Purchased second hand Apple Watch . Watch still on previous owner Apple ID

Hi

Activation Lock prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen.

The previous owner should have removed the lock before selling their device.

To be able to pair the Apple Watch to your own iPhone, you would need the previous owner (who may not be the seller) to either enter their Apple ID and password on your iPhone or to turn the feature off via https://www.icloud.com/ (by signing in with their Apple ID > Find My iPhone > All Devices, then select the Apple Watch > Erase Apple Watch > Next until erased > click X next to the watch).

If you cannot arrange for the previous owner to do this, then you should, if possible, return the Apple Watch for a refund.

You will not otherwise be able to use the Apple Watch. There is no way around this security feature.

Apple will not advise you of the previous owner's contact details, nor will Apple pass your details on to them.

More information:

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the previous owner has already followed the steps here to remove Activation Lock:

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

But you are being advised by the Watch app that the Apple Watch is still locked by Activation Lock, then it may help if you, as the new owner, try these steps:

• Close the Watch app on your iPhone:

  On your iPhone: double-press on the Home button > swipe left / right to the Watch app > swipe up on the app preview to close it.

• Restart both devices, turning both off together and then restarting your iPhone first:
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support
• Try again to set up the watch:

  Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the Apple Watch remains locked, ask the previous owner to accompany you and the watch to a Genius Bar appointment, taking along their original proof of purchase for the watch or ask them to contact Apple Support and seek assistance with removing Activation Lock:

• Contact - Official Apple Support
• Apple Support (@AppleSupport) | Twitter
• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Contact the previous owner and have them turn off activation lock by following this procedure:

"1. On a computer, go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.

2. Go to Find My iPhone.

3. Select All Devices, then click your Apple Watch.

4. Click Erase Apple Watch. Select Next until the device is erased.

5. Click X next to your Apple Watch."

https://support.apple.com/HT205009