Sell my Apple Watch: how to unpair, reset and sell it in the UK

Apple Watches are upgraded regularly, and older ones often end up in a drawer still on their charger. If yours works, it's worth selling while it still supports current software. The most important step — removing Activation Lock — takes a couple of minutes.

Find your Apple Watch model

On the watch, go to Settings > General > About to see the model name. You can also look at the engraving on the back of the case, which shows the case size, material and sometimes the model number. In the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > About.

Key details to note:

Series or type: Series, SE or Ultra, and the generation.
Case size: shown in millimetres.
Connectivity: GPS only, or GPS + Cellular.
Case material: aluminium, stainless steel or titanium.

What affects an Apple Watch's value

Generation. Newer models are worth more and get software updates for longer.
Case material. Stainless steel and titanium models are worth more than aluminium.
Cellular. GPS + Cellular models are typically worth a bit more than GPS only.
Screen condition. Scratches on the display are the most common issue. Ion-X glass on aluminium models scratches more easily than sapphire glass on stainless steel, titanium and Ultra models.
Battery health. Check in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Charger and bands. Include the magnetic charging cable. Genuine bands in good condition help.

Step 1: Unpair from your iPhone

This is the key step, because it removes Activation Lock.

Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to the My Watch tab, then All Watches.
Tap the info button next to the watch you're selling.
Tap Unpair Apple Watch. For GPS + Cellular models, choose to remove your mobile plan.
Enter your Apple ID password if asked.

Your iPhone creates a backup of the watch before erasing it, so you can restore it to a new watch later.

If you don't have the iPhone any more

On the watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Then remove the watch from your Apple ID: sign in at icloud.com, open Find My, select the watch and choose Remove This Device.

An Apple Watch that's still linked to an Apple ID is Activation Locked and can't be used by anyone else. We can't accept activation-locked watches.

Cellular plans

If your watch has its own mobile plan, removing it during unpairing usually deals with it, but check with your network to make sure the plan or watch add-on has ended.

Check it's fully working

Screen responds properly to touch across the whole display.
Digital Crown turns smoothly and presses.
Side button works.
Heart rate sensor gives a reading.
Speaker and microphone work (try a Siri request).
It charges on the magnetic charger.

Clean it

Remove the band.
Wipe the watch with a lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with fresh water if needed.
Clean the back sensor area gently.
Wash silicone sport bands with mild soapy water and dry them.
Leather and woven bands that are visibly worn are best left out.

Selling your Apple Watch

With SendForCash, describe the model, case size and material, condition and what's included, and you'll get an instant cash offer. Accept, and we email you a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect, by bank transfer or PayPal. If anything differs from your description, we explain and offer a revised price, or send it back free.

Packing

Watches are small but the screen is vulnerable. Wrap the watch in a soft cloth, then bubble wrap, and put it in a small rigid box. The original box is perfect. Coil the charger separately so it can't press on the screen.

Hermès and Edition models

Apple Watch Hermès and Edition models are still smartwatches, and we're happy to make an offer. We don't buy traditional or luxury mechanical watches. If your Hermès watch comes with leather bands, describe them — bands in good condition can be included.

FAQ

Can I sell an Apple Watch with a scratched screen?

Yes, as long as the screen works properly and isn't cracked. Scratches simply affect the offer.

Do I need the original box?

No, though it's the best way to pack it.

What if my Apple Watch won't turn on?

A watch that won't power on or charge counts as faulty. Remove it from your Apple ID at icloud.com and recycle it at an electrical recycling point.

How old an Apple Watch do you buy?

If it works and the offer meets our £15 minimum, we'll make an offer. Very old models may fall below it.

Can I sell my iPhone at the same time?

Yes. Unpair the watch first, then follow our guide to wiping an iPhone.