Apple Watch: Soft Reset - how it works

Many problems with the Apple Watch can be fixed with the help of a soft reset. This forces a reboot of the smartwatch without losing your personal data and settings. Read here how to perform the soft reset works.

How to perform a soft reset on the Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch no longer responds to inputs or the smartwatch screen is frozen, a soft reset can help. This forces the Apple Watch to restart and fixes common problems with the software. The big advantage of the soft reset is that no data and settings are deleted from the device.

1. Before performing the soft reset, first try whether the Apple Watch can be turned off normally.
2. If this is not the case, force the restart of the watch by pressing the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time.
3. Hold down both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the display and the smartwatch restarts.

Apple Watch: What to do if the soft reset does not help

If the problems with the Apple Watch persist even after performing the soft reset, your only option is to completely reset the watch. However, since this will remove all data from the device, please create a backup beforehand. To start the factory reset afterwards, open the Settings app on the Apple Watch, go to "General" > "Reset" and select the "Erase all data and settings" option.