If you want to know how to remove activation lock on Apple Watch without previous owner, this guide walks you through safe and official methods. Learn about verification requirements, unlocking procedures, and tips to regain access to your Apple Watch efficiently.
What is Activation Lock on Apple Watch?
The reason behind Activation Lock at Apple
The feature also means that even in the event of the Apple Watch being lost or stolen, the user cannot delete it and reuse it.
Activation lock is now linked to the Apple ID of the owner and the Find My service. When you turn the device off without taking it off their Apple ID, the lock will not be removed.
Checking Whether your Apple Watch is Activation Locked or Not
If you have the watch in hand:
- On an iphone that the watch is connected to, go to the Apple Watch app, My watch, All watches, info icon beside the watch. When you find an option such as Find My Apple Watch still turned on, then the lock is on.
- When trying to pair with the watch, you can check if the watch has the activation lock, a message with This device is locked to an Apple ID or Activation Lock will appear.
- Activation Lock: Have former owner take it off.
When you are in contact
- Having access to the former proprietor is the most secure and legitimate way to do it.
- Request them to open a web browser, log in to iCloud.com → Sign in with their Apple ID.
- iCloud Find my iPhone (or Find my device) Click on All Devices then choose the Apple Watch.
- Click “Erase Apple Watch”. Once it has been erased, click on “Remove from Account. This disassociates the watch with their Apple ID.
On your part: you are asked to close the Apple Watch application in your iPhone and then re-pair the watch. It must now permit setting up as new.
Why this method is best
- It is official and backed by Apple: when the former owner deletes the link, you will be able to use the watch in its regular manner.
- None of the third-party tools, no chance of undefined unlock.
What Should One Do in Case The Former Owner is Not Reachable?
This is where it gets tricky:
You cannot legally turn the lock off using official measures without their Apple ID/ password.
In case it is a deceased owner or lost contact, Apple has a procedure (proof of purchase etc.), but there is no assurance.
In case you purchased the watch in second hand and it is locked the seller ought to unpaired the watch in front of you before you paid.
Can Activation Lock Be Removed Without the Previous Owner?
What you can try
You can also in certain instances make an effort of contacting the seller and asking him/her to join the unlink steps mentioned above.
In case you possess original evidence of purchase (receipt) and other ownership documents, that you may reach Apple Support and inquire whether they would assist in unlocking the lock – it is not guaranteed.
Not what you can in fact do
Crack the lock with the help of software or services that promise to unlock Activation Lock without any information about the former owner or Apple ID: they are not always supported, verified, and can be in violation of terms.
The Apple organization says themselves that it is impossible to turn off Activation Lock without the Apple ID and passwords of the past owner.
Dangers of Third-Party Unlock Services
It is claimed that many sites will take out Activation Lock on the payment of a fee; however, this is not always successful.
Others can be against the terms of service of Apple; your watch can be blocked anyway or they can lose warranty/official support.
You can risk losing your personal information or credentials when utilizing questionable services.
In Case of Lack of Access To Previous Owner
Disclaimer: This is informative only. You should always want official support and you should also have a valid right to own the device.
Check Activation Lock
As previously, check with the help of Apple Watch app or pairing.
Attempt to get evidence of purchase
You can call the Apple Support in case you have receipt or seller documentation.
Contact Apple Support
- Write serial number of watch, evidence of purchase and justify (e.g. bought second hand).
- Request whether they can assist in the removal of the Activation Lock.
Think of returning/selling the device
- In case Apple cannot unlock, then you might not be in a position to use the watch at its full capacity.
- It is not good to sell a watch with locked Apple ID and buyers will not buy.
Do not use unofficial bypass tools
- These tools are dangerous, potentially unfulfilling and can cancel the guarantee.
- You can continue to do so at your own peril.
Pre-Purchase Checklist for a Used Apple Watch
Do make sure that the former owner has paired the watch off their iPhone, and they are out of iCloud.
On the watch pairing screen, make sure that it is not displayed as locked to owner / Activation Lock.
Request an evidence of purchase or receipt.
Ensure that the serial number of the watch is not lost/stolen.
Do not accept transactions that appear to be too good to be true when the seller cannot prove he or she has removed Activation Lock.
FAQs
Is it possible to disable activation lock on Apple Watch without Apple Account ID and password of the former owner?
No, officially lock out cannot be done without the Apple ID/ password of the previous owner, or can be done through their iCloud account.
Does erasing Apple Watch delete Activation Lock?
Activation Lock is not cleared when the watch is erased with A2 only (through Settings, General, Reset). The watch is tied to the Apple ID of the owner until it is ejected out of the account or unpaired in an appropriate manner.
What would be the result of me pairing an apple watch that is locked to the past owner?
You will not be able to set up. The watch will require the Apple ID and the password of the former owner. Otherwise, it cannot be used as a new device.
In the event that the previous owner has passed away, is it still possible to remove the lock?
Possibly. To do this, you will need to supply evidence of ownership (e.g. purchase receipt) and contact the Apple Support to determine whether they will unlock the lock in this special situation. No guarantee.
Do they have the legitimacy to have them unlock services to remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch?
There are many, who claim that they can, and these services are unofficial, which may be dangerous, and may also fail. apple does not support such services. Apply care and caution.