How to Unpair Apple Watch: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to buy a new Apple Watch and have no idea how to unpair your current one? Don’t worry, we have got you covered for this.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simplest procedure to unpair your Apple Watch (both with and without iPhone), followed by a tip to deactivate the activation lock.

What Happens When You Unpair Apple Watch?

Ever wondered what exactly happens when you unpair the Apple Watch? Let us walk you through the potential changes that one encounters after unpairing:

1. Unpairing means that your data, including apps, settings, media, and more, will be deleted.
2. A backup of your data will be created on your phone, which can be used to restore it on another watch.
3. After successful unpairing, Apple Watch displays the ‘Start Pairing’ message, indicating it’s ready to set up with a new device.
4. Lastly, Activation Lock (linked to your Apple ID) will be removed.

Point to Note Down:

Always unpair before trading or selling your Apple Watch, because if the Activation Lock remains enabled, the new user won’t be able to use it.

How to Unpair Apple Watch Using Your iPhone?

Cutting down all the technical jargon, here’s the most efficient way to unpair Apple Watch using your iPhone; give it a quick read.

1. First and foremost, make sure both of the items are charged (Apple Watch and iPhone). 

2. Now, on your iPhone, navigate to the ‘Watch’ app. 

   

3. Tap on the ‘My Watch’ tab at the bottom of the screen and then tap on “All Watches” at the top of your screen (on the watch you want to pair). 

   

4. Now, tap the “i” (info) button next to the watch you want to unpair.

   

5. Then, tap on the ‘Unpair Apple Watch’. 

   

6. Finally, it’s done!

Another important step is to turn off the activation lock, so after you’re done, enter your Apple ID and password to confirm it. 

Once you’re done with the above-mentioned steps and have turned off the activation lock, your Apple Watch is good to go, just like new.

How to Unpair Apple Watch Without iPhone?

Looking for how to unpair your Apple Watch without your iPhone? Here’s a simple and effective way to do so.

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your watch.
2. Navigate to General > Reset.
3. Scroll down to Erase All Content and Settings (tap on that).
4. Confirm the command by tapping Erase All.
5. Wait for the process to complete, and it’s done.

How to Remove Activation Lock via iCloud?

Unpairing your watch doesn’t mean your Activation Lock will be deactivated itself; you still need to do so by removing the credentials from your iCloud account. 

So, here’s an easy-to-follow method to do so:

1. Log in to your iCloud account.
2. Select Find iPhone and scroll down to All Devices.
3. Choose your Apple Watch from the list.
4. Lastly, click on Remove from Account.
5. And, it’s finally done.

After performing this, your watch is completely disconnected from your device and ready for the new user.

Final Thoughts

Unpairing your Apple Watch can be a bit confusing if you don’t know the proper procedure. So, we’ve mentioned the simplest procedure to unpair your Apple Watch (with and without iPhone), give it a good read and don’t forget to disconnect the Activation Lock for the convenience.