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When you've just purchased a used Apple Watch from others, you may get stuck at the "Apple Watch locked to owner" screen. This means your Watch is locked with Activation Lock. The lock, a security feature is turned on automatically when the Find My is enabled. Apparently, the previous owner didn't turn off the Find My nor did he/she unlink it from the Apple account. As a result, you have to find a way to bypass the Activation Lock on the Apple Watch.
Don't worry. After testing all ways to bypass iCloud Activation Lock, we've found 4 useful ways on how to bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch. Whether you've managed to reach the previous owner but don't know what to do next or you're feeling completely lost and overwhelmed, these methods will help you out with clear, step-by-step instructions.
How to Bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch with Password (2 Ways)
The most straightforward way to bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch is to get the original owner's account and password. If you can get in touch with the previous owner or the seller, you can ask him/her to remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch for you with the following two ways.
Method 1. Remove Apple Watch Activation Lock via Paired iPhone
The first way is to bypass the Activation Lock via the paired iPhone. It is particularly suitable when you can get in touch with the previous owner in real life, as the Apple Watch and the previously paired iPhone need to be in close proximity to complete the process. Here are the steps to bypass Apple Watch Activation Lock using the paired iPhone:
Step 1. The previous owner should unlock their iPhone and navigate to the "Apple Watch" app. Within the "Apple Watch" app, go to "My Watch" and select the locked Apple Watch.
Step 2. Tap on "i" (information) next to the watch's name and choose "Unpair Apple Watch". This will remove the Watch from the iPhone.
Step 3. After the unpairing is complete, you can now set up the Apple Watch as if it were new, associating it with your own Apple ID.
Method 2. Take Activation Lock Off Apple Watch Using iCloud
If you reach the previous owner but discover that their iPhone can no longer pair with your Apple Watch, you can also request the owner to log into their iCloud account and unlink the Apple Watch from their account. This will turn off the Activation Lock on Apple Watch. Now, let's explore how to remove the Activation Lock on Apple Watch using iCloud.
Step 1. Ask the previous owner to open a web browser on a computer or mobile device and navigate to the iCloud website. Then log in to iCloud with the Apple ID and passcode.
Step 2. Inside iCloud, click on "All Devices" at the top and select "Apple Watch" from the list of all devices. If the Apple Watch is online and reachable via iCloud, there will be an option to "Remove this device". Click on it.
Step 3. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you're sure you want to remove the Apple Watch. Confirm the action.
Step 4. Once the removal is complete, you will successfully bypass activation lock on Apple Watch. Now you can set up the Apple Watch as a new device, linking it to your Apple ID.
How to Bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch Without Password (2 Ways)
Getting the previous password would indeed be ideal, but what should you do if you've managed to contact the original owner but they don't have the password, or worse, the original owner doesn't respond? In such cases, you can also consider the alternative approaches: using professional unlocking tools or Apple Service to attempt to help you remove the Activation Lock on Apple Watch.
Method 1. Remove Activation Lock with Apple Service
Official methods are usually very reliable, but as you know, using official means to bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch can come with several limitations. To remove Activation Lock on your Apple Watch using Online Activation Lock Removal Tool, you'll need to:
- Prove that you're the owner of the device.
- Make sure the device is not in Lost Mode.
- Gather essential details like the device's serial number, IMEI, or MEID.
- Your email address for correspondence.
- Other information that Apple might ask you to provide.
Once you have all the necessary information ready, you can choose between seeking assistance from online Apple Support or visiting an offline store.
How to Unlock Apple Watch without Password via Online Activation Lock Removal
You can visit the official Online Activation Lock Removal website and click on "Request Activation Lock Support". Follow the step-by-step instructions to apply. However, it's essential to note that this method might not succeed if you can't provide any of the required details. Additionally, once you submit your request for Activation Lock support, it's irreversible, and you won't be able to cancel it.
How to Unlock Apple Watch without Password in Apple Support Store Offline
Step 1. Visit the official Apple website and click on the "Support" at the top or bottom of the page.
Step 2. Scroll down to click "Service Options" > "Find out more" > "Get Service".
Step 3. Select "Apple Watch" and then choose relevant support topics such as "Activation Lock". You can select various ways to reach out to the Apple Support team, including phone, online chat, or scheduling an appointment for an in-store visit.
Method 2. Unlock Activation Lock with Online Tool
While official methods are more reliable, you might face difficulties providing certain relevant proofs due to the device's age of purchase. In such cases, you might consider trying some commonly used Activation Lock Removal Tools. For example, Apple iPhone Unlock, an online tool for unlocking second-hand Apple Watch that is iClound locked. It can potentially work for most Apple Watch models, like the Apple Watch Series 3.
Additionally, this method is not free, and the process may take several days to complete. Nevertheless, it's an option if you're in a rush. Here's how to unlock Apple Watch without Apple ID using iCloud unlocker.
Step 1. Access Apple iPhone Unlock. Check and enter the serial number of your Apple Watch, which should be printed on the case of your Watch, and select your Watch model.
Step 2. Click on the "Remove Activation Lock" button. Then follow the instructions to finish a payment. When your order is completed, you will receive an email when your Apple Watch is unlocked.
While this method offers an alternative path to bypass Apple Watch Activation Lock without the previous owner, it comes with uncertainties and costs. If you have doubts about this approach, we recommend retaining proof of purchase and seeking official assistance from Apple. Remember, official channels are often the most reliable and secure way to resolve device-related issues.
Bonus Tip: How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad Without Apple ID
As we have shared all possible solutions to deal with the Activation Lock on Apple Watch, what if your Apple Watch-paired iPhone/iPad gets stuck on the Activation Lock screen but you forget the Apple ID credential?
Of course, you can also use the previously mentioned Apple Support or online services. However, these methods might not successfully remove the activation lock if you're unable to provide sufficient credentials or encounter instability during the removal process. But don't worry, here's a valuable bonus tip for you.
To remove the Activation Lock without Apple ID, we recommend trying Passvers iPhone Unlocker. Running well on both Windows and Mac, this useful tool offers a one-stop solution for removing the Activation Lock on various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Whether the Activation Lock appears but you forget the password or your device is marked as lost, Passvers iPhone Unlocker can help you out and let you get into your iPhone immediately without the activation lock.
Why Passvers iPhone Unlocker stands out?
- User-Friendly Interface and Easy Procedure: Its interface is clear, offering step-by-step instructions to simplify unlocking process.
- High success rate: Professional unlocking ensures an efficient process and a high success rate in removing the Activation Lock.
- No Additional Assistance Required: Unlike some other methods that may involve complex procedures or third-party services, Passvers iPhone Unlocker is a one-stop tool, eliminating the need for external assistance.
- Wide compatibility: Passvers iPhone Unlocker is applicable to a broad model of iPhone, iPad , and iPod. The program will keep updating with the latest iOS systems and models.
Besides, Passvers iPhone Unlocker provides a range of services beyond bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock. It can also remove Screen Lock, Apple ID, and Screen Time passcode instantly. With the latest version, MDM profile and iTunes backup password removals are also available, making it a versatile solution for your iOS devices.
Conclusion
In our comprehensive guide on how to bypass the Activation Lock on Apple Watch, we've covered 4 methods to help you regain access to your device. Regardless of whether you can contact the previous owner to obtain the activation lock's account password, you can find a corresponding solution among these four methods.
Also, we've provided a bonus tip for Activation Lock removal on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Passvers iPhone Unlocker. This powerful tool not only bypasses iCloud Activation Lock but also offers solutions for other iOS locks with an easy unlocking process. To prevent your iOS device from being locked, it's worth giving fail-safe tools like Passvers iPhone Unlocker a try!
FAQs About Apple Watch Activation Lock Removal
How to turn on/off Activation Lock on Apple Watch?
Activation Lock is automatically enabled when you pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone and turn on Find My feature. But when it comes to turning off the Activation Lock, there are two scenarios you might encounter:
If you have your iPhone paired with your Apple Watch nearby, then you can:
Step 1. Ensure your Apple Watch and iPhone are nearby. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap on "My Watch" > "All Watches" > the information icon > "Unpair Apple Watch".
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password and then tap "Again" to confirm the action.
If you're unable to reach your iPhone or Apple Watch, or if your Apple Watch isn't paired with your iPhone:
Step 1. Head to iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID.
Step 2. Access the "Quick Access Menu" > "Find My" > "All Devices", then locate and click on your Apple Watch.
Step 3. Select "Remove this device" and click "Next" until the device is removed.
Step 4. Finally, hit the remove button located next to your Apple Watch.
How to check if the Activation Lock is on when buying an Apple Watch?
Activation Lock links Apple Watch to the Find My feature. Therefore, checking if Find My is enabled on your Apple Watch will indicate whether the Activation Lock is activated or not. Here is the way to check the Apple Watch Activation Lock status:
Step 1. Ask the owner to open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone that has been paired with the Apple Watch.
Step 2. Tap the "My Watch" button and the "All Watches" at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Next, tap the "i" tab next to your purchased Apple Watch. If you see "Find My Apple Watch", it means the Activation Lock is turned on.