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.
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Soft Reset (Restart): Reboots without erasing data. Use for minor glitches, slow performance, or connection issues.
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Factory Reset: Erases all data and returns to original state. Use for selling, severe problems, or forgotten PIN.
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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:
- Ensure health data is synced (open
Fitbitapp and allow sync) - Remove Google account if selling/giving away
- 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):
- Connect to charger (at least 30% battery)
- Press and hold both crown buttons for 10 seconds
- Release when recovery menu appears
- Use crown to navigate to Factory reset
- 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.
- Press and hold the crown button
- Continue holding for 30+ seconds (even if screen changes)
- Release when Google logo appears
- 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:
- Pair with phone through
Pixel Watchapp - Sign in to Google and
Fitbitaccounts - Reinstall apps from Play Store
- Reconfigure notifications, display settings,
Google Pay - Re-download offline music
Health data synced before reset will reappear within hours.
Before Selling
Factory reset through Settings (not recovery mode), remove Google account first, unpair from phone via app, and verify the setup screen appears on the watch.
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
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Reset Won't Complete: Ensure 30%+ battery, keep on charger during reset, try recovery mode method.
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Stuck in Boot Loop: Charge for 1 hour, force restart while charging, try recovery factory reset again.
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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