Let’s say you want an upgrade, or perhaps you need to disconnect from the constant notifications on your wrist. Regardless of the reason, unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone is a simple process that anyone can do. You will find the steps to unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone here.
The integration between Apple Watch and iPhone is amazing. Through this connection, you get notifications, track your fitness, and even manage calls right from your wrist. Using the Apple Watch extends your iPhone functionality to provide constant connection when you need it during mobility.
However, there are times when you want to unpair them. Maybe you want to switch to a different Apple Watch model or encounter technical problems with either the watch or the iPhone. The ability to unpair your Apple Watch from its iPhone will help both devices function well.
Why Would You Want to Unpair Your Apple Watch?
Unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone is not what you do every day, but there are reasons for it. You need to unpair in specific situations, which include these examples:
1. Upgrading to a New Watch
You must unpair your old Apple Watch before you connect a new one. This process ensures you can transfer all your data and settings to the new device.
2. Connection Issues
Your Apple Watch sometimes faces connectivity problems with system glitches. Unpairing and then re-pairing the watch can often resolve these problems.
3. Changing iPhones
When you change to a new iPhone, you must unpair your Apple Watch from the old iPhone model. You need to perform this step for seamless data transfer to your new device.
4. Want to sell your watch?
You need to unpair your Apple Watch before selling it or giving it out. In addition, you must remove your Apple ID to prevent Activation Lock.
5. Updating Software
Software updates and subsequent re-pairing of the devices after unpairing them might help solve connection problems. This procedure enables both devices to function properly using their newest capabilities.
Before You Unpair: What You Should Do First
Before you tap the unpair button, take a few important steps to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Update Your Devices
Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest version of iOS and watchOS. This reduces the risk of errors during unpairing.
2. Keep Devices Close
Both the Apple Watch and iPhone should be near each other with Bluetooth on.
3. Keep your internet on
You’ll need Wi-Fi or mobile data, especially if you’re backing up or erasing Activation Lock.
4. Charge Both Devices
Make sure both the iPhone and Apple Watch are charged above 50%, or better yet, keep them plugged in during the process.
How to Unpair Apple Watch from iPhone
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to All Watches at the top of the screen. Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
- Select your Apple Watch at the top of the screen.
- Tap the info icon (ℹ️) next to the watch.
- Choose Unpair Apple Watch.
- If you have a cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove the data plan (If you plan to use it again, keep it. If not, remove it.)
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Wait while your iPhone creates a backup and resets the watch.
Your watch will then display the welcome screen.
How to Unpair Apple Watch Without iPhone
Lost your iPhone, or it’s not functioning? You can still unpair your watch from the device.
Steps to Unpair Apple Watch Without iPhone:
- Put your watch on the charger
- Press the side button and hold until you see the Power Off screen.
- Gently press the Power Off slider, then release
- Tap Erase all content and settings
- Confirm by entering your passcode
Take note: This method cannot remove the Activation Lock. You’ll still need to log in with your Apple ID to set it up again—or if you want to sell because the new user will need your credentials.
To remove Activation Lock, visit iCloud.com > Sign in > Select “Find iPhone” > Click “All Devices” > Choose your Apple Watch > Tap “Remove from Account.”
Unpairing Apple Watch from a Lost or Broken iPhone
If your iPhone is unavailable due to damage or theft, here’s how to fix it:
Using iCloud:
Visit iCloud.com.
- Sign in using your Apple ID.
- Select Find iPhone.
- Choose your Apple Watch from the device list.
- Click Erase Apple Watch.
- Once erased, select Remove from Account.
- This is the cleanest way to reset and remove the Activation Lock remotely.
What to Do After Unpairing Your Apple Watch
You need to perform specific setup measures after unpairing your Apple Watch from an iPhone if you plan to pair it with a new watch or maintain your device configuration. Here’s what to do:
1. Confirm Unpairing
Verify that your Apple Watch no longer shares any connections with your iPhone. How to go about it: go to the Watch app on your iPhone. The watch should no longer appear in the “My Watch” tab.
2. Back up your Data
Your Apple Watch automatically saves backup data through your iPhone whenever you unpair it. To confirm that the backup is present, check the Watch app on your iPhone, tap on “My Watch,” and scroll down to “General.” Then, select “Reset.” Here, you can see if your watch is backed up.
3. Decide on the Next Steps
Your next move depends on what you need, so decide whether to:
- Pair a New Apple Watch: If you have a new Apple Watch to set up, follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone to pair it. Open the Watch app, select “Start Pairing,” and follow the prompts.
- Set Up for a Different User: If you plan to give your Apple Watch to someone else, ensure it’s completely reset. After unpairing, the watch will already be in factory settings, ready for a new user to set it up.
4. Check Your Apple ID Settings
If you have Activation Lock enabled, ensure that you are logged into your Apple ID on your iPhone. This helps keep your account secure and allows you to manage your devices in the Apple ID settings.
5. Keep Your Devices
Make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch run on the latest software, because regular updates help improve performance and security.
FAQs
Q. Does Unpairing Erase Everything?
A. Yes. It wipes your Apple Watch totally, however, your iPhone automatically saves the backup before doing so.
Q. Will I Lose My Activity Data?
A. No, if you’re signed in to iCloud and Health is enabled, you won’t lose your activity data.
Q. Can I Unpair Without Knowing the Apple ID?
A. No. Apple’s Activation Lock is there to prevent theft. You must enter the Apple ID used during setup.
Q. How Long Does Unpairing Take?
A. Most times, to unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, it takes 2–10 minutes, but it depends on the series and internet connection.
Q. What If the Watch Is Not Responding?
A. Force restart it, and then try again. If that fails, use the iCloud method.
Final Thoughts
To unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone is quite simple, and you do not need to be a techie before you can perform the process. However, for a smooth transition, whether you’re upgrading to a new model or troubleshooting connectivity issues, ensure that you follow the steps accordingly.
The steps illustrated earlier help users unpair their devices and also protect their data. So, once you remove the activation lock, a new user can use the iPhone without any issues.
