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User profile for user: Quentinlg
Quentinlg Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

How to hard reset Apple Watch series 2

How to hard reset a Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 2, iOS 11.2.2, It’s wasn’t my watch first

Posted on Jan 13, 2018 10:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Jonathan UK
Jonathan UK
User level: Level 10
163,895 points

Posted on Jan 14, 2018 2:51 AM

Hi


Apple Watch should not be force restarted (referred to by some as a "hard reset" unless it is unresponsive and cannot be restarted normally. If that is the case, then follow the instruction here to do so:


How to restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support


You indicate that "It's wasn't my watch first", which suggests that you may instead be referring to a passcode lock and/or to Activation Lock.


Before selling or giving away the Apple Watch, the previous owner should have unpaired it via the Watch app by following the instructions below. If they have not yet done so, then, if possible, arrange for them to do so:


Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support


Otherwise, if the Apple Watch is locked by a passcode and you cannot unlock it via the normal procedure, then follow these steps to erase it (but note that Activation Lock may also be enabled, in which case see below):


  • Connect the Apple Watch to its charging cable, connected to power.
  • Whilst keeping the Apple Watch on the charger:
    • Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
    • Press firmly on Power Off (do not try to slide it - just press down more firmly than a normal tap), release your finger and then tap on Erase all content and settings.
  • Pair the watch using the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • More information:


If Activation Lock is enabled, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:


If the Apple Watch is locked to your own account (having previously been paired to your own iPhone):



  • Otherwise, follow the steps here to remove the lock:


  • If you still need assistance, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along your Apple Watch and your original proof of purchase for it:


    • If the Apple Watch is instead pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:


  • You will need the previous owner (who may not be the seller) to either enter their Apple ID and password on your iPhone or to turn the feature off via https://www.icloud.com/ (by signing in with their Apple ID > Find My iPhone > All Devices, then select the Apple Watch > Erase Apple Watch > Next until erased > click X next to the watch).
  • If you cannot arrange for the previous owner to do this, then you should, if possible, return the watch for a refund.
  • You will not otherwise be able to use the watch. There is no way around this security feature.
  • Apple will not advise you of the previous owner's contact details, nor will Apple pass your details on to them.


    • More information:

    About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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    1 reply
    Question marked as Top-ranking reply
    User profile for user: Jonathan UK
    Jonathan UK
    User level: Level 10
    163,895 points

    Jan 14, 2018 2:51 AM in response to Quentinlg

    Hi


    Apple Watch should not be force restarted (referred to by some as a "hard reset" unless it is unresponsive and cannot be restarted normally. If that is the case, then follow the instruction here to do so:


    How to restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support


    You indicate that "It's wasn't my watch first", which suggests that you may instead be referring to a passcode lock and/or to Activation Lock.


    Before selling or giving away the Apple Watch, the previous owner should have unpaired it via the Watch app by following the instructions below. If they have not yet done so, then, if possible, arrange for them to do so:


    Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support


    Otherwise, if the Apple Watch is locked by a passcode and you cannot unlock it via the normal procedure, then follow these steps to erase it (but note that Activation Lock may also be enabled, in which case see below):


    • Connect the Apple Watch to its charging cable, connected to power.
    • Whilst keeping the Apple Watch on the charger:
      • Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
      • Press firmly on Power Off (do not try to slide it - just press down more firmly than a normal tap), release your finger and then tap on Erase all content and settings.
    • Pair the watch using the Watch app on your iPhone.
    • More information:


    If Activation Lock is enabled, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:


    If the Apple Watch is locked to your own account (having previously been paired to your own iPhone):



  • Otherwise, follow the steps here to remove the lock:


  • If you still need assistance, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along your Apple Watch and your original proof of purchase for it:


    • If the Apple Watch is instead pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:


  • You will need the previous owner (who may not be the seller) to either enter their Apple ID and password on your iPhone or to turn the feature off via https://www.icloud.com/ (by signing in with their Apple ID > Find My iPhone > All Devices, then select the Apple Watch > Erase Apple Watch > Next until erased > click X next to the watch).
  • If you cannot arrange for the previous owner to do this, then you should, if possible, return the watch for a refund.
  • You will not otherwise be able to use the watch. There is no way around this security feature.
  • Apple will not advise you of the previous owner's contact details, nor will Apple pass your details on to them.


    • More information:

    About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Reply

    How to hard reset Apple Watch series 2

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