How to Remove Activation Lock from an Apple Watch

A few months ago, I had a video call with my niece, and she was wearing a watch. She shared that her friend had gifted her an Apple Watch Series 10 for her birthday, but her friend moved away. Since then, she had been unable to use the watch due to its activation lock. Unfortunately, she couldn't access the watch as it was locked with an activation code. Initial efforts to resolve the issue with Apple Support were fruitless, and it remained unresolved for weeks.

Feeling sympathetic, I suggested she reach out to a former friend for guidance on how to unblock the watch. We were both intrigued by the idea of ensuring she didn't give up the watch, given its cost and aesthetic appeal. Thankfully, she eventually managed to reset her Apple Watch and regain access to it.

Understanding Activation Lock on an Apple Watch

Activation Lock, also known as Activation Lock or Find My Device, is a security feature provided by Apple to prevent unauthorized use of devices. This feature is designed to ensure that only the rightful owner of the device can access it.

Steps to Remove Activation Lock from an Apple Watch

1. If You Know the Apple ID and Password:

Unpair the Apple Watch: Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab and tap on your watch at the top. Tap the info icon i next to the watch. Select Unpair Apple Watch. You may need to enter your Apple ID password. Erase the Apple Watch: After unpairing, your Apple Watch will automatically be erased, removing the Activation Lock. You can now set up your Apple Watch as new or restore it from a backup.

2. If You Don’t Know the Apple ID:

Contact the Previous Owner: If the watch was previously owned by someone else, ask them to remove the watch from their Apple ID. They can do this by signing into their iCloud account and removing the watch from the Find My section. Apple Support: If you cannot contact the previous owner, try reaching out to Apple Support for assistance. Apple may require proof of purchase to help you remove the Activation Lock.

Important Notes

Activation Lock is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized use of the device. Be prepared to provide any necessary information to prove ownership.

If you bought the watch from a third party, ensure it's not reported as lost or stolen.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove the Activation Lock from your Apple Watch and regain access to it.