Sold my Apple Watch but buyer tells me it… (2024)

Jonathan UK

163,787 points

Hi

You are referring to Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen. This should have been removed before selling your Apple Watch by unpairing it via the Watch app on your iPhone, whilst your watch was connected to it:

Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support

The following steps may help in removing the lock for the buyer:

If you have not yet done so, remove each Apple Watch from Find My iPhone online:

• On a computer, in a web browser, go to: https://www.iCloud.com > sign in with your Apple ID.
• Open Find iPhone > select All Devices (at the top) > click your Apple Watch.
• Click Erase Apple Watch > Select Next until the device is erased.
• Click "X" next to your Apple Watch.

If you have not yet done so and if the option remains available, also unpair your watch from within the Watch app on your iPhone:

• On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > tap on the name of the watch (at the top) > tap on the "i" icon next to the watch > if the button is shown, tap on Unpair Apple Watch and follow the further instructions.

Having followed the previous steps, ask the buyer to follow these:

On their iPhone: close the Watch app (double-press on the Home button, then swipe up on the Watch app preview).

Restart both their iPhone and watch, turning both off together, then restarting their iPhone first:

• Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
• Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Re-try pairing and setting up their watch:

• Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the watch remains locked, either:

Accompany the buyer and the watch to a Genius Bar appointment, taking along your original proof of purchase for the watch.

Or contact Apple Support and explain that you have been unable to remove Activation Lock from a watch that you have sold:

• Contact - Official Apple Support
• https://twitter.com/applesupport
• http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

More information:

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support