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Help Finding Original Owner?

So, I bought an Apple Watch offline from someone. They didn't know that the watch had an activation lock on it until I tried to pair it with my phone. So, instead of trying to search for ways to bypass the lock, I want to try to find the original owner. The original owner, and the person who sold it to me do not know each other and they have no contact. I don't want this to be a total lost cause just yet, so i'm wondering if there is anyway to find the original owner to return it to them?


I have also tried to find out what the original owner's email from the activation lock, but it's no use. It's difficult trying to guess a million different outcomes.


(The person who sold it to me works at a gym, their policy is if someone loses something and does not come to get it within 30 days, its given away or sold.)


Thanks. - Christine


Apple Watch Series 5

Posted on Nov 15, 2021 9:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 16, 2021 8:10 AM

With a Watch, unlikely.


If you have found a device, turn it on and see if there's a message. The owner may have done this:


Use the Find My app to locate a missing device or item - https://support.apple.com/HT210515

"What happens if you activate Mark As Lost

...You can also display a custom message with your phone number on the Lock screen, and keep track of your device's location."


For some iPhones --> Return a lost, locked iPhone, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT211231


Otherwise turn it into authorities responsible for dealing with lost items.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 16, 2021 8:10 AM in response to _-_Christine_-_

With a Watch, unlikely.


If you have found a device, turn it on and see if there's a message. The owner may have done this:


Use the Find My app to locate a missing device or item - https://support.apple.com/HT210515

"What happens if you activate Mark As Lost

...You can also display a custom message with your phone number on the Lock screen, and keep track of your device's location."


For some iPhones --> Return a lost, locked iPhone, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT211231


Otherwise turn it into authorities responsible for dealing with lost items.



Help Finding Original Owner?

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