How to Factory Reset Locked Apple Watch
If you find yourself locked out of your Apple Watch, whether due to a forgotten passcode or a system issue, a factory reset can be a viable solution. This process will erase all data from your watch and restore it to its original factory settings. However, it’s important to note that this action is irreversible, so be sure to back up your data before proceeding. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to factory reset a locked Apple Watch.
Step 1: Prepare Your Apple Watch
Before you begin the factory reset process, ensure that your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% to avoid any unexpected shutdowns during the process. If your watch is not charged, connect it to a power source and let it charge until it reaches the required level.
Step 2: Back Up Your Data
To protect your data, it’s crucial to back up your Apple Watch before performing a factory reset. You can do this by connecting your watch to your iPhone and using the Apple Watch app. Open the app, select your watch, and then tap on “General.” From there, tap on “Backup” and ensure that the “Backup on My iPhone” option is enabled. This will automatically back up your data to your iPhone.
Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset
With your watch charged and data backed up, follow these steps to factory reset your locked Apple Watch:
1. Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the “Power Off” slider appears on the screen.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your Apple Watch.
3. Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Once the logo appears, release the side button.
5. Wait for your Apple Watch to restart. When it does, you’ll see the “Hello” screen.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Apple Watch as a new device.
Step 4: Restore Your Data
After setting up your Apple Watch as a new device, you can restore your data from the backup you created earlier. To do this:
1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “My Watch” from the bottom menu.
3. Select “General” and then “Backup & Restore.”
4. Tap on “Restore from iPhone” and choose the backup you want to restore from.
5. Wait for the data to be restored to your Apple Watch.
By following these steps, you should be able to factory reset your locked Apple Watch and restore your data. Remember to keep your watch charged and back up your data regularly to avoid such situations in the future.
