How do I remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch without previous owner's Apple ID credentials?

Hello,




I recently received an Apple Watch, but during setup, the device asks for the previous owner’s Apple ID credentials. Unfortunately, the previous owner has passed away, and I do not have access to their account.




I do not have proof of purchase, but I would like to know if there is any way to remove the Activation Lock in this situation.




I would appreciate any help or guidance you can provide.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 9, 2025 03:52 AM

Reply
6 replies

Feb 9, 2025 07:48 AM in response to aizere17

As Randy said, this is not something you can do yourself and Apple cannot help. If you were given or sold the Watch by the deceased person's family, they may be able to recover the Apple Account which will enable them to release the Activation Lock on the Watch:


How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support


If they cannot, or you cannot contact them, then that Watch is, sorry to say, useless now and can only be recycled.


Regards.

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How do I remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch without previous owner's Apple ID credentials?

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