Can't pair newly acquired Apple Watch Series 2 to my iPhone 11

Can't pair newly acquired Apple Watch Series 2 to my iPhone 11. It's my first apple watch, but am not allowed to pair. The person providing the watch indicates it has been released from prior iphone. Any ideas? If I reset the watch, will it "forget" the prior iPhone?




[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPhone 11, iOS 16

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 4:37 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 7:40 PM

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. Try to get a refund (through eBay) or dispose of the watch properly. In the future, 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


Here is a way the previous to unpair the watch without the paired iPhone:

  • With a web browser, go to: https://www.iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Open Find My iPhone and select All Devices (at the top). Then click your Apple Watch, select 'Erase Apple Watch', and select Next until the device is erased. Finally click "X" next to remove your Apple Watch.


1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Jun 27, 2023 7:40 PM in response to Jptgcb

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. Try to get a refund (through eBay) or dispose of the watch properly. In the future, 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


Here is a way the previous to unpair the watch without the paired iPhone:

  • With a web browser, go to: https://www.iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Open Find My iPhone and select All Devices (at the top). Then click your Apple Watch, select 'Erase Apple Watch', and select Next until the device is erased. Finally click "X" next to remove your Apple Watch.


Can't pair newly acquired Apple Watch Series 2 to my iPhone 11

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