This article explains how to reset a Galaxy Watch Active2. The instructions apply to the Galaxy Active2, but the process closely mirrors other models in the Galaxy Watch lineup.

What to Know

  • Soft reset/reboot: Hold down the Home/Power key. A rebooting message appears on the display.Factory reset: Tap Settings > General > Reset or do a hard reset by entering reboot and recovery mode.You can also use the companion app to back up data and factory reset the watch.

How Do I Reset My Samsung Active2 Watch?

You might want to soft reset/reboot your Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 to troubleshoot issues such as freezing or sluggish responsiveness. You can give your device a fresh boost in two ways: Do a reboot or manually power the watch off and on again.

  • Press and hold the Home/Power button until you see a Rebooting message on the watch screen.
  • After a few seconds, the device restarts and displays your chosen watch face.
  • Alternatively, manually power down and turn on your watch by pressing the Home/Power button for a few seconds and selecting Power off. Press the Home/Power button again to turn on your watch.

How Do I Factory Reset My Samsung Watch?

In other cases, it might be best to factory reset rather than reboot your device. Take this step if no other troubleshooting works or if you’re giving your watch to someone else.

Press and hold the Home/Power button until you see a Rebooting message on the watch screen.

After a few seconds, the device restarts and displays your chosen watch face.

Alternatively, manually power down and turn on your watch by pressing the Home/Power button for a few seconds and selecting Power off. Press the Home/Power button again to turn on your watch.

Use the watch Settings menu or your smartphone to factory reset your Samsung smartwatch via the companion app.

Use the Quick Panel Menu

To wipe all of your account data and preferences from the Galaxy Watch Active2, use the Quick panel menu to access the device settings.

  • Swipe down to reveal the Quick panel menu.
  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon.
  • Go to General.
  • Select Reset > Back up data or Reset.

Reset From the Apps Menu

You can also access the Reset option from the Apps menu on your Watch Active2.

Swipe down to reveal the Quick panel menu.

Tap the Settings (gear) icon.

Go to General.

Select Reset > Back up data or Reset.

  • Swipe right until you see the Apps menu on your watch.
  • Tap the Settings icon.
  • Select General > Reset and choose your preferred reset option: Back up data first or wipe everything.

Do a Hard Reset

If you’re locked out of your watch because you forgot the device pin or it’s unresponsive, you can also perform a hard reset.

Swipe right until you see the Apps menu on your watch.

Tap the Settings icon.

Select General > Reset and choose your preferred reset option: Back up data first or wipe everything.

  • Press and hold the Home/Power button.
  • When the Rebooting message appears on-screen, press the Home/Power button a few times.
  • Use the Home/Power button to select Recovery and press and hold down the Home/Power key to reset your watch.
  • A Resetting progress wheel appears on the screen before the device resets to the setup screen.

Use the Mobile App

You can also use the Galaxy Wearable app (or Galaxy Watch app on iOS) to reset your watch.

Press and hold the Home/Power button.

When the Rebooting message appears on-screen, press the Home/Power button a few times.

Use the Home/Power button to select Recovery and press and hold down the Home/Power key to reset your watch.

A Resetting progress wheel appears on the screen before the device resets to the setup screen.

  • Open the companion app for your Samsung Watch.
  • Select General > Reset.
  • On the next screen, tap Reset to confirm you want to delete everything from your watch.

What to Do Before Factory Resetting a Samsung Galaxy Watch

Before you factory reset your Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 or a different Samsung Galaxy Watch, spend a few moments preparing your device and data with these tips.

Open the companion app for your Samsung Watch.

Select General > Reset. 

On the next screen, tap Reset to confirm you want to delete everything from your watch.

You can also find the reset option from various other screens within the companion app, such as the About watch section under the message Looking for something else?

  • Turn off the lock screen: Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Lock > Type and select None.Back up your account data: Open the Wearable app and select Account and backup > Back up data. Select the items you’d like to preserve and tap Back up to begin.Save music and photos manually: Samsung account backups don’t cover music and photo files. Make sure you save or copy media files you want to keep elsewhere.

  • How do I reset my step target on a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2?

  • You can manually adjust your step goal from the Steps widget. Tap to open the widget, swipe down, and select Settings (gear icon) > Step target. Swipe up or down to modify the target and tap Done to save. Alternatively, use the Samsung Health app: Select Steps > More options > Set target > and move the slider to match your new goal.

  • How do I turn off the voice assistant on my Galaxy Watch Active2?

  • Disable Bixby on your Galaxy Watch Active2 from Settings > Apps > Permissions > Bixby. Move the toggle to the off position next to Accounts and Microphone. To remove the Bixby Home/Power Key shortcut, tap Settings > Advanced > Double press Home key and reassign the shortcut to another app.

  • How do I clear all open apps on a Galaxy Watch Active2?

  • Press the Home/Power button or swipe right to open the Apps screen. Then tap Recent apps > Close all. You can also close an individual app by selecting the x symbol beside the name.

You can manually adjust your step goal from the Steps widget. Tap to open the widget, swipe down, and select Settings (gear icon) > Step target. Swipe up or down to modify the target and tap Done to save. Alternatively, use the Samsung Health app: Select Steps > More options > Set target > and move the slider to match your new goal.

Disable Bixby on your Galaxy Watch Active2 from Settings > Apps > Permissions > Bixby. Move the toggle to the off position next to Accounts and Microphone. To remove the Bixby Home/Power Key shortcut, tap Settings > Advanced > Double press Home key and reassign the shortcut to another app.

Press the Home/Power button or swipe right to open the Apps screen. Then tap Recent apps > Close all. You can also close an individual app by selecting the x symbol beside the name.

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