You can reset your Apple Watch Series 1 without a paired phone by placing it on its charger and using the side button to access the erase option directly on the watch.
If you need to reset your Apple Watch Series 1 but don't have access to the paired iPhone, the process involves using the watch itself while it's charging. This method is often used when selling, giving away, or troubleshooting an Apple Watch that is no longer paired or accessible via the phone.
Steps to Reset Your Apple Watch Series 1
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset on your Apple Watch Series 1 without the paired iPhone:
- Place on Charger: Put your Apple Watch on its magnetic charger. Make sure it is properly connected and showing the charging icon on the screen. This step is crucial. As shown in the video reference, "put your Apple watch on charging. Make sure your Apple watch is charging".
- Press and Hold Side Button: Press and hold the side button (the flat button just below the Digital Crown). According to the reference, you should "press and hold the side button just below the digital Crown".
- Wait for Options: Continue holding the side button until you see the power options screen appear. This screen typically shows 'Power Off', 'Medical ID', and 'Emergency SOS'. The reference mentions holding the button "until you see the power off button".
- Force Touch the Power Off Slider: Firmly press (use Force Touch or haptic touch, depending on your watchOS version) on the Power Off slider displayed on the screen. Don't just tap it; press down harder until additional options appear.
- Tap 'Erase All Content and Settings': After force-touching the Power Off slider, you will see the option to 'Erase All Content and Settings'. Tap on this option.
- Confirm: You may be asked to confirm your decision. Tap to proceed with erasing the watch.
The watch will then begin the reset process, which will erase all data and settings, returning it to its factory state.
What Happens During the Reset?
- All data stored on the watch (apps, settings, personal information) is deleted.
- The watch is unpaired from the previously connected iPhone.
- The watch is ready to be set up as new, either with your iPhone again or a different one.
This method provides a way to regain control of the watch and prepare it for a new setup, even if the original paired phone is lost, unavailable, or you've forgotten the passcode.
Why Charging is Required
Placing the watch on its charger before initiating the reset via the side button menu is a safety mechanism implemented by Apple. This prevents the watch from potentially running out of battery during the reset process, which could cause software issues.
Resetting your Apple Watch Series 1 without the paired phone is a straightforward process using the built-in options accessible via the side button menu while the watch is charging.
