my Apple Watch was stolen and showed up in locations near Best Buy at a finance co who deny any knowledge . It was an exact location when I locked it. If I erase it, can the thief open it
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Apple Watch Series 9
If you erase the watch you will remove the Activation Lock and anyone who has it can use it.
Activation Lock prevents anyone with a lost or stolen Apple device from using it.
If your watch is lost or stolen;
Protect a lost Apple Watch - Apple Support
M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.5; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.5; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.5; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.5; HomePods, audioOS 17.5 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2
If you erase the watch you will remove the Activation Lock and anyone who has it can use it.
Activation Lock prevents anyone with a lost or stolen Apple device from using it.
If your watch is lost or stolen;
Protect a lost Apple Watch - Apple Support
M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.5; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.5; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.5; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.5; HomePods, audioOS 17.5 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2
How can I ensure the thief cannot open my stolen Apple Watch if I erase it?
