Apple Watch bought from Walmart Canada is locked to unknown Apple ID

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Level 1

4 points

Apple Watch bought from Walmart Canada is locked to unknown Apple ID

Hello!

my question is i bought an Apple Watch 2 years ago, I barely used it.

I’m now working at a location where I can use it a ton but I have a new phone I need to pair it to!

I factory reset my watch, went to pair it with my new phone but it is saying I need to sign in using my APPLE ID and password…the problem is, the “email address” that is displaying is NOT one I recognize ever making and or using….so I can’t login to my watch to confirm my Apple ID.

I have searched high and low for this email but no luck. I went through the outlook recovery account steps, no luck, it says it is a none existing account?! I contacted Microsoft and the system literally told me this recovery option is my ONLY option?! LIKE WHAT?!

SO - I went to Apple for support, they are advising me that I need a receipt as proof of purchase in order to help me unlock/get into my Apple Watch….I bought this Apple Watch from WALMART Canada IN PERSON 2 years ago…..

Walmart only keeps their receipt’s for 6 months to a year, I called them and they have NOTHING FOR ME.

I have been looking for help and calling Walmart and Apple ALL day and nothing is helping.

Does this mean I have to throw out my $500 watch that I barely have used?!?! It’s LITERALLY BRAND NEW, NOT A SINGLE SCRATCH!!

I can verify where I bought it, the exact date I bought it, the card I used to buy it, my name (obviously), address, ANYTHING!! I even have my bank statement showing the charge!!

SOMEONE HELP 😭😭😭

ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE APPRECIATED!

getting into my Watch shouldn’t be THIS HARD!! This is INSANE!!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch

Posted on Jan 15, 2023 7:18 PM

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Answer 1

LD150

Level 10

91,199 points

Jan 16, 2023 1:15 AM in response to shawnee97

If you see a strange Apple ID that you have never used on trying to pair the Watch then it is activation locked to that user. That is why Apple are asking for proof of purchase against the serial number.

Any Apple device with activation lock still applied is totally useless to the currect owner unless the original owner can be contacted. Many people on buying a found or stolen watch try this on with Apple all the time, hence their reluctance to help without that proof..

Further information can be found here

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Or contact Walmart and demand that the replace the Watch.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

91,199 points

Jan 16, 2023 6:25 AM in response to shawnee97

Maybe I misunderstood but how can MS recover an email you never owned?

If it was once your Apple ID then

Try the steps in this knowledge base article if you forgot your Apple ID Password

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

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Answer 3

shawnee97 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 16, 2023 4:09 AM in response to LD150

I’ve emailed corporate, HR, everyone in Walmart to get help because Outlook’s process for recovery is horrible!

You can’t even speak to a live person ugh.

I’m going to speak to whoever I can in management, the fact that I can prove without hesitation it’s my Watch except without an actual receipt is insane, this is so frustrating!!

im hoping I hear back from someone that can help today!

thank you for the reply 😣

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Answer 4

shawnee97 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 16, 2023 7:20 AM in response to LD150

It was an email I owned I just don’t remember creating it, I know my password 100% I can use that no problem, I use the same password for absolutely everything - but i don’t remember the email that is linked - and yes I went through the recovery process, it says every time “no account exists for this phone number/email”

I use the 2 step verification process and insert all my information and NO email generates that is linked to my Watch is found :(

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