How to unpair an Apple Watch

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Unpairing does three things at once: it backs the watch up to the iPhone, erases the watch and removes Activation Lock. Always unpair before you sell or give away a watch, or move it to a new iPhone.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Bring the watch and the iPhone together

   Both need to be switched on and near each other so the backup can be made.

   Done

2. Open the Watch app and tap All Watches

   It is at the top of the My Watch tab.

   Done

3. Tap the i next to the watch

   Then tap Unpair Apple Watch, in red.

   Done

4. Choose what happens to the mobile plan

   On cellular models, keep the plan if you will pair the watch again, or remove it if you are giving the watch away. Removing it here does not cancel the contract; call your network for that.

   Done

5. Enter your Apple Account password

   This switches off Activation Lock. The iPhone makes a backup, and the watch erases itself and shows the pairing screen.

   Done

Good to know

Without the iPhone: on the watch, open Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Content and Settings. Activation Lock stays on until you remove the watch from your account at icloud.com/find.

When you pair the watch again, or a new one, choose Restore from Backup to get your faces, settings and health data layout back.

Buying a used watch? Make sure the seller has unpaired it and it shows the "Bring iPhone near" screen.

In short: Watch app, All Watches, i, Unpair Apple Watch, Apple Account password.