How to fix Apple Watch not reset error

Problems with the reset process appear when you try to do so in the Apple Watch's settings or the Watch app in iOS for iPhone.

You'll want to reset your Apple Watch to factory settings if you're having serious problems with its functionality or want to sell the device. Problems with the reset process appear when you try to do so in the Apple Watch's settings or the Watch app in iOS for iPhone.

The reason why Apple Watch does not reset

If you're having trouble resetting your Apple Watch, a number of issues could be the cause, like software issues or connectivity issues. Therefore, you must check both devices so that the reset process can go smoothly.

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How to troubleshoot unresponsive Apple Watch?

Follow these steps to get your Apple Watch working again.

1. Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on

Your Apple Watch and iPhone communicate wirelessly over Bluetooth and WiFi, so you'll want to double check that this is working. On iPhone, go to Settings, where you can find menus for both Bluetooth and WiFi, set their sliders to on (blue) if these are not already activated.

You can also toggle these settings using your iPhone's Control Center. To access it, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (iPhone X and later) or up from the bottom of the screen (older models).

2. Check for updates

Sometimes your Apple Watch and iPhone don't work together correctly, the problem is that one or both devices need a firmware update. You can check on either device by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update.

Alternatively, you can use your iPhone to see if a watchOS update is available by opening the Watch app and going to General > Software Update.

3. Restart iPhone

Since you usually try to reset your Apple Watch using the Watch app on your iPhone, the first step to take is to restart your iPhone.

4. Restart Apple Watch

Your next step will be to restart your Apple Watch by holding the Side button until the Power Off slider appears. Swipe it to turn off the watch, then hold the Side button again to start backing up the watch.

5. Reset the sync process

Sometimes, when your iPhone and Apple Watch don't communicate properly, you need to reset the sync process. To do so, power off iPhone and Apple Watch, then turn on iPhone, followed by Apple Watch.

6. Reset sync data

This next step before completely unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone will keep them connected, but will erase and reset the data you share between them (such as calendars and contacts). Open the Watch app on iPhone, then go to General > Reset > Reset Sync Data to access this option.

7. Remove Apple Watch from Settings app

While you do most of the reset and pairing from the Watch app on your iPhone, you can also do a partial reset from the smartwatch. On Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Erasing your Apple Watch this way will not reset the Activation Lock security feature, which only turns off after unpairing the device from iPhone.