If your Apple Watch is frozen, unresponsive, stuck on the Apple logo, or behaving abnormally, a hard reset (also called a force restart) is often the fastest way to fix the issue. Unlike a normal restart, a hard reset forces the device to reboot even when the screen doesn’t respond.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a hard reset is, when to use it, how to do it safely, and what to do if it doesn’t work—for all Apple Watch models.
What Is a Hard Reset on Apple Watch?
A hard reset forces your Apple Watch to shut down and restart immediately by using hardware buttons.
It does not:
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Erase your data
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Unpair your Apple Watch
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Remove apps or settings
It is different from a factory reset, which wipes the device completely.
When Should You Hard Reset an Apple Watch?
A hard reset is recommended when:
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The screen is frozen or black
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The watch won’t respond to touch
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Apps crash repeatedly
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The Apple logo is stuck during startup
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The watch won’t turn off normally
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The Digital Crown or side button doesn’t respond
⚠️ Avoid hard resetting during software updates, as it may corrupt the system.
How to Hard Reset Apple Watch (All Models)
Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Press and hold both:
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The Side Button
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The Digital Crown
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Keep holding both buttons together
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After about 10–15 seconds, the screen will go black
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Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears
Your Apple Watch will restart automatically.
✅ This method works on:
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Apple Watch Series 3–9
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Apple Watch SE (all generations)
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Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2
How Is Hard Reset Different from Restart?
| Action | What It Does | Data Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Restart | Graceful reboot via menu | ❌ No |
| Hard Reset | Forced reboot via buttons | ❌ No |
| Factory Reset | Erases all content & settings | ✅ Yes |
If your watch is responsive, always try a normal restart first.
What If Hard Reset Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
If your Apple Watch still isn’t working after a hard reset, try these next steps:
1. Charge Your Apple Watch
Low battery can cause freezing or boot issues. Place the watch on its charger and wait at least 30 minutes before retrying.
2. Unpair and Re-Pair (Factory Reset)
If problems persist, you may need to:
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Unpair the Apple Watch from your iPhone
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Set it up again as new or restore from backup
This should only be done if a hard reset fails.
3. Update watchOS
Software bugs are often resolved with updates. After restarting, check for the latest watchOS update.
Does Removing the Band Help During Reset?
While removing the band isn’t required, some users find it easier to press both buttons firmly without obstruction—especially with metal bands.
High-quality metal bands like Finestone titanium Apple Watch bands are designed to maintain button accessibility, making hard resets and daily operation easier without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Common Hard Reset Questions (FAQ)
Does a hard reset delete data?
No. A hard reset only reboots the system and does not erase data.
How often is it safe to hard reset?
Occasionally is fine. Frequent hard resets may indicate a deeper software or hardware issue.
Can I hard reset without buttons?
No. A hard reset requires both the Side Button and Digital Crown.
Will hard reset fix battery drain?
Sometimes. If battery drain is caused by a stuck process, a hard reset can help.
When You Should NOT Hard Reset
Avoid hard resetting if:
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Your Apple Watch is installing a watchOS update
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The watch is restoring from backup
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You see a progress bar or update screen
In these cases, wait patiently or contact Apple Support.
