Unable to unpair Apple Watch from erased iPhone

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Unable to unpair Apple Watch from erased iPhone

I forgot to unpair my Apple Watch from my phone before sending it back as a trade in. Phone was completely erased, package, and shipped. I put on my watch on the next morning and it’s asking me to unlock my old iPhone. I tried holding both buttons on the side, but the watch goes off and restarts asking me to open the old iPhone. If anyone have any suggestions, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Unpairing Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 26

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 4:28 PM

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Answer 1

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Ingo2711

Community+ 2026

Level 10

80,925 points

Oct 25, 2025 5:29 AM in response to Pen1Nay

You can disable the Activation Lock on the web:

...

If you can't access your iPhone or Apple Watch, or if your Apple Watch isn't paired with your iPhone and you need to turn off Activation Lock:

Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple Account.
From the Quick Access Menu in the top right, select Find My. You might be required to sign in.
Select All Devices, then click your Apple Watch.
Click Erase Apple Watch. Select Next until the device is erased.
Click the Remove button next to your Apple Watch.

...

copied from: About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Unable to unpair Apple Watch from erased iPhone

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