If your Apple Watch shows an iPhone and a watch or a red “!”
Your Apple Watch might show an animation asking you to bring it close to an iPhone if your watch needs to be updated or restored. You might also see a red exclamation point on your watch.
Before you start
To restore your Apple Watch, you need an iPhone or an iPad. You can use a friend’s device; it doesn’t have to be your iPad or the iPhone that’s paired with your watch. No personal data or information from your watch is shared with the device that you use to restore it.
The iPhone or iPad should have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, and it needs to have Wi-Fi* and Bluetooth turned on.
If your Apple Watch shows a watch and iPhone being brought close together
Make sure your Apple Watch is charged to 50% or more. Keep your watch on its charger throughout this process.
Bring the iPhone or iPad near your watch.
On your watch, double-click the side button.
Follow the steps that appear on the iPhone or iPad.
If your Apple Watch shows a red “!”
On your watch, double-click the side button.
Make sure your Apple Watch is charged to 50% or more. Keep your watch on its charger throughout this process.
Bring the iPhone or iPad near your watch.
On your watch, double-click the side button again.
Follow the steps that appear on the iPhone or iPad.
* If these steps don't work, check your Wi-Fi. Try using a 2.4GHz network instead of 5GHz, and make sure that you're not on a captive or 802.1X network.
Still need help?
If your Apple Watch continues to show a red exclamation point, you might need to get service.