How to unpair an Apple Watch

How-to
By
last updated

Here's how to unpair an Apple Watch from an iPhone quickly and easily

Apple Watch Series 9 on a user's wrist.
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you're upgrading to a new model or passing your Apple Watch down to someone else, unpairing is an essential step that's often overlooked. While there's a bunch of hidden features to get the most out of your Apple Watch — like monitoring your blood sugar levels and chatting to people on WhatsApp — sometimes you just need to start fresh. 

Plus, with features like Check In, Apple's best safety feature, your watch has likely accumulated a lot of personal data that you'll want to properly clear. The good news is that unpairing your Apple Watch isn't complicated, though there are a few important steps to follow.  

Let's walk through how to unpair your Apple Watch properly and how to erase any data if needed. 

How to unpair an Apple Watch: From your iPhone

1. Launch the Watch app

(Image: © Future)

First, make sure that your iPhone and your Apple Watch are in close proximity to each other. Then launch the Watch app on your iPhone.

2. Tap My Watch

(Image: © Future)

Next, tap the My Watch tab, which should be located in the bottom left corner of your screen.

3. Tap All Watches

(Image: © Future)

Tap the All Watches option, which should appear in the top left corner of the screen.

4. Tap the info icon

(Image: © Future)

Then tap the "i" information icon, which should be located next to the watch that you want to unpair.

5. Select Unpair

(Image: © Future)

Now, select Unpair Apple Watch and confirm your choice by tapping the same on the pop-up window. 

6. Proceed with unpairing

(Image: © Future)

If the app requires you to do so, type in your Apple ID password, then tap Unpair to proceed.

7. Wait for the unpairing to complete

(Image: © Future)

Unpairing takes a bit of time, so just sit tight as it might take more than a few minutes. Otherwise, congratulations, you're all done!

How to erase all data

1. Launch the main menu

(Image: © Future)

First, unlock your Apple Watch and launch the main menu through the Digital Crown.

2. Tap Settings

(Image: © Future)

Next, locate the Settings icon and tap on it to reveal a new menu.

3. Tap General

(Image: © Future)

Then, tap the General option. 

4. Tap Reset

(Image: © Future)

Scroll down and tap Reset to proceed.

5. Erase all content

(Image: © Future)

Go ahead and select Erase All Content and Settings. At this stage, your Apple Watch may ask you to enter your password. Finally, confirm your choice by tapping Erase All. All data will now be wiped from your unpaired Apple Watch. 

Now that you've learned how to unpair your apple watch, why not explore some other features? Learn how to use the new Translate app in watchOS 11 and how to pause Activity Rings on your Apple Watch. And why not set up Apple's best safety feature, now available on your wrist. 

See more Smartwatches How-Tos
Kaycee Hill
Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection.