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How to Reset Google Pixel Watch

Resetting your Pixel Watch can resolve software issues, prepare the watch for a new owner, or restore it to factory settings for troubleshooting.


Types of Resets

Choose the appropriate reset based on your situation.

  • Soft Reset (Restart): Reboots without erasing data. Use for minor glitches, slow performance, or connection issues.

  • Factory Reset: Erases all data and returns to original state. Use for selling, severe problems, or forgotten PIN.

  • Force Restart: Emergency restart for frozen watch. No data loss, equivalent to pulling the battery.


Soft Reset (Restart)

Use a soft reset for minor issues while preserving all data and settings.

Method 1 - Settings Menu: Settings System Restart Confirm

Method 2 - Power Menu: Press and hold crown for 2-3 seconds Tap Restart Confirm

Method 3 - Quick Settings: Swipe down from watch face Tap gear icon System Restart


Factory Reset

Factory reset erases all data including apps, health history, music, settings, and paired connection.

Important: Health data synced to Fitbit/Google accounts is preserved in the cloud.

Before Factory Reset:

  1. Ensure health data is synced (open Fitbit app and allow sync)
  2. Remove Google account if selling/giving away
  3. Note any custom settings you want to recreate

Method 1 - From Watch Settings: Settings System Disconnect & reset Scroll to bottom Disconnect Confirm

Method 2 - From Phone: Pixel Watch app Settings Unpair watch Confirm (watch resets remotely)

Method 3 - Recovery Mode (when unresponsive):

  1. Connect to charger (at least 30% battery)
  2. Press and hold both crown buttons for 10 seconds
  3. Release when recovery menu appears
  4. Use crown to navigate to Factory reset
  5. Press crown to select, rotate to Yes, press to confirm

Force Restart (Frozen Watch)

Use when the watch is completely frozen or unresponsive. No data loss occurs.

  1. Press and hold the crown button
  2. Continue holding for 30+ seconds (even if screen changes)
  3. Release when Google logo appears
  4. Wait 30-60 seconds for complete restart

Alternative: Hold both crown buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until vibration.


After Factory Reset

You'll need to complete setup again:

  1. Pair with phone through Pixel Watch app
  2. Sign in to Google and Fitbit accounts
  3. Reinstall apps from Play Store
  4. Reconfigure notifications, display settings, Google Pay
  5. Re-download offline music

Health data synced before reset will reappear within hours.


Troubleshooting Reset Issues

  • Reset Won't Complete: Ensure 30%+ battery, keep on charger during reset, try recovery mode method.

  • Stuck in Boot Loop: Charge for 1 hour, force restart while charging, try recovery factory reset again.

  • Google Account Lock: Sign in with previously used Google account, or contact support with proof of purchase if purchased used.


See Also: How to Turn On|How to Pair|Setup Guide