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)
- Power off watch (hold crown 3 seconds Power off)
- Press and hold crown AND side button simultaneously
- Continue holding until recovery menu appears (~10 seconds)
- Use crown to navigate to Factory reset Press crown to select
- Navigate to Yes Press crown to confirm
Before Factory Reset
- Sync Health Data: Open
Google Fitapp to verify data is backed up - Note Settings: Screenshot important configurations
- Remove Cards: Delete payment cards from
Google Pay - Unpair Accessories: Disconnect
Bluetoothheadphones, heart rate monitors - Prepare Credentials: Have Google Account password ready
After Factory Reset
- Watch shows language selection screen
- Pair with phone using
Wear OSapp - Sign in with Google Account
- Health data synced to
Google Fitrestores automatically - Reinstall apps from Play Store
- 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 OSapp. -
Forgot Watch PIN: Use hardware button reset (bypasses PIN) or unpair from phone.
Reset Decision Guide
Soft Reset: Slow performance, app crashes, connection issues, minor glitches. Factory Reset: Selling watch, switching phones, persistent bugs, preparing for service.
See Also: How to Turn On|How to Pair|Setup Login Issues