To unlock your Apple Watch when you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to erase it and set it up again. Here's how:
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Place your Apple Watch on its charger. This is crucial for the process to complete successfully.
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Press and hold the side button. Keep holding it until you see the Power Off, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS sliders appear on the screen.
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Force restart. While still holding the side button, press and hold the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. Then release both buttons. This step bypasses the passcode screen and allows you to reset the watch. This is often necessary if holding the digital crown alone doesn't work.
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Erase the Apple Watch. After the restart, place your Apple Watch on its charger and repeat step 2 and 3. Then, press and hold the Digital Crown (the round button on the side). After a few seconds, you should see the "Erase all content and settings" screen appear.
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Confirm the reset. Tap "Reset," and then tap "Reset" again to confirm that you want to erase your Apple Watch.
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Wait for the process to complete. Your Apple Watch will restart, and the process may take several minutes. Ensure your watch remains on the charger during this time.
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Set up your Apple Watch again. Once the process is complete, your Apple Watch will be erased and ready for setup. You can then restore from a backup or set it up as a new device using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Important Considerations:
- Data Loss: This process erases all data from your Apple Watch. If you have a recent backup, you can restore it during setup.
- Apple ID and Password: You will need your Apple ID and password to set up your Apple Watch again, especially if Activation Lock is enabled. This prevents unauthorized use if your watch is lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you set up Find My on an Apple Watch paired with your iPhone.
- Backup: Regularly back up your Apple Watch to iCloud to minimize data loss if you ever need to reset it.
By following these steps, you can unlock your Apple Watch and set it up again after forgetting your passcode. Remember to choose a memorable yet secure passcode in the future.
