remove activation lock series 8 watch

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sheep2023 Author

Level 1

4 points

remove activation lock series 8 watch

purchased a series 8 watch from amazon warehouse deals (a return). attempted pairing and getting the message that it needs to be removed from the original owners icloud find my watch list. before I can activate it on my account. being that I do not know previous purchaser, I reached out to apple support providing serial number and proof of purchase (amazon invoice). they denied my request. what else can I do? they aren't specific with what I can do to prove proof of legitimate purchase, other than sending in the invoice, which I have done.

I can't be the first to run into this issue. amazon can't help, they just say return the watch and purchase another one. which is fine, other than there are no other warehouse deals at this price/condition. so that isn't a possibility.

any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you.

Posted on Feb 25, 2023 4:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LD150

Level 10

100,089 points

Feb 25, 2023 4:31 AM in response to sheep2023

No, many people fall into the trap of buying a used Watch or iPhone that has not been removed from their owner's account.

The lock is not on the Watch, it is on the previous owner's account. Nobody, even Apple, even the FBI, can remove that lock.

Ask for a refund, the Watch is useless to anyone.

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Answer 2

Feb 25, 2023 5:57 AM in response to sheep2023

It's confusing on Amazon. Yes, they are an authorized seller, but ONLY through the Apple Store on Amazon. To my knowledge, Apple does NOT sell customer returns on the Apple Store on Amazon. Keep in mind there are many sellers who sell Apple products on Amazon and most are not Apple Authorized. The fact remains you purchased a locked watch on Amazon, which you cannot remove the lock on. Apple won't help you in this situation.

Do as LD150 correctly suggests. Return the watch to Amazon for refund.

To clarify, here is a link to the official Apple Store on Amazon. If you didn't buy here, Apple won't help you --> https://www.amazon.com/stores/Apple/page/77D9E1F7-0337-4282-9DB6-B6B8FB2DC98D?ref_=ast_bln&linkCode=ogi&tag=geapat-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2165.a.37134997%5Bsrc%7C%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7C%5Bpid%7C

Thankfully, Amazon has excellent return privileges, so return it for refund.

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Answer 3

sheep2023 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2023 5:21 AM in response to LD150

I appreciate the response LD150. A trap though? If it's purchased of a 3rd party retailer, marketplace seller, eBay, or other p2p selling sites, I can absolutely see that as justified.

Amazon is an authorized Apple retailer. If that is also considered a trap, the only trapper I see is Apple, with no legitimate work around for these circumstances requiring consumers to only have the option of purchasing brand new = add another sale to the books and electronic device to the land fill.

I don't believe that with the serial number and my proof of purchase, Apple doesn't have the ability to reach out to who has that serial number associated to their iCloud and notify them to remove it. Or, at the very least ask for them to provide an acknowledgement they purchased and returned, therefore should not be able to have it remain on their account.

I have 30 days to return to amazon with no questions asked. We'll see if apple actually does the right thing.

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

100,089 points

Feb 25, 2023 6:56 AM in response to lobsterghost1

I once bought a LensPen from Amazon. It didn't work. The manufacturer asked me to it them in (to Canada) and yes it was a fake. They said should have bought from an approved supplier!

Yes it was Amazon, but using third party supplier just like eBay.

LensPen sent me a set of 3 for free - Don't think Apple will do that!

Over here if it doesn't say "Free postage for purchases over £20" it ain't Amazon. It's a third party.

eBay were advertising "Sealed in box, as new iPhone 8s for £140. I was tempted.

Then it said ex-display but no scratches.

Then in the description said they may have been repaired, have battery from 83% etc etc.

Pays to read all the small print - then avoid.

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Answer 5

sheep2023 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2023 7:21 AM in response to LD150

Yeah, I'm fully aware of plenty of sketchy 3rd party amazon sellers. I'm in Canada and Amazon is exactly the same. If I proceed to the Apple store on amazon.ca they show items as they do on .com, 'sold by and ships from amazon', that would be from the authorized store.

I suspect in regards to items such as Apple products that can be locked to other users, they should either not accept returns or, if they accept returns and are returned to amazon. Amazon should be required to return to Apple and not be allowed to resell.

I have had only one prior poor condition item show up from amazon warehouse deals in 10 years, this would be the second unsuccessful instance.

As mentioned, with the fantastic amazon return/refund policy, I'll return this and keep grabbing the watch warehouse deals when they appear with the hope that a previous purchaser was bright enough to remove the lock to their account prior to returning. Cosmetically this device is like new condition, does not appear to have even been worn. Other than the packaging being opened, I saved nearly $200 off the price of a 'new' series 8.

Ultimately, amazon shouldn't process a refund until they have verified the previous purchaser hasn't rendered the device useless.

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Answer 6

Feb 25, 2023 7:35 AM in response to LD150

Hence why, in the US, I buy from Apple or BestBuy exclusively. I'm a TotalTech customer with BestBuy. If I buy ANY apple device, I get AppleCare+ for two years for free as part of the TotalTech membership (which I pay $200/year for), but offers amazing technical support, including coming to my home to fix anything I buy from BestBuy at no charge or forever online tech support too.

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