Selling your Apple Watch? Don’t forget to remove the Activation Lock

Apple Watch’s Activation Lock is a security feature that prevents anyone from using it if it gets lost or stolen. While keeping your Apple Watch activation locked is important, you must remove it if you plan to sell, exchange, or pass on your Apple Watch to someone else. This will help the new user set up and use the Apple Watch without problems.

Keep reading to learn what Activation Lock is on an Apple Watch and why and how to remove it.

What is Activation Lock on an Apple Watch?

Activation Lock is an additional layer of security Apple adds to your Apple Watch, which ensures that your Apple Account email or phone number and password are required before anyone can Turn off Find My, unpair the Apple Watch from the iPhone, pair the watch with a new iPhone.

Why should you remove Activation Lock from your Apple Watch?

While the Activation Lock is an excellent security feature that protects your Apple Watch if it’s lost or stolen, it can become an obstacle if you forget to remove it before selling or giving away your Apple Watch for servicing. Here are some top scenarios where removing Activation Lock from your Apple Watch becomes necessary:

• Selling or giving away your watch: If you plan to sell or give your Apple Watch to someone else, you must remove the Activation Lock first. Otherwise, the new owner won’t be able to pair the watch with their iPhone; the watch will ask for your Apple ID and password during setup.
• Trading in for a new device: Many trade-in programs (including Apple’s own) require that Activation Lock is turned off before accepting your device. If it’s still active, your trade-in could be rejected or delayed.
• Sending the watch for service: If you’re sending your Apple Watch to Apple or an authorized service provider for repairs, the Activation Lock must be disabled. Apple won’t service the watch if it’s still linked to your Apple ID.
• Personal troubleshooting: Removing the Activation Lock ensures a clean start without login complications if you face persistent issues and must erase and set up your Apple Watch as new.

How to check whether Activation Lock is enabled on your Apple Watch

It’s a good idea to verify if the Activation Lock is enabled on your Apple Watch to avoid unnecessary labor. Here’s how you can do so:

1. Open the Watch app and tap on All Watches in the top-left corner.
2. Here, tap the i button next to your Apple Watch.
3. Next, check for the text Find My Apple Watch. If it’s there, then the Activation Lock is turned on.

How to turn off Activation Lock on your Apple Watch

You can remove Activation Lock from your Apple Watch in two ways: via the Watch app or the iCloud website. In both cases, make sure you have your Apple Account password at hand.

Using the Watch app

You can remove the Activation Lock from your watch using the Watch app like this:

1. Open the Watch app on the paired iPhone and ensure you’re on the My Watch tab.
2. Here, tap on All Watches in the top-left corner.
3. Now, tap the i button next to the Apple Watch from which you want to remove the Activation Lock.
4. Next, scroll down and tap Unpair Apple Watch.
   
   
5. Tap Unpair [Your Watch Name] to confirm.
6. If you have a cellular Apple Watch, you will be asked whether you want to keep or remove the cellular plan. Tap Remove if you don’t wish to pair the watch with your iPhone again.
7. Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number password when prompted to remove the Activation Lock from the watch successfully.
   
   

From the iCloud website

Follow these steps to turn off Activation Lock on your Apple Watch from the web:

1. Using your preferred browser, visit the iCloud website and sign in with your Apple Account.
2. Now, select Find My in the apps tray at the bottom. Apple may ask you to sign in again.
   
   
3. Next, select your Apple Watch under All Devices.
   
   
4. Here, click on Erase.
   
   
5. Enter your Apple Account password when asked.
   
   
6. Once the watch is erased, click Remove.
   
   

Once you do this, your Apple Watch will be unpaired from your Apple Account, the Activation Lock will be removed, and all the data and settings will be reset.

What to do if you bought a second-hand Apple Watch that’s activation-locked?

Buying your first Apple Watch is a moment you should cherish; whether it’s brand new or second-hand, it should not be an issue. However, you must exercise extreme caution while buying a used Apple Watch to ensure it isn’t activation locked.

So, if you unknowingly bought a used Apple Watch with an active Activation Lock, all you can do is contact the seller and politely ask them to remove the watch from their iCloud account using the steps mentioned above.

You can’t do anything if the seller refuses to cooperate; you have likely fallen victim to a scam. Even Apple Support can’t unlock a device without proof of purchase showing that you’re the rightful owner.

Safely Transfer Ownership, Unpair, or Send Apple Watch for Service

Now you know that the Activation Lock, while an essential security feature, is the only difference between a usable Apple Watch and one stuck on the setup screen. If you’re moving away from your Apple Watch, don’t forget to unlink it with your Apple Account so the new user can have a smooth overboarding experience.

Have you ever fallen victim to an activation-locked Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments how you dealt with the situation.

Related articles worth reading:

• Forgot your Apple Watch password? Here’s how to reset it
• How to factory reset your Apple Watch
• How to free up storage space on your Apple Watch