Preparing Apple Watch for service

Before you drop off your Apple Watch

You may want to make an appointment before you go to a service location, such as an Apple Store, Apple Authorised Service Provider or carrier. 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, finish as many steps as possible:

  1. Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.
  2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
  3. Back up your iPhone. Your iPhone backup also includes a backup of your Apple Watch. 
  4. Charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch. 

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 adaptors   
  • 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 driver's licence, passport or other government-issued ID

Drop off your Apple Watch

When you arrive at a store, 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 returns from a service.