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How can I set up my Apple Watch as new if I don't remember the old password?

How do I reactivate my Apple Watch If I don’t have my old iPhone and I don’t remember the password and I reset it and it still keeps trying to link back to my old iPhone that I have nothing to do with now?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPhone 12, iOS 16

Posted on Aug 15, 2023 12:17 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 15, 2023 2:23 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. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else.


If you are the ORIGINAL owner, then see the 'Start a support request' section in:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


Here are two ways to unpair your watch if you no longer have the paired iPhone (and know your Apple ID & password):

  • See the 'How to erase your Apple Watch if you don't have your iPhone' section of:

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • 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 Top-ranking reply

Aug 15, 2023 2:23 PM in response to 777_peso

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. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else.


If you are the ORIGINAL owner, then see the 'Start a support request' section in:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


Here are two ways to unpair your watch if you no longer have the paired iPhone (and know your Apple ID & password):

  • See the 'How to erase your Apple Watch if you don't have your iPhone' section of:

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • 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.


How can I set up my Apple Watch as new if I don't remember the old password?

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