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How to Reset Google Pixel Watch 3

Resetting your Pixel Watch 3 resolves performance issues, connectivity problems, and software glitches. Choose between soft reset (restart) or factory reset based on your situation.


Soft Reset (Restart)

Use for slow performance, freezing apps, unstable connections, or unresponsive screen. No data is erased.

Standard Restart: Press and hold crown 3 seconds Tap Restart Wait 30-60 seconds

Forced Restart (Frozen Watch): Press and hold crown for 30 seconds continuously. Watch vibrates and restarts automatically.


Factory Reset

Use when selling watch, switching phones, or experiencing persistent issues restart doesn't fix.

Warning: Factory reset permanently deletes all watch data including settings, apps, health data not synced, WiFi networks, and payment cards.


Factory Reset Methods

Method 1: From Watch Settings Settings System Disconnect & reset Confirm with checkmark

Method 2: From Wear OS App Wear OS app Settings Select Pixel Watch 3 Unpair watch Confirm

This simultaneously unpairs and resets the watch.

Method 3: Hardware Buttons (Emergency)

  1. Power off watch (hold crown 3 seconds Power off)
  2. Press and hold crown AND side button simultaneously
  3. Continue holding until recovery menu appears (~10 seconds)
  4. Use crown to navigate to Factory reset Press crown to select
  5. Navigate to Yes Press crown to confirm

Before Factory Reset

  • Sync Health Data: Open Google Fit app to verify data is backed up
  • Note Settings: Screenshot important configurations
  • Remove Cards: Delete payment cards from Google Pay
  • Unpair Accessories: Disconnect Bluetooth headphones, heart rate monitors
  • Prepare Credentials: Have Google Account password ready

After Factory Reset

  1. Watch shows language selection screen
  2. Pair with phone using Wear OS app
  3. Sign in with Google Account
  4. Health data synced to Google Fit restores automatically
  5. Reinstall apps from Play Store
  6. Re-add payment cards to Google Pay

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

  • Reset Won't Complete: Wait 10-15 minutes (may still be processing), force restart if frozen over 15 minutes.

  • Boot Loop After Reset: Charge to 100%, attempt hardware button reset again, contact Google if persistent.

  • Can't Access Settings: Use hardware button reset method or unpair from Wear OS app.

  • Forgot Watch PIN: Use hardware button reset (bypasses PIN) or unpair from phone.


See Also: How to Turn On|How to Pair|Setup Login Issues