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elisaraeon8
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Cannot unpair Apple Watch from old iPhone to pair with new iPhone

I'm trying to pair my apple watch with my new iphone. I still have my old iphone it's paired with but I can't get that phone to start at all to unpair. This was also with my old carrier. I have a new carrier with my new iphone. How can I pair my watch with my new iphone since I can't unpair with my old phone?

Posted on Oct 8, 2026 3:18 PM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 9, 2026 5:34 AM in response to elisaraeon8

Hi there


Please try this


  1. Erase the watch:
    • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
    • Tap General, then tap Reset.
    • Tap Erase All Content and Settings, and tap again to confirm.
    • Wait for the watch to finish resetting and unpairing. (Note: If you have a GPS + Cellular model, choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan depending on whether you are using the same number with your new carrier). 
  1. Pair with your new iPhone:
    • Sign in with your Apple Account on your new iPhone.
    • Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone.
    • Bring your new iPhone near the watch and follow the onscreen steps to pair them.
    • When prompted, choose to restore your watch from a backup or set it up as a new device. (Note: You will need to enter the Apple Account and password that were originally used to set up the watch due to Activation Lock). 


Smilin-Brian
User level: Level 10 (97,882 points)

Oct 9, 2026 6:26 AM in response to elisaraeon8

Step 1. Force Restart.


According to Apple:

To force restart your Apple Watch, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release both buttons when you see the Apple logo ().


Step 2. Reset Watch.


How to reset your Apple Watch:



  1. Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.
  2. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off.
  3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings.
  4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
  5. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.


NOTE — Erasing all content and settings erases all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock, unpair the watch first. Before your watch is erased, a backup of its contents is created on your iPhone.


Step 3. Connect Watch.


Then make sure both devices are in close proximity with the following settings:


  • AirPlane turned off
  • WiFi turned on
  • Bluetooth turned on


Click ▶︎ Connect/Pair your Watch for detailed instructions.


Need more help?


Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256372774