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TXDalGal
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Doing a factory reset on old Apple Watch

I have a new Apple Watch. But the apps and data on my old watch are still accessible. How do I do a factory reset in the old watch to delete my data.

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 7:57 AM

1 reply

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 19, 2026 9:54 AM in response to TXDalGal

Have a look at the various steps to take, mentioned in the related article:

...

You need to turn off Activation Lock and remove your personal information from your device:


  1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together. 
  2. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab.
  3. Tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
  4. Tap the information button (i) next to your watch's name.
  5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch, then tap the Unpair button again to confirm.
  6. Tap Remove Cellular Plan if you have a cellular Apple Watch model.*
  7. Enter your Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock. If you forgot your password, you can reset it. 
  8. Tap again to confirm. When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. If you get a new Apple Watch, you can use the backup to set it up.


*If your Apple Watch has cellular, remember to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription. Carrier fees might apply

...

copied from: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Apple Watch, or buy one from someone else - Apple Support

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360549