Cannot unlock Apple Watch

I took my Watch off the charger and it is acting completely different.

Now it speaks the time when I touch the screen.

The watch is locked.

I input my passcode and it just sits there.

I cannot unlock it from the phone - it just says watch is locked.

I am certain I set up the pass code, and I know what I would set it.

I have pressed the crown & the button to reset it, MULTIPLE times.

How can I set the watch back the way it was?

Posted on Oct 17, 2026 10:42 AM

1 reply

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 22, 2026 12:32 AM in response to nellatenaj

Hi there

Please try this

Place your Apple Watch on its magnetic charging cable. It must stay on the charger during the entire reset process.

Step 2: Trigger the Reset Menu

Press and hold the side button (below the Digital Crown) until the power menu or power off slider appears on the screen.
Press and hold the Digital Crown down until you see the "Erase all content and settings" screen.
Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.

Step 3: Set Up the Watch Again

Wait a few minutes for the watch to erase and restart.
Bring your paired iPhone close to the Apple Watch.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the watch again. When prompted, choose to restore from a recent backup stored on your iPhone so you don't lose your data.