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Was sold an Apple Watch with activation lock on it how do I remove it

series 3 watch

Posted on Oct 2, 2023 3:05 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 2, 2023 3:15 PM

If you see an "iPhone Locked To Owner" message:


Take it back to the person from whom you received it. Get them to do the things in this support article or ask for a refund --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support There is no way of discovering the owner of a device unless they left a message to display on the device when it is turned on. For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support


Unless you have the account information that set the lock, the original receipt from Apple, or can demonstrate legal inheritance from a deceased owner, you cannot remove the lock; recycle the device. Read this article about how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."



5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 2, 2023 3:15 PM in response to Itzyagurl84

If you see an "iPhone Locked To Owner" message:


Take it back to the person from whom you received it. Get them to do the things in this support article or ask for a refund --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support There is no way of discovering the owner of a device unless they left a message to display on the device when it is turned on. For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support


Unless you have the account information that set the lock, the original receipt from Apple, or can demonstrate legal inheritance from a deceased owner, you cannot remove the lock; recycle the device. Read this article about how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."



Oct 2, 2023 3:19 PM in response to Itzyagurl84

Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen.

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed. Only the previous owner can remove the lock by using their Apple ID & password. Apple will not help you find the previous owner. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else. Try to get a refund (through eBay) or dispose of the watch properly. In the future, see the 'Before you buy a watch from a third-party' section in:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Apple Watch, or buy one from someone else - Apple Support


Jul 18, 2024 4:51 AM in response to Bigmikesawyer89

The prior owner needs to remove the lock. You’ve been scammed. You can report it to your local police so that they can inform others of the scam.


Apple has a support article on the subject and I linked to the entire article below.


>>Start a support request

If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.<<


To fulfill the Activation Lock support request you must have the following:


You must be the owner of the device. 


Proof of ownership documentation is required. Proof of ownership must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.<<


https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support


Generally, this will require the original receipt with serial number and IMEI. Receipt must be from Apple or an Apple Authorized Retailer.

Was sold an Apple Watch with activation lock on it how do I remove it

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