Apple Watch Locked to Owner? 7 Ways to Remove it


If you have forgotten the passcode or used a second-hand Apple Watch then the Activation Lock warning must have caught your attention. Indeed, you would experience the ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner’ warning. As a consequence, you would lose access to the Apple Watch. Undoubtedly, Apple configured security measures to protect users’ information and prevent theft. However, if somebody has purchased or borrowed it from their friends or family, they need the Apple Watch to be unlocked.

Are you looking for remedies – Apple Watch Locked to Owner how to unlock it? Then, you are in the right place. Let’s explore the whereabouts of this specific feature and what you should do for the Activation Lock removal.

apple watch lock

Introduction to Apple Watch Activation Lock

Apple has been strict about unauthorised access from the very beginning. To protect personal information against theft, Apple devised a security feature called Activation Lock. When you turn on your Apple Watch, the Activation Lock feature ties the device to your Apple ID.

So, any other user will find a roadblock if they try to reset the watch without access to your Apple ID and password. Since you are currently using a second-hand Apple Watch, you will receive the ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner’ warning. 

No wonder, Activation Lock is a great feature to safeguard users and their sensitive information. However, it can be a headache for you if you have forgotten your Apple ID credentials or bought a second-hand Apple Watch.

So, here are the scenarios where you come across Apple Watch Locked to Owner how to unlock:

  • You have forgotten your Apple D or password. Then, you will face challenges while resetting your Apple Watch.
  • On the other hand, the same error will appear if you reset your Apple Watch without unpairing it first. In that case, the Apple Watch will still be linked to your Apple ID.
  • Lastly, you will end up with a locked Apple Watch if you purchase it from someone who didn’t properly unpair the gadget from their account.

In a nutshell, understanding these situations will help you understand the right course of action. Also, it will enhance your chances to retrieve access to your Apple Watch.

Proven Methods for Apple Watch Locked to Owner: How to Unlock

Before you panic, check whether your Apple Watch is really locked to its previous owner. Here’s how to check Apple Watch is Locked to the Owner or not.

  • Activate the device and swipe up. Shortly, you can access the Control Centre.
  • Now, search for the icon of ‘Find My’ and tap on it.
  • Does your Apple Watch show a different Apple ID than yours? If the Apple ID is yours, it’s just that you have forgotten the credentials, then here’s what you need to do.

1. Unpair Your Apple Watch with the Registered iPhone

It’s easy to deal with the Activation Lock removal process when you own the Apple Watch and the iPhone to which the watch connects. Now, check out how you can unpair the watch.

  • On your iPhone, go to the Watch app.
  • Then, tap on All Watches.
  • Select the intended Apple Watch and tap on the 🛈 icon right next to the device.
  • Afterwards, choose Unpair Apple Watch.
  • Input your Apple ID password to verify your action in the pop-up window.
  • Lastly, tap on the Unpair button again.

2. Unlink Your Apple Watch via iCloud.com

Here comes another alternative when you can’t physically access the iPhone to which your Apple watch is registered. Yes, you still can unpair the watch with the iPhone through iCloud. Here’s what you need to follow for Apple Watch Locked to Owner how to unlock it remotely.

  • On a computer or any other mobile device, sign into your iCloud account using the Apple ID and the respective password.
  • After that, make your way towards Find iPhone.
  • Choose All Devices and look for the Apple Watch that is still paired.
  • Then, choose the option that says ‘ Remove from Account’. 
  • Next, provide your Apple ID password to confirm the action.

3. Try the Apple ID Recovery Procedure

If you still see the Activation Lock restricting your access since you have forgotten the password, here’s how you can regain access.

  • Navigate to iforgot.apple.com. Now, go through the on-screen instructions to retrieve your Apple ID and password.
  • However, you must provide some information like your name and email address related to the Apple ID.
  • You will come across verification steps including security questions or receiving an email to reset the password.
  • After you have successfully reset the password, try to unlock your Apple Watch with the new credentials.

4. Contact the Previous Owner

If you have purchased or borrowed the Apple Watch from one of your relatives or friends and can’t bypass the ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner’ sign then it’s the best hack you can try. Indeed, ask the previous owner to help you out. 

Make sure that you explain your situation and be polite to them. They can assist you in unlocking the security feature using their Apple ID and password.

Thus, you can resolve the mystery of ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner how to unlock it’. Here’s how you can do it using the iPhone that belongs to the previous owner.

  • Keep the registered iPhone and Apple Watch close to each other.
  • Then, navigate to the Watch app on the iOS device and select the watch that you need to unlock.
  • Afterwards, choose the info icon right next to the watch.
  • Opt for Unpair Apple Watch. This should remove the watch pairing from the iPhone.

Now, attempt to enter the iCloud logins and see if it works. However, this should have completed the Activation Lock removal process. By now, the Apple Watch should be in a state of pairing with any iPhone without the lock warning.

5. Ask the Previous Owner to Unlock the Watch Using iCloud Services

If the previous owner is not in your reach, they still can help you. With the help of iCloud services, the previous owner can erase the Apple Watch from their account. After the Apple Watch is free from the account, you can sync the same device with a new iPhone.

Here’s how you can proceed with the Activation Lock Removal service.

  • Request the previous owner to launch their web browser and go to iCloud.com. And, ask them to sign into their respective account.
  • Next, they should look out for their registered iPhone and its connected Apple Watches through Find My.
  • Once they find the Apple Watch, they must choose the Erase Apple Watch option.
  • Also, they should settle for the ‘Remove from Account’ option.

By now, your Apple Watch and its details should be wiped off. As soon as the original owner removes the Apple Watch from their iCloud account, you can pair the gadget with your iPhone.

6. Use Third-Party Software or Online Service

If you can’t remember the Apple ID password or contact the original owner, this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, many third-party and online services are there and they can help you bypass the Activation Lock on your Apple Watch.

However, be cautious about selecting the right software. If you are not careful enough then you might end up erasing important data. 

7. Consider Expert Intervention

Are you still stuck in the ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner’ situation? Then, contact Apple Support. Keep your watch purchase receipt and the device’s serial number ready before you call Apple Support.

The support team might verify the circumstance and will likely guide you through the bypassing process. However, they may request proper documentation to prove ownership before assisting you in the Activation Lock removal process.

If everything fails, it’s time to turn to some third-party services that excel in unlocking Apple products. Since you are aware of the risks, ensure that the service is reputable and has positive reviews. Moreover, rendering third-party help might void the warranty your Apple Watch has.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

Hopefully, you have recovered access to your Apple Watch. Now, it’s best to take wise preventive measures to keep future lockouts away.

  • Utilise a password manager to keep your Apple ID password protected. Also, you don’t have to worry about losing it.
  • Always unpair your Apple Watch before you decide to reset it.
  • Enlighten yourself with all the nitty-gritty details about Activation Lock and other security tools of Apple. The more you know how your devices work, the more you will be alert and on the safe side.

Contact for Apple Watch Repair in Dubai

Your Apple Watch is worth the effort to unlock, no matter what the reason is. With the right ownership, a little patience, and the correct strategies, it’s possible to deal with ‘Apple Watch Locked to Owner How to Unlock’.

If you still find it struggling, consult with an Apple product service near you. See if they can unlock your device.

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