Get your Apple Watch ready for a service
Here's how to protect your information and save time before you send in your Apple Watch or drop it off for a service.
Before you send us your Apple Watch
If your device won't turn on or respond, complete as many of these steps as possible.
Unpair your Apple Watch
When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. You can use the backup to restore your Apple Watch when your device returns from a service.
Follow these steps to unpair your devices:
Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab.
Tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
Tap the Info button
next to the watch you want to unpair. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. For cellular models, tap Remove [Network provider] Plan.
Enter your Apple ID password. If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it.
Tap again to confirm.
If you don't have your iPhone but your Apple Watch is working, you can erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch. On your Apple Watch, tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings. For cellular models, tap Erase All to remove your plan.
Remove Apple Pay cards if you can’t unpair your Apple Watch
When you unpair or erase your Apple Watch, your personal data will be erased, including the cards you use for Apple Pay and Apple Cash.
If you’re unable to unpair or erase your watch before sending it in, you can still remove your Apple Pay cards:
Go to appleid.apple.com.
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Select Devices.
Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices.
Click Remove Items in the Wallet & Apple Pay section.
Click Remove Items again to confirm.
Remove your Apple Watch band
Your Apple Watch band and any other accessories you send in won't be returned to you, so please remove them before sending your Apple Watch in for service.
Find out how to remove your band. If you have a Link Bracelet band, remember to separate the links before you remove the band.
Send in your Apple Watch
If you have arranged a repair request, you should have already received instructions about how to send in your Apple Watch. If you have already received a replacement Apple Watch, follow these steps to set it up.
If you haven't set up a repair request, choose from the service options available in your area: make a reservation at an Apple Store, find an Apple Authorised Service Provider or set up mail-in repair. Arrange a service for your Apple Watch.
Before you drop off your Apple Watch
You might want to make an appointment You may need to sign in with your Apple ID to make a reservation.
Get ready for a service
Follow these steps. If your device won't turn on or respond, complete as many of these steps as possible:
Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.
Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
Back up your iPhone. Your iPhone backup also includes a backup of your Apple Watch.
Charge both your iPhone and your Apple Watch.
Turn off Apple Cash If you can’t do this on your watch, follow the steps in the Remove Apple Pay cards if you can’t unpair your Apple Watch section above.
When you go in for a service, make sure you bring these things with you:
Your Apple Watch
The iPhone you use with your watch
The power cables and adapters
Your Apple ID and password (For some repairs, you need your Apple ID password to erase your device and turn off Find My iPhone.)
Your sales receipt (if possible, in case your service requires proof of purchase)
A form of personal identification, such as a driving licence, passport or other government-issued ID
Drop off your Apple Watch
When you arrive at the shop, a technician will inspect your device. If your Apple Watch needs a hardware repair, it will be sent to an Apple Repair Centre. Before it's sent, you'll need to unpair it from your iPhone. When you unpair, your iPhone will try to create a backup of your Apple Watch. You can use the backup to restore your Apple Watch when it has been returned from a service.
Need help?
Contact Apple Support for more information.
