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RAD1

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 29, 2015
14
6
I've seen that Apple products are especially targeted by thieves, and an Apple Watch prominently displayed on your wrist could potentially be taken from you. I know that Apple Pay requires a PIN code if the watch is removed from your wrist (and credit cards can quickly be removed via iCloud), but are there any additional security measures that can be used if it's taken like the ones that exist for Macs, iPhones, and iPads? Even though PIN protected, could the watch just be restored and used or resold if it's stolen?
 
It locks at the moment on removal. It can be wiped easily enough. I'm sure this will change in up coming updates
 
It locks at the moment on removal. It can be wiped easily enough. I'm sure this will change in up coming updates

Agreed. I could see Apple using the sync with the iPhone to have the serial number of the watch registered in a database (and to check for stolen watches). If you report the Watch stolen to them (and it's on your account), they would blacklist the watch and it could never sync as the iPhone would do a lookup.

Is that functionality there today? No idea. I'm sure they'll do something eventually - and they'll likely announce it when they do.
 
I've seen that Apple products are especially targeted by thieves, and an Apple Watch prominently displayed on your wrist could potentially be taken from you. I know that Apple Pay requires a PIN code if the watch is removed from your wrist (and credit cards can quickly be removed via iCloud), but are there any additional security measures that can be used if it's taken like the ones that exist for Macs, iPhones, and iPads? Even though PIN protected, could the watch just be restored and used or resold if it's stolen?


you should download the apple watch manual from the apple website.
all your questions will be answered.
 
Sure it's easily visible, but unless you are taking your watch off and putting it down on a table or something, I don't see why you'd worry about it getting stolen.
 
Sure it's easily visible, but unless you are taking your watch off and putting it down on a table or something, I don't see why you'd worry about it getting stolen.

I think you would be surprised its pretty easy to take the watch from someone whilst wearing it in the right circumstance. (Busy area) I've tried something similar with more traditional straps and without allot of practice they can be removed without people realising and I would imagine the sports straps would be very easy.
 
I think you would be surprised its pretty easy to take the watch from someone whilst wearing it in the right circumstance. (Busy area) I've tried something similar with more traditional straps and without allot of practice they can be removed without people realising and I would imagine the sports straps would be very easy.

Ah, yes. "Pick pockets". :)

Then, of course, there's muggings, burglaries, home invasions....
 
Ah, yes. "Pick pockets". :)

Then, of course, there's muggings, burglaries, home invasions....

Yes not that thats my thing. We have a entertainer in the UK that does some magic and mentalism called Derren Brown the guy is like a Jedi master but fully admits to it all being false. He did a special where he taught an old guy to remove a watch from someones wrist and as he explained I practised a few times and was shocked how easy it is.
 
The sports band end slides between your skin and the underside of the rubbery band. It's very noticeable when someone tries to pull it off you, especially since there's quite a bit of friction when sliding it around. Good luck to pocket pickers. :p

As for trying to steal it, I'll just threaten to smash it, or find some convincing reason why he would regret trying to steal it from me. You have to play with the thieves mind, and make them vulnerable. If they don't have anything to lose, then your screwed.
 
As for trying to steal it, I'll just threaten to smash it, or find some convincing reason why he would regret trying to steal it from me. You have to play with the thieves mind, and make them vulnerable.

I am not sure I would second that approach. If they are prepared to confront you and threaten you, they are already feeling exposed and their aggression and diplomacy will probably not be in a normal balanced state. Maybe just have Siri on the watch call 911 instead
 
I am not sure I would second that approach. If they are prepared to confront you and threaten you, they are already feeling exposed and their aggression and diplomacy will probably not be in a normal balanced state. Maybe just have Siri on the watch call 911 instead

Maybe. If I were to face this scenario, I go by how the person approaches me. I just hope it never happens. :confused:
 
I've seen that Apple products are especially targeted by thieves, and an Apple Watch prominently displayed on your wrist could potentially be taken from you. I know that Apple Pay requires a PIN code if the watch is removed from your wrist (and credit cards can quickly be removed via iCloud), but are there any additional security measures that can be used if it's taken like the ones that exist for Macs, iPhones, and iPads? Even though PIN protected, could the watch just be restored and used or resold if it's stolen?

The watch can be set to erase itself after 10 unsuccessful PIN attempts, and of course  Pay cards can be removed from the watch via Apple's website. However, I do not believe the watch presently has a firmware lock-out like the iPhones do; thus watches can be wiped and used by the thief (or sold in working condition).

Perhaps Apple will change this in the future.
 
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