How to turn off activation of old phone was returned before unpairing Apple Watch?
how do I turn off activation lock from old phone that was returned to use my Apple Watch on my new phone?
Apple Watch Series 7, watchOS 8
If the Watch was activated using your Apple ID that you will use on the new iPhone you don't need to turn off activation lock. Just erase it
Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete the erase. (select the watch OS version)
Erase Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK)
Erasing all content and settings this way erases all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock if it has one.
Or if it is still under your iCloud account you can erase and remove it from your account (ie remove activation lock) in Find My or https://icloud.com/find .
Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK)
When asked, I suggest you set up as new.