How to Unpair Apple Watch from iPhone

Unpair Apple Watch button

In this easy 8 step guide, you will be able to unpair your Apple Watch from iPhone, remove Activation Lock and reset it to factory settings, including wiping it’s data.

If you don’t have your iPhone, you can follow this other guide How to unpair your Apple Watch without iPhone.

How to unpair your Apple Watch from old phone

Time needed: 15 minutes

This is a straightforward process, make sure to keep both devices close.

  1. Prepare for Unpairing

    Before you start the unpairing process, ensure that your Apple Watch and iPhone are within close proximity. This proximity is essential for a smooth unpairing experience.

  2. Launch the Watch app on your iPhone

    Open your iPhone and navigate to the Apple Watch app. If you can’t find it, you can use the search function to locate it quickly.

  3. Access All Watches

    On the top left corner tap the ‘All Watches’ text.

  4. Select Your Watch

    Find the watch you want to unpair and tap on the info button (represented by a small ‘i’ in a circle) next to it.

  5. Initiate Unpairing

    Now, you’ll see the details of your Apple Watch. To unpair it, tap on the “Unpair Apple Watch” option.Unpair Apple Watch button

  6. Confirm Unpairing

    A confirmation message will appear, asking you to confirm the unpairing process. Tap on “Unpair [your Apple Watch name]” to proceed.

  7. Decide on Your Cellular Plan (only applies to GPS + Cellular Models)

    If you have a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch, you’ll need to make a choice here, either, “Keep” or “Remove” your cellular plan.

  8. Disable Activation Lock

    To complete the unpairing process, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID password. This is necessary to disable Activation Lock, which ensures the security of your Apple Watch. Once you’ve entered your password, tap “Unpair.”

Congratulations, you’ve been able to unpair your Apple Watch from iPhone!

Your Apple Watch is now unpaired and ready to be paired with another iPhone.

FAQ

Why is my Apple Watch still paired after I unpair it?

If this happens make sure to Reset the Apple Watch by following this step by step how-to guide Unpair and reset Apple Watch from iPhone

How long does it take to unpair Apple Watch?

It usualy takes about 15 minutes, however, it ultimately depends on the amount of data you are using in your Apple Watch, as the unpairing process will perform a data backup to your iPhone.

Does unpairing Apple Watch back it up?

Yes! The unpairing process will copy all your data from your Apple Watch to your iPhone.

Will unpairing Apple Watch delete everything?

Yes, the unpair process will delete all data in your Apple Watch, however, it will backup your data to your iPhone as well.

Do you have to unpair an Apple Watch before selling it?

Yes, make sure it is unpaired before giving it to anyone else, as they will need Activation Lock removed in order to be able to use the device.