User profile for user: n1claren
n1claren Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Is it safe buying from a person?

Hello everyone.


So i saw an ad on marketplace about an S8 Stainless Steel 45mm apple watch and the price (350~ usd) is very good so i am interested in buying it. It is sealed box, brand new.


I asked the seller where it is from and he replied that its bought in our European country. Kind of a red flag, because although he has hidden the serial number, you can see the model is A2774, which a quick google search lets me know its a North America model.


So my question is this: If i buy it from this seller and its legit new and i register it to my phone and everything seems alright, could it be the case that apple remote locks it later due to it being obtained illegally (be it stolen or something else idk)?


I have heard people buying iPhones that were later locked by apple, but i do not know if these stories are true.


Am i safe buying this or should i avoid?

Posted on May 30, 2023 1:27 PM

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User profile for user: javaliga
javaliga
User level: Level 10
120,173 points

Posted on May 30, 2023 1:41 PM

First, if it is a cellular watch and you want to use that feature, be aware that there are essentially two versions -n one for North American networks and one for everywhere else. And they are incompatible, for more info, see:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

which shows that a model A2774 (45mm) only works with North American networks. You can still use all features of the watch as long as it is near the paired iPhone inn any network. (Just don't try to setup the "standalone" cellular feature unless you are in North America.)


Second, Apple will not "later lock" the watch. But make sure the watch is not currently Activation Locked. Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen.

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed. Only the previous owner can remove the lock by using their Apple ID & password. Apple will not help you find the previous owner. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else. See the 'Before you buy a watch from a third-party' section in:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Apple Watch, or buy one from someone else - Apple Support


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User profile for user: javaliga
javaliga
User level: Level 10
120,173 points

May 30, 2023 1:41 PM in response to n1claren

First, if it is a cellular watch and you want to use that feature, be aware that there are essentially two versions -n one for North American networks and one for everywhere else. And they are incompatible, for more info, see:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

which shows that a model A2774 (45mm) only works with North American networks. You can still use all features of the watch as long as it is near the paired iPhone inn any network. (Just don't try to setup the "standalone" cellular feature unless you are in North America.)


Second, Apple will not "later lock" the watch. But make sure the watch is not currently Activation Locked. Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen.

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed. Only the previous owner can remove the lock by using their Apple ID & password. Apple will not help you find the previous owner. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else. See the 'Before you buy a watch from a third-party' section in:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Apple Watch, or buy one from someone else - Apple Support


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Is it safe buying from a person?

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