Prepare your Apple Watch for a service appointment

Before you bring in your Apple Watch for service, follow these steps to help protect your personal information and save time on your repair.

Never give your Apple Account password, device passcode, or account security details to anyone else. Neither Apple nor Apple Authorized Service Providers will ask for this information.

For some software support, you might be asked to enter your device passcode or Apple Account password. Always remain present while the technician has access to your device.

Get your Apple Watch ready for service

Before you bring your Apple Watch to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider:

  • If you have your iPhone, unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone

  • If you don’t have your iPhone, erase your Apple Watch. This process will erase all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch but will not create a backup. Activation Lock will not be removed. 

  • Remove your watch band

Learn how to unpair or erase your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is unresponsive and you don’t have your iPhone, you can remove the cards that you use with Apple Pay and turn off Apple Cash on the web at your Apple Account page.

When you bring your Apple Watch in for service

If you're bringing your Apple Watch into an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, check whether you need an appointment. For example, you should schedule a Genius Bar reservation before you go to an Apple Store.

If your Apple Watch needs a hardware repair, the service provider might ship your watch to an Apple Repair Center.

When you go to the service location, you should bring:

  • Your Apple Watch, the iPhone that your watch is paired with, and any accessories that you need help with

  • If possible, your sales receipt (some repairs might require proof of purchase)

  • A form of personal identification (like a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID).

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