With the release of iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5, Apple has in the end made it less complicated to restore your Apple Watch without having to take it to an Apple Store for a Genius appointment.
Since its first release again in 2015, if you had a problem with your Watch where a factory reset would not resolve the issue, there used to be no direct port to plug in a lightning cable to restore from iTunes – similar to what you would do with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
A trip to an Apple Store close via to e-book a Genius appointment would be the only option, where their tech help would be in a position to forcibly restore your Watch via a secret data port.
But with iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5, this can be done anywhere, saving you a long trip and a headache.
Analysis: A long time coming
The capability to restore your very own iPhone has been the standard for the reason that the first iPhone in 2007.
But whilst the Apple Watch has usually had a secret data port that is at the backside of the smartwatch, it is a port it’s by no means been meant for consumer use, solely with the aid of Apple. You would go to an Apple Store, see its tech support, or Genius as they’re called, and they would be capable to use this port to reset your Watch.
However there are situations where an Apple Store should be lots of miles away, and you have got a paperweight on your wrist. This is why it is a relief to have this feature in iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5.
All you need to do is place the Watch on a charger, press the side button twice, and a pop-up should appear on your iPhone, explaining that it’s discovered an Apple Watch that needs to be restored.
After a half-hour, the Watch will appear as though it’s being used for the first time, and you can start to pair it to your iPhone again.
This is going to be a great help for many and will reduce the stress at least in trying to find time to go to an Apple Store to do this.
