID after erase if not unpaired. For Samsung, remove your Samsung account before reset to avoid setup blocks.
Will a reset fix battery drain?
Often it helps by clearing corrupt settings and runaway processes. If drain persists, update firmware, reduce always-on brightness, and review third-party complications. Replace the battery if capacity is under 80 percent health.
What if the watch is stuck on the logo?
Force restart, then attempt recovery-mode reset. Ensure the charger provides at least 5 W stable power. If it still loops, contact support for a service restore.
Do I lose my watch faces?
Custom faces and arrangements are removed locally. Apple faces linked to the iPhone can be re-synced; Samsung faces tied to your account can be re-downloaded. Third-party faces must be reinstalled.
Conclusion
To reset your smartwatch to factory settings, back up, then erase on the watch or via the phone app, keeping the device on its charger. Apple Watch 11 users should unpair through the iPhone to remove Activation Lock, while Galaxy Watch 8 owners can reset in Settings or Wearable. After the wipe, pair again and restore your backup.
