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How to Unpair Apple Watch: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Planning to sell or give away your Apple Watch? It’s crucial to erase all personal data and unpair it from your iPhone correctly. This guide will help you do just that, ensuring your information remains secure and the new owner can set up the watch without any issues. This guide is compatible with watchOS 9 and iOS 16 on all Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why the Right Method Matters
Using the incorrect method to unpair and erase your Apple Watch can lead to complications, like leaving the Activation Lock enabled. This can prevent the new owner from pairing the watch with their iPhone. Follow the steps below to avoid these issues.
Correct Way to Erase and Unpair Your Apple Watch Using Your iPhone
1. Prepare Your Devices
- Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together for a stable connection.
2. Open the Apple Watch App on Your iPhone
- Launch the Apple Watch app.
- Tap “All Watches” at the top left of the screen.
3. Select the Watch to Unpair and Erase
- Tap the info button (i) next to the watch you want to unpair and erase.
- Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.”
4. Manage Cellular Plan (GPS + Cellular Models)
- If you have a GPS + Cellular model, you’ll be asked whether you want to keep or remove your cellular plan.
5. Confirm Unpairing
- Tap “Unpair [Your Watch’s Name]” to confirm.
- Enter your Apple ID password if prompted and tap “Unpair.”
6. Backup and Erasing
- Your iPhone will create a new backup of your Apple Watch before erasing it.
- The watch will be unpaired from your iPhone and removed from your Apple ID.
7. Wait for the Process to Complete
- Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together during the unpairing process.
- The watch will display a spinning wheel and a message indicating it is being unpaired.
8. Setup Screen
- Once the process is complete, your Apple Watch will display the initial setup screen, indicating it is ready to be paired with a new iPhone.
Incorrect Way to Erase Your Apple Watch
Avoid erasing your Apple Watch directly from the watch settings. This method does not remove the Activation Lock, potentially causing issues for the new owner.
1. Erase All Content and Settings (Incorrect Method)
- On your Apple Watch, open Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- This will erase the watch but not unlink it from your Apple ID.
2. Activation Lock Issues
- The new owner will encounter the iCloud Activation Lock when trying to pair the watch with their iPhone.
Final Tips
- Ensure your Apple Watch is connected to its charger or has a fully charged battery during the process.
- Follow the correct method to prevent any setup issues for the new owner.
By following this detailed guide, you can ensure your Apple Watch is correctly erased and unpaired, making it ready for the next owner.
