User profile for user: williamfromformby
williamfromformby Author
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4 points

Apple Watch will not unlock

Apple Watch will not unlock, pass code entered but nothing happens. Tried reporting watch to no effect

Posted on Feb 22, 2018 12:22 AM

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User profile for user: Jonathan UK
Jonathan UK
User level: Level 10
164,015 points

Posted on Feb 22, 2018 2:08 AM

Hi


If your Apple Watch is locked by a passcode and you cannot unlock it via the normal procedure (be sure to enter your Apple Watch passcode, not your iPhone passcode), then follow these steps to erase it and re-pair it:


  • Connect the Apple Watch to its charging cable, connected to power.
  • Whilst keeping the Apple Watch on the charger:
    • Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
    • Press firmly on Power Off (do not try to slide it - just press down more firmly than a normal tap), release your finger and then tap on Erase all content and settings and confirm when prompted.
  • Pair the watch using the Watch app on your iPhone, choosing to Restore from Backup if offered the option.
  • More information:


If you are instead referring to Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:


If the Apple Watch is locked to your own account (having previously been paired to your iPhone):


  • If you are having issues with your credentials, then it may help to follow the instructions here:


  • Otherwise, follow the steps here to remove the lock:


  • If you still need assistance, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along your Apple Watch, proof of identity and your original proof of purchase for it:


    • If the Apple Watch is instead pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:


  • You will 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 return the watch for a refund.
  • You will not otherwise be able to use the 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

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    1 reply
    Question marked as Top-ranking reply
    User profile for user: Jonathan UK
    Jonathan UK
    User level: Level 10
    164,015 points

    Feb 22, 2018 2:08 AM in response to williamfromformby

    Hi


    If your Apple Watch is locked by a passcode and you cannot unlock it via the normal procedure (be sure to enter your Apple Watch passcode, not your iPhone passcode), then follow these steps to erase it and re-pair it:


    • Connect the Apple Watch to its charging cable, connected to power.
    • Whilst keeping the Apple Watch on the charger:
      • Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
      • Press firmly on Power Off (do not try to slide it - just press down more firmly than a normal tap), release your finger and then tap on Erase all content and settings and confirm when prompted.
    • Pair the watch using the Watch app on your iPhone, choosing to Restore from Backup if offered the option.
    • More information:


    If you are instead referring to Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:


    If the Apple Watch is locked to your own account (having previously been paired to your iPhone):


  • If you are having issues with your credentials, then it may help to follow the instructions here:


  • Otherwise, follow the steps here to remove the lock:


  • If you still need assistance, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along your Apple Watch, proof of identity and your original proof of purchase for it:


    • If the Apple Watch is instead pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:


  • You will 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 return the watch for a refund.
  • You will not otherwise be able to use the 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

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