Before buying a used Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, make sure the seller has removed it from their account (Activation Lock on Apple Watch, Reactivation Lock on Samsung), check the battery health, and confirm the case size, the cellular or GPS-only version and that it works with your phone. A locked watch cannot be set up by a new owner, so this is the most important step.
Quick answer: Ask the seller to unpair and remove the watch from their Apple ID or Samsung account before shipping, request a screenshot of battery health where available, match the case size in millimeters to the band you want, and remember that Apple Watch needs an iPhone while recent Galaxy Watch models need an Android phone.
Activation Lock and Reactivation Lock: the deal-breaker
Both Apple and Samsung protect watches with a lock tied to the owner’s account. If the lock is still on, a new owner generally cannot activate the watch.
- Apple Watch: Activation Lock is part of Find My. When the original owner unpairs the watch from their iPhone, or removes it from their devices in Find My, the lock is removed. Ask the seller to do this before shipping.
- Galaxy Watch: Samsung’s Reactivation Lock is linked to the owner’s Samsung account. The seller should turn it off and remove their account before factory resetting.
- How to check: ask for a photo of the watch showing the initial setup or pairing screen after reset. If the watch asks for the previous owner’s account during setup, contact the seller through eBay messages right away.
Be wary of listings that mention “iCloud locked”, “account locked”, “for parts” or “no password”. These watches usually cannot be used as normal.
Battery health and wear
Smartwatch batteries are small and work hard. A worn battery is the most common reason a used watch disappoints.
- Apple Watch: recent versions of watchOS show a Battery Health percentage in the watch’s battery settings. Ask the seller for a screenshot.
- Galaxy Watch: there is no simple health percentage on many models, so ask how long the watch typically lasts on a charge with normal use.
- Battery replacement: replacing a watch battery is usually a repair-shop or manufacturer service job, not a simple swap. Factor that in if the battery is weak.
Case sizes explained
Case size affects comfort, screen size and which bands fit. Apple and Samsung measure the case in millimeters, and sizes have changed across generations.
| Model | Case sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 1-3 | 38 mm, 42 mm | Older; limited software support |
| Apple Watch Series 4-6 and SE models | 40 mm, 44 mm | SE 3 also uses 40 and 44 mm |
| Apple Watch Series 7-9 | 41 mm, 45 mm | Larger screens than Series 4-6 |
| Apple Watch Series 10-11 | 42 mm, 46 mm | Thinner design |
| Apple Watch Ultra (all generations) | 49 mm | Rugged titanium case |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch (standard) | Typically 40 mm, 44 mm | Classic and Ultra versions are larger; check the listing |
Apple bands for the smaller and larger case groups are generally cross-compatible within each group, but check Apple’s band compatibility guidance for your exact model.
GPS or cellular?
Both Apple and Samsung sell GPS-only and cellular (LTE) versions of many watches.
- GPS-only: relies on your phone for calls and data. Usually cheaper.
- Cellular: can make calls and use data without your phone nearby, with a separate plan from your carrier. Not every carrier supports every watch.
- Carrier plans: the seller should remove any cellular plan from the watch. You then add your own plan through your carrier.
- Identifying the version: on Apple Watch, cellular models often have a red Digital Crown accent on many generations. Check the model number in the listing to be sure.
Phone compatibility and software support
- Apple Watch requires an iPhone. Check that the watch’s supported watchOS version works with your iPhone’s iOS version.
- Galaxy Watch4 and later run Wear OS and pair with Android phones; they do not support iPhone. Some features work best with a Samsung phone.
- Older models may no longer receive software updates. That can limit new features and security fixes, so weigh the price accordingly.
Physical condition checklist
- Screen: look for scratches, cracks or dead pixels. Sapphire and Ion-X glass versions resist scratches differently.
- Case: dents, scuffs and chipped edges, especially on aluminum models.
- Sensors: the rear heart-rate sensor should be clean and uncracked.
- Buttons and crown: the Digital Crown or rotating bezel should turn smoothly.
- Water exposure: watches are water resistant, not waterproof, and resistance can decrease over time. Avoid units with fogging or signs of moisture inside the screen.
- Charger: confirm the correct charger is included; Apple and Samsung chargers differ by model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the watch been unpaired and removed from your Apple ID or Samsung account?
- What is the battery health percentage, or how long does it last per charge?
- Is it GPS-only or cellular, and has any carrier plan been removed?
- What case size and material is it?
- Has it ever been repaired or had its screen or battery replaced?
- Which band and charger are included?
First-day tests after delivery
Test the watch as soon as it arrives, while the return window is open.
- Pair it with your own phone and confirm that no previous account is requested.
- Update the software to the latest version the model supports.
- Charge it fully, then note how long it lasts with your normal use over a day.
- Check the heart-rate reading, GPS tracking on a short walk, and notifications.
- Test the touchscreen across the whole display, plus the buttons, crown or bezel.
- If it is a cellular model, ask your carrier to add it to your plan and test a call away from your phone.
If something does not match the listing, message the seller through eBay and keep the conversation on the platform.
Used, refurbished or new?
Smartwatches with a warranty reduce the battery risk. Under eBay’s Refurbished program as of 2026, Certified items have a two-year Allstate warranty and Excellent, Very Good and Good items have one year, with a 30-day free return window subject to exceptions. Used watches rely on the seller’s policy and the eBay Money Back Guarantee if an item is not as described and you paid through eBay checkout.
New watch launches usually push previous models onto the used market; see the best times to buy electronics on eBay. For the bigger picture on refurbished gear, read whether refurbished electronics are worth it.
You can see current Apple Watch Series 9 listings on eBay or browse Samsung Galaxy Watch listings on eBay.ca.
FAQ
Can I remove Activation Lock myself?
No. Only the original owner can remove it, by unpairing the watch or removing it from Find My. Ask the seller to do this before you buy.
Can I use a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?
Galaxy Watch4 and later models do not support iPhone. Older Tizen-based Galaxy watches had limited iPhone support, which may no longer work fully.
What battery health is acceptable on a used Apple Watch?
There is no single rule, but a higher percentage means more of the original capacity remains. Compare the percentage and price across listings, and expect lower prices for weaker batteries.
Do Apple Watch bands fit across sizes?
Bands are generally compatible within the smaller and larger case groups across generations. Check Apple’s compatibility guidance for your model.
Will a cellular watch work with my carrier?
It depends on the carrier and the watch model. Check with your carrier before buying a cellular version.
Conclusion
The safest used smartwatch purchase starts with an unlocked device, then a healthy battery, the right case size and confirmed phone compatibility. Ask the right questions, prefer listings with returns or a warranty, and test the watch as soon as it arrives.
Disclosure: tikto.store is an independent guide and an eBay Partner Network affiliate. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. tikto.store is not eBay and is not affiliated with eBay Inc. beyond the affiliate program.