How to Fix and Unlock Your Apple Watch Locked to Owner

Penny Warren Published on November 07, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

"My Apple Watch is locked to the owner, and I have no access to the previous owner. How to fix a Watch I purchased that is locked to the owner?" While Apple Watches are expensive, it is cost-effective to purchase a second-hand device. Most owners unlock and reset their Apple Watches before selling them. However, chances are that you got an Apple Watch locked to the owner. This guide explains what you can do to fix it.

Part 1: What Apple Watch Locked to Owner Means

Activation Lock is an essential security measure developed by Apple for its products, including Apple Watch. Activation Lock locks Apple Watch's System-on-a-Chip. Once Find My is enabled on an Apple Watch paired with an iPhone, the device's serial number is stored on Apple's servers.

After factory resetting or attempting to pair with a new iPhone, the Apple Watch queries Apple's servers. It will be prompted for the owner's Apple ID and password used to set up the device.

Without the Apple ID credentials, you cannot pair or set up the Apple Watch. Your device will become a brick.

Part 2: How to Remove Apple Watch Locked to Owner

The easy way to unlock an Apple Watch locked to the owner after factory resetting is to contact the owner. Since the Apple Watch is locked by Activation Lock through an Apple ID account. Once the owner removes the Watch from his or her account, you can set it up and pair it to another iPhone.

Part 3: How to Remove Apple Watch Locked to Owner Remotely

In fact, there are ways to bypass the Apple Watch being locked to the owner for free. The prerequisite is that you can contact the previous owner, and the owner still remembers the associated Apple ID and password.

How to Remove Apple Watch Locked to Owner on Account Manage

How to Unlock Apple Watch Locked to Owner on iCloud

How to Unlock Apple Watch Locked to Owner on Another Device

Part 4: How to Unlock Apple Watch Locked to Owner with Third-Party Tools

Can you unlock an Apple Watch locked to the owner if you forgot the password? As mentioned previously, you need the associated Apple account to unlock the device. Without the account, you will need a third-party unlocking service.

How to Unlock Apple Watch Locked to Owner with Unlock Apple Watch Software

Apple Watch Unlock is a software program to remove iCloud Activation Lock from an Apple Watch locked to the owner when forgetting the password. This tool can do the job remotely and also fix problems. Nevertheless, the program is not freeware.

How to Unlock Apple Watch Locked to Owner with an Online Service

Online iCloud unlock services are another option to fix an Apple Watch locked to the owner. They are not free, and the prices are different, depending on your region and Apple Watch model. We use IMEIUnlockSIM as an example. It can also help you unlock iPhone with IMEI number.

Bonus Tip: Best Apple iPhone Unlockers

If you need to unlock an iPhone locked to the owner without the password, is the best option. It is able to remove the Apple ID account from an iPhone or iPad without any restrictions.

Conclusion

This guide explained how to bypass an Apple Watch locked to the owner with or without the password. If you can contact the previous owner, ask him or her to remove your Apple Watch from the Apple ID account. Then, you can set up and pair your Apple Watch to a new iPhone or iPad. Alternatively, you have to try a third-party unlocking service. Plus, we recommended the best iPhone unlocking tool, imyPass iPassGo.