Hello all -
If I use the erase process on my watch, how completely does the information erase? My screen is cracked, and Verizon is offering to replace my device, provided I return my old watch to them. My concern is the personal data stored in the watch - how effective if the erase, and would someone be able to retrieve it?
Apple Watch
If you erase as required for a service return your data is gone from the device. If you can’t erase because the watch will not work any data will still be locked by your passcode, and the only way to remove the passcode is to erase the watch. Either way your data is gone.
Apple offers a how-to doc for mailing in, but the same erase and unpair steps would be appropriate for an in store exchange. Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support
If you erase as required for a service return your data is gone from the device. If you can’t erase because the watch will not work any data will still be locked by your passcode, and the only way to remove the passcode is to erase the watch. Either way your data is gone.
Apple offers a how-to doc for mailing in, but the same erase and unpair steps would be appropriate for an in store exchange. Get your Apple Watch ready for service - Apple Support
Unless someone wants to spend a great deal of time and money to try to retrieve the very small amount of data on your watch, restoring it to factory state is fine. Even with large amounts of time and money, it's doubtful anyone could get much off of your Watch.
Erasing data from watch permanently
