How to Factory Reset or Force Restart on an Apple Watch

For typical watchOS issues, a force restart (hard reset) is the go-to troubleshooter. Never force restart your Apple Watch during a watchOS update. The instructions for restarting and hard-resetting the Apple Watch are identical for all Apple Watch models.

The Apple Watch was created as a convenient companion to the iPhone, allowing you to keep track of all your incoming notifications and alerts, as well as track your workout routines.

However, the Apple Watch, like other Apple gadgets, is not perfect, and you may find yourself having to force restart or hard reset your Apple Watch in order for it to work again. To learn how, read the guide below.

Restarting Your Apple Watch

Restarting the Apple Watch is as simple as it gets. Additionally, the instructions are identical for all Apple Watch models.

• Press and hold the Side button until the device displays the Power Off slider.
• Drag the Power Off slider to the right.
• After a few seconds, press and hold the Side button once more until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

It’s worth noting that if your Apple Watch is charging, you should first remove it from the charger. You will be unable to restart your wearable if it is charging.

Apple Watch Force Restart/Hard Reset

For typical watchOS issues, a force restart (hard reset) is the go-to troubleshooter. Bear in mind that you should only perform a hard reset on your Apple Watch as a last option if none of the other methods work.

Never force restart your Apple Watch during a watchOS update. If the Apple logo and update progress bar appear on your device, leave your watch alone and connected to its charger until the update is complete.

• To begin, press and hold both the Side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for at least ten seconds.
• When the screen turns dark and the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

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There you have it! That concludes the procedure for restarting and hard-resetting your Apple Watch. Often, simply rebooting your smartwatch will resolve a frequent watchOS issue. However, if your Apple Watch continues to malfunction by not responding or entirely freezing, you should perform a hard reset.