How To Enable & Disable Activation Lock On Apple Watch

If you’re an Apple Watch user, you might’ve come across terms such as activation lock. To be honest, I’ve been using my Apple Watch for years, but I have never known what the Activation Lock does. 

So, what is it exactly, and how do I enable or disable it on my Apple Watch? Let’s find out.

What is the Activation Lock on Apple Watch?

The ‘Find My’ on Apple devices has a feature called the Activation Lock that sets up automatically. This feature prevents someone else from using your Apple Watch in case it gets stolen.

When enabled, it requires your Apple ID and password before anyone can 

• Unpair your Apple Watch from the phone,
• Pair the Apple Watch with a new phone, and
• Turn off ‘Find My’ to stop sharing its location.

This also helps in locating the watch in case it gets misplaced or stolen.

We can access the same by logging into iCloud or Find My app on another device and using the Lost Mode, lock it so that no one else can access our personal data. The Lock Mode also helps in erasing all personal information remotely.

Enable Activation Lock on Apple Watch

The Activation Lock is automatically enabled when we set up ‘Find My’ for the Apple Watch for the first time. To check if it’s turned on on your iPhone:

1. Open the Watch app
2. Click on ‘All Watches’
3. Tap the ‘Info’ button next to your watch
4. If ‘Find My Apple Watch’ is visible, it means the Activation Lock is turned on.

To check if it’s turned on without your iPhone:

1. Head to the iCloud website.
2. Use your Apple ID to log in.
3. Click the Find iPhone icon.
4. Look for your Apple Watch.
5. If the watch is available in the list of your devices, Activation Lock is enabled.

Disable Activation Lock on Apple Watch

1. Open the Watch App on your iPhone.
2. Tap All Watches and keep your Apple Watch close by.
3. Tap the ‘Info’ button in front of your watch’s name.
4. Tap ‘Unpair Apple Watch’ and confirm by tapping ‘Unpair’ again.
5. For cellular models, tap ‘Remove Mobile Data Plan’.
6. Enter your Apple ID and password.
7. Tap ‘Confirm’.

To disable Activation Lock on the web:

1. Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
2. Select ‘Find My’ from the top-right quick-access menu.
3. Select ‘All Devices’ and click on your Apple Watch.
4. Select ‘Erase Apple Watch’ and tap ‘Next’ until the device is erased.
5. Select the ‘Remove’ button next to your Apple Watch.

Note – For reselling the watch or sending it away for repair, I advise you to deactivate the Activation Lock for a seamless transition to a new device or an uninterrupted repair process. 

Wrap Up

The Activation Lock on your Apple Watch is a great security feature by Apple that helps protect valuable personal information from falling into the wrong hands. This security feature should be disabled before sending your Apple Watch off for repairs or warranty claims. Similarly, the same should also be deactivated before you decide to sell it to someone else. This will help them set up their new Apple Watch with their own devices.