How do I reset an Apple Watch that is paired with another iPhone?

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Level 1

16 points

How do I reset an Apple Watch that is paired with another iPhone?

Hello,

I had an Apple Watch Series 1 that was paired to an old iPhone from a few years ago. Since owning this phone I have had two more, and in that time have set a phone up as a new iPhone (not restored from a backup) and stopped using the Apple Watch.

In short, I had an Apple Watch that I could log into using the passcode, but wasn't paired to any phone I had access to.

I have just sold the Apple Watch and went through the process of erasing all content and settings (what I assumed was a factory restore) and the new owner is unable to sync the watch with his iPhone.

There is no visible record of the Apple Watch in iCloud in the my devices area, either on iCloud.com or when I log into the Apple Store. There is seemingly no Apple Watch info in the Watch app on my iPhone - it just prompts me to setup a new Apple Watch.

Any idea what I can do?!

Thanks,

Oli

Posted on Feb 1, 2018 1:14 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Feb 1, 2018 2:26 AM in response to OliOC

Hi

You are describing Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen.

If you have followed the steps here to remove and cannot see any way to remove Activation Lock from your Apple Watch remotely:

Then it may help if the buyer next follows these steps:

On their iPhone: close the Watch app (double-press on the Home button, then swipe up on the Watch app preview).

Restart both their iPhone and Apple Watch, turning both off together, then restarting their iPhone first:

Re-try pairing and setting up the Apple Watch:

Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the Apple Watch then remains locked by Activation Lock, then:

Either accompany the buyer and the Apple Watch to a Genius Bar appointment, taking along your proof of identity and your original proof of purchase for the watch.

Or arrange for the Apple Watch to be returned to you, re-pair it with your iPhone and then unpair it via the Watch app to erase it and remove Activation Lock before returning it to the buyer.

Or contact Apple Support and explain that you have been unable to remove Activation Lock from an Apple Watch that you have sold:

Note that you should never disclose your Apple ID and password to the buyer, even if you change your password again immediately afterwards:

Security and your Apple ID - Apple Support

More information:

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Sean_W.

Level 6

8,242 points

Feb 1, 2018 1:30 AM in response to OliOC

Hi OliOC,

It seems like you have followed the correct procedures outlined in the article below.

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch

https://support.apple.com/HT205009

Turn off Activation Lock before you send your Apple Watch in for service, sell it, or give it away

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:

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

Go to Find My iPhone.

Select All Devices, then click your Apple Watch.

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

Click X next to your Apple Watch.

I would recommend passing along the article below to the new owner.

If your Apple Watch isn‘t connected or paired with your iPhone

https://support.apple.com/HT205025

All the best.

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Answer 3

OliOC Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 1, 2018 2:17 AM in response to Sean_W.

Hello,

Many thanks for your response.

Mmm, the Apple Watch isn't listed in any of devices on Find My Phone on iCloud.com. There a 10 or so devices on there from years gone by, but not the watch.

I believe the new owner is having difficultly because the watch has an activation lock on it? Is that correct?

How on earth can I remove that lock remotely, given it is not seen on iCloud and it is not registered to my current iPhone?!

I believe the new owner has tried the steps outlined in the support article you linked to...

Thanks again,

Oli

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Answer 4

OliOC Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 1, 2018 4:45 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thank you. That is hugely helpful.

As it's a Series 1 Watch there is a serial number on the bottom of it. Once I get that we should be able to prove ownership and Apple should be able to remove the Activation Lock.

Thanks again,

Oli

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Answer 5

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Feb 1, 2018 4:47 AM in response to OliOC

You're most welcome, Oli! 🙂

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How do I reset an Apple Watch that is paired with another iPhone?

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