How can I unpair Apple Watch from a different Apple ID?

My best friend's parents bought her soon to be ex-husband a Apple Watch a couple years ago. My best friend and her husband are currently legally separated. He rarely used the watch, but it is paired to his phone. When they separated, he gave her the watch back and reset the watch, and she gave it to me as a gift. Unfortunately, it is still paired to his AppleID. She has contacted him many times to no avail, he is not cooperating, and ignores the texts asking him to unpair the watch from his account. I would like to use the watch, but it will not let me connect since it is paired to his account still. I cannot contact him as he blocked me from social media when him and my friend separated. He is also not the one who purchased the watch.


I was wondering if there is anything I can do in this case. He will not take the watch back, but will not unpair it either.


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Posted on Feb 27, 2025 8:18 AM

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Feb 27, 2025 12:01 PM in response to bishymichi

Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen.

About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed. Only the previous owner can remove the lock by using their Apple ID & password. Apple will not help you find the previous owner. If the previous owner cannot or will not remove the lock, then the watch is useless to you or anyone else. Try to get a refund (through eBay) or dispose of the watch properly. In the future, see the 'Before you buy a watch from a third-party' section in:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Apple Watch, or buy one from someone else - Apple Support


If you are the ORIGINAL owner, then see the 'Start a support request' section in:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


Also see lobsterghost1's tip:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Here are two ways the original owner can unpair the watch if you no longer have the paired iPhone:

  • See the 'How to erase your Apple Watch if you don't have your iPhone' section of:

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • With a web browser, go to: https://www.iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Open Find My iPhone and select All Devices (at the top). Then click your Apple Watch, select 'Erase Apple Watch', and select Next until the device is erased. Finally click "X" next to remove your Apple Watch.


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How can I unpair Apple Watch from a different Apple ID?

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