Unfortunately, it may not be possible to reset a stolen Apple Watch. If the thief has a connection to the internet, the wearer can be tracked using Find My, but the device cannot be remotely reset by the original owner.
Additionally, it is unlikely that a thief would be willing to restore the device to its factory settings.
Ideally, a stolen Apple Watch is only useful to the thief until the original owner registers it as lost/stolen on their iCloud account. Once that happens, the Apple Watch app can detect that the device is no longer associated with the original user’s iCloud account.
All data and customizations associated with the device will then be wiped automatically.
In general, it is best to protect yourself and your Apple Watch by configuring all security settings, enabling “Find My”, and not leaving your devices unattended. If your Apple Watch is stolen, you should also reach out to local law enforcement agencies to report the theft and track your device if necessary.
Can you unlock an Apple Watch you found?
No, you cannot unlock an Apple Watch you have found because the Apple Watch is locked to the original owner’s Apple ID and can only be used with the original owner’s Apple ID and password. If you try to unlock the Apple Watch, it will require the original owner’s Apple ID and password, and you will not be able to use it with your own Apple ID and password.
If you found an Apple Watch and are interested in using it, you will need to contact the original owner and request permission to use their Apple ID and password.
What do I do if I found someone’s Apple Watch?
If you have found someone’s Apple Watch, the best thing to do is to get it back to its original owner as soon as possible. Ultimately, this is the most respectful way to handle the situation.
The first step would be to try to locate the owner and reach out to them with the lost device. Social media could be a great way to locate the owner since many people pair their Apple Watch with their personal accounts.
Try searching for their name, handle, or profile picture in the post.
Another option is to check out any “Lost & Found” ads your local newspaper or community site may be hosting. You could also consider calling the local police department to see if they have any clues as to who the watch might belong to.
Finally, if you have exhausted all other options, contact Apple Support directly and send them the serial number associated with the watch. Apple may be able to provide more information on the owner and how to contact them.
By following the steps above, you can hopefully reunite the Apple Watch with its rightful owner.
How do I remove activation lock without previous owner on Apple Watch?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to remove Activation Lock from an Apple Watch without the previous owner’s credentials, as Apple Watch is tied to a specific Apple ID. You must contact the previous owner and have them remove the lock by signing into iCloud on a trusted device.
If the previous owner is not available, there is no other way to remove the Activation Lock without their involvement.
How do I reset my Apple Watch for someone else?
If you’re resetting your Apple Watch for someone else, the easiest way to do it is to unpair it from your iPhone and reset it from the Apple Watch app.
To unpair your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, select the name of your watch at the top of the screen and then select Unpair Apple Watch. You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to proceed with unpairing.
A progress bar will appear on the display of your Apple Watch as it unpairs and resets.
Once your watch is unpaired, you can reset it from the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Go to General > Reset and then select Erase All Content and Settings. Your Apple Watch will be restored to its factory settings and you’ll be able to pair it with someone else’s iPhone and set it up accordingly.
It’s important to note that resetting the watch will erase any photos, messages, music, and apps that had been stored on it. Additionally, any payment cards associated with Apple Pay will also be removed.
Before resetting the watch, make sure that all of the data useful to the new user has been backed up.
Does unpairing Apple Watch erase content?
Yes, unpairing an Apple Watch will erase content. When you unpair an Apple Watch, all of the information on the device, including accounts, songs, photos and messages, is removed. There are some exceptions in certain circumstances, such as when you have set up Family Setup on your watch.
Family Setup allows you to share certain types of content between family members, and when unpairing the watch, this content will be retained.
It is important to make sure that you have backed up the data from your Apple Watch before you unpair it. You can do this by using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, which will automatically create a backup.
Once you unpair the watch, you will be able to access the backup and restore any of the data that was previously saved on your device.
Can I give my Iwatch to someone else?
Yes, you can give your Apple Watch to someone else. However, there are several important steps to take in order to ensure that the device is ready to use with their account. First, you will need to unpair the watch from your account and reset it to factory settings.
To do this, open the Apple Watch app on your phone and go to General > Reset. Select “Erase All Content and Settings” and wait for the device to reset itself. Once the reset is complete, you can safely transfer the watch to whoever you wish.
However, you should also remember to remove your Apple ID from the watch and delete any third-party apps, files, and data that was added to the device. Additionally, it’s a good idea to explain to the new recipient how to pair their phone with the watch and set up Apple Pay, if applicable, before handing the device over.
Can I sell my Apple Watch if it’s on contract?
No, it is not possible to sell an Apple Watch if it’s on contract. When you sign a contract with a cell provider to purchase your Apple Watch, you are entering into an agreement with that provider that you will pay it back over time.
The provider may have legal rights to the device, and even if you sell the Apple Watch, you are still responsible for paying off the contract. If you are looking to sell your Apple Watch, you need to make sure that the balance of the contract is paid off and the device is out of contract before you can do that.
Is it possible to remove activation lock?
Yes, it is possible to remove Activation Lock. To do so, you will need the Apple ID and password that was used to set up the lock. If you do not have this information, you can contact the previous owner for the required information.
If that is not possible, your best option is to take the device to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and have them assist you with the removal. Additionally, you can contact Apple Support for help with removing the Activation Lock.