Unpairing an Apple Watch from an old iPhone might sound like a small technical task, but it’s one of the most important steps when upgrading your phone, selling your watch, or troubleshooting syncing issues. Apple’s ecosystem is designed to be secure, which means the unpairing process does more than just disconnect devices—it also protects your data, manages backups, and handles Activation Lock.
Whether you still have access to your old iPhone or it’s lost, broken, or wiped, Apple provides multiple ways to unpair your Apple Watch safely. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain every method, walk through step-by-step instructions, highlight common mistakes, and share expert tips to ensure a smooth transition.
If you’re planning to connect your Apple Watch to a new phone or simply want to reset it properly, this guide has you covered.
Why You Might Need to Unpair an Apple Watch From an Old Phone
There are several common situations where unpairing becomes necessary:
- You’re upgrading to a new iPhone
- You’re selling or gifting your Apple Watch
- Your old iPhone is damaged or no longer working
- The Apple Watch isn’t syncing properly
- You want to reset the watch for troubleshooting
- You switched Apple IDs or accounts
In all of these cases, unpairing ensures that your personal data remains secure and that the Apple Watch can be set up again without issues.
Can You Unpair an Apple Watch From an Old iPhone?
Yes, you absolutely can unpair an Apple Watch from an old iPhone. Apple supports two main methods:
- Unpairing using the old iPhone (recommended)
- Unpairing directly from the Apple Watch (manual method)
The method you choose depends on whether you still have access to your old phone. If you do, the process is quick and automatic. If you don’t, the process takes longer and requires your Apple ID credentials.
Both methods are safe when done correctly.
What Happens When You Unpair an Apple Watch?
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what actually happens during unpairing:
- The Apple Watch is erased and reset to factory settings
- A fresh backup is created automatically (if using the iPhone method)
- Activation Lock is disabled (with Apple ID verification)
- Your watch becomes ready to pair with a new iPhone
This design ensures you don’t lose important data and that no one else can use your watch without permission.
Things to Do Before Unpairing Your Apple Watch
To avoid errors or data loss, take a few minutes to prepare:
- Ensure both devices are charged
- Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together
- Make sure you know your Apple ID and password
- Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer
- Check whether your Apple Watch has a cellular plan
Preparation makes the entire process faster and stress-free.
Method 1: How to Unpair an Apple Watch Using the Old iPhone (Best Method)
If you still have your old iPhone, this is the easiest and safest way to unpair your Apple Watch.
Step 1: Keep Both Devices Close Together
Place your Apple Watch and old iPhone next to each other. A stable Bluetooth connection is essential for a smooth unpairing process.
Step 2: Open the Watch App on Your iPhone
On your old iPhone:
- Open the Watch app
- Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen
This is the control center for everything related to your Apple Watch.
Step 3: Select Your Apple Watch
- Tap All Watches at the top of the screen
- Find the watch you want to unpair
- Tap the “i” (info icon) next to it
This confirms you’re managing the correct device.
Step 4: Tap “Unpair Apple Watch”
- Select Unpair Apple Watch
- If prompted again, confirm your choice
At this stage, the unpairing process officially begins.
Step 5: Decide What to Do With the Cellular Plan (If Applicable)
If you have a cellular Apple Watch, you’ll be asked whether to:
- Keep the cellular plan (recommended if pairing with a new iPhone)
- Remove the cellular plan (if selling or giving away the watch)
Choose carefully based on your plans.
Step 6: Enter Your Apple ID Password
To disable Activation Lock, Apple will ask for your Apple ID password. This step is critical for security and prevents unauthorized use of your watch.
Once entered:
- Your iPhone creates a backup of your watch
- The Apple Watch is erased automatically
Step 7: Wait for the Process to Complete
The unpairing process may take several minutes. Once finished, your Apple Watch will display the setup screen, confirming it’s ready to pair with a new iPhone.
Method 2: How to Unpair an Apple Watch Without the Old iPhone
If your old iPhone is lost, broken, or no longer accessible, you can still unpair your Apple Watch—but the process is manual.
Important Note
This method does not automatically create a backup, and you will still need your Apple ID to bypass Activation Lock later.
Step 1: Open Settings on the Apple Watch
- Press the Digital Crown
- Open the Settings app
Step 2: Go to General
- Tap General
- Scroll down and select Reset
Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Confirm when prompted
If you have a cellular model, you’ll be asked whether to keep or remove your plan.
Step 4: Enter Your Apple ID Password
Once the watch resets, Activation Lock will require your Apple ID credentials during setup. Without these credentials, the watch cannot be paired to another device.
What If You Forgot Your Apple ID Password?
This is one of the most common problems users face.
If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password:
- Visit Apple’s account recovery page
- Reset your password using email or phone verification
- Sign in with the recovered credentials
Without the correct Apple ID, unpairing and reusing the watch becomes extremely difficult.
How to Pair Your Apple Watch With a New iPhone After Unpairing
Once your Apple Watch is unpaired, setting it up again is simple:
- Turn on your new iPhone
- Power on the Apple Watch
- Bring both devices close together
- Follow the on-screen pairing instructions
- Restore from the latest Apple Watch backup
Your apps, settings, and data will be restored seamlessly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Unpairing an Apple Watch
Many issues arise due to simple oversights. Avoid these mistakes:
- Forgetting your Apple ID password
- Resetting the watch without unpairing first
- Removing the cellular plan unintentionally
- Unpairing while devices are low on battery
- Selling the watch without disabling Activation Lock
Taking a few extra minutes can prevent major headaches.
Does Unpairing Delete Health and Fitness Data?
No—as long as you use the iPhone method.
Health and fitness data is stored in:
- iCloud
- Your iPhone backup
If you erase the watch manually without backing up, some data may be lost. Always use the iPhone unpairing method when possible.
Is It Safe to Sell or Give Away an Apple Watch After Unpairing?
Yes. Once unpaired properly:
- Activation Lock is disabled
- All personal data is erased
- The watch is factory reset
This ensures the new owner can set it up without restrictions.
Troubleshooting Unpairing Issues
If you encounter problems:
- Restart both devices
- Update iOS and watchOS
- Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Sign out and back into your Apple ID
- Contact Apple Support if Activation Lock persists
Most issues are easily resolved with proper credentials.
Final Thoughts
Unpairing an Apple Watch from an old iPhone is a straightforward process when done correctly. Apple’s system prioritizes security, data protection, and ease of transition—whether you’re upgrading devices or starting fresh.
If you still have your old phone, always use the Watch app for a seamless backup and reset. If not, the manual method works, but requires careful handling of Apple ID credentials.
With the right steps, you can unpair your Apple Watch confidently and move forward without losing data or access.