Used Apple Watch? How to Ensure Activation Lock Is Off?

[Robdmb]

Considering picking up a used Apple Watch. What should I look for if I do. Is there anyway to ensure that activation lock is disabled? If the watch is unpaired does that automatically turn off activation lock?

Thanks.

 

[Julien]

No way to be sure without paring. Also un-paring doesn't remove activation lock. It must also be deleted from their iCloud account.

 

[Robdmb]

What will happen during pairing if activation lock is still on?

 

[dave006]

You would be prompted to enter the Apple ID Password.

Find My iPhone and Activation Lock for your Apple Watch requires watchOS 2 or later, and it turns on automatically when you set up Find My iPhone on your paired iPhone. With Activation Lock, your Apple ID and password are required before anyone can:

• Unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone.
• Pair and use your Apple Watch with a new iPhone.
• Turn off Find My iPhone on your device.

This can help you keep your device secure, even if it's in the wrong hands, and can improve your chances of recovering it. Even if you erase your device remotely, Activation Lock can continue to deter anyone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find My iPhone turned on, and remember your Apple ID and password.

Dave

 

[joeblough]

the good news is that if the seller is honest, but just forgot to delete the apple watch using the watch app, they can log into iCloud on the web and delete the watch there. then you can activate it.