How to sell a smartwatch or fitness tracker (Apple Watch, Garmin, Galaxy Watch)

Smartwatches are upgraded often, which means plenty of perfectly good ones end up in drawers. If yours is working, it's worth selling while it still runs current software.

A quick note before we start: we buy smartwatches and fitness trackers, but not traditional or luxury watches.

Smartwatches that sell well

Apple Watch — Series, SE and Ultra models.
Garmin — Forerunner, Fenix, Epix, Venu and Instinct ranges.
Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit trackers and watches.
Others — Coros, Polar, Suunto, Amazfit and Withings.

What affects the value

Model and size, plus GPS or cellular versions for Apple Watch.
Case material — aluminium, stainless steel or titanium.
Screen condition — scratches and chips are the main issue.
Battery life — if it struggles to last a day, the battery may be failing.
Charger — including it helps.

Resetting an Apple Watch

Keep the iPhone and Watch close together.
In the Watch app on your iPhone, go to All Watches, tap the info button next to the watch and choose Unpair Apple Watch. For cellular models, choose to remove the plan.
This backs up the watch, erases it and removes Activation Lock.

If you no longer have the iPhone, erase the watch from Settings > General > Reset on the watch, then remove it from your Apple ID at icloud.com (Find My > Devices > Remove).

Resetting a Garmin

Remove the device in the Garmin Connect app (Devices > select it > Remove device). Then on the watch, find Settings > System > Reset > Delete Data and Reset Settings. Menus vary by model; Garmin's support site has exact steps.

Samsung, Pixel Watch and Fitbit

Remove the watch from your phone's companion app (Galaxy Wearable, Pixel Watch or Fitbit) and factory reset it from the watch's settings. Remove it from your Google or Samsung account if it's listed there.

Selling your smartwatch

Describe the watch, its condition and what's included on SendForCash and get an instant cash offer. Accept and we email a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect, by bank transfer or PayPal.

Bands: genuine bands in good condition are worth including. Worn or sweat-stained bands are better left out.

Packing

Wrap the watch face in a soft cloth, then bubble wrap, and place in a small box. Don't send a watch loose in a padded envelope.

What to check before you sell

Screen and case

Hold the watch under a bright light and tilt it. Look for scratches, chips at the edges of the glass, and dents in the case. Sapphire-glass models tend to resist scratches better. Light scuffs on the case are normal; cracks in the display are damage.

Buttons and crowns

Press every button and turn the digital crown or bezel. They should feel crisp and responsive, not sticky or loose.

Sensors

Check the heart rate sensor works by taking a reading. On models with ECG, blood oxygen or temperature sensing, try those features. Look at the back for cracks — on some watches the sensor window is glass.

Battery

Use the watch normally for a day. If it falls well short of the manufacturer's stated battery life, the battery may be degraded. On Apple Watch, you can check Battery Health in Settings > Battery.

Water resistance

Water resistance degrades over time and after any damage. Don't make claims you can't back up — simply describe the watch's condition honestly.

Bands and straps

Genuine bands from Apple, Garmin, Samsung and others add value if they're in good condition. Clean silicone bands with mild soapy water. Leather bands that are worn, cracked or smell of sweat are best left out. Third-party bands can be included but don't add much.

If you have spare bands in different sizes (many watches come with S/M and M/L bands), include them.

Cellular models

For watches with mobile connectivity, remove the plan before you sell:

Apple Watch: when unpairing, choose to remove the cellular plan. You may also need to contact your network.
Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE: remove the plan in the Galaxy Wearable app or via your network.
Garmin LTE models: cancel the subscription in Garmin Connect.

Children's smartwatches

Kids' smartwatches and GPS trackers often need a subscription and are tied to a parent's account. Cancel the subscription and remove the device from your account before selling.

Fitness trackers

Fitness bands and trackers from Fitbit, Garmin, Whoop and others are welcome if they work and meet our £15 minimum. Trackers that require an ongoing subscription to be useful (such as some membership-based bands) should have the subscription cancelled and the device removed from your account.

Why the minimum offer matters

Older basic fitness trackers may fall below our £15 minimum. If so, consider recycling them at an electrical recycling point — see our e-waste recycling guide.

Apple Watch specifics

We've written a dedicated guide to selling an Apple Watch, including how to identify your model and what to include. If you're selling your phone at the same time, see how to wipe an iPhone or selling a Samsung Galaxy. Unpair the watch before you wipe the phone.

FAQ

Why don't you buy traditional watches?

Traditional and luxury watches need specialist authentication and valuation, which isn't what we do. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are very welcome.

Can I sell a smartwatch without its charger?

Yes, though including the charger is better.

Do you buy older Fitbits?

If it works and the offer meets our £15 minimum, yes. Very old models may fall below it.

My Apple Watch is still on my Apple ID. What do I do?

Remove it at icloud.com before posting. Activation-locked devices can't be accepted.