Selling Apple Watch: Why Most People Leave Money on the Table
Selling your Apple Watch. Just reset it and list it on Marktplaats. Done. That's how simple most people think it is. They clean their watch half-heartedly, forget crucial steps, and leave hundreds of euros on the table. But here's the thing: with the Apple Watch, sellers make the most expensive mistakes . They forget to disable the activation lock, leaving the buyer with a useless gadget. Or they leave personal health data on the device. The crazy thing is that a well-prepared watch—complete with original accessories — will fetch up to 40% more than one hastily listed online. In fact, with that extra income, you can easily upgrade to a newer refurbished model . This step-by-step plan prevents you from leaving money on the table and sacrificing your privacy.
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The Complete Checklist for Selling Your Apple Watch
Preparing your smartwatch for sale requires a systematic approach . Many sellers underestimate the importance of thorough preparation and therefore lose money. In fact, a poorly prepared watch can sometimes fetch up to 40% less than one that's been professionally prepared for sale. This guide will guide you step-by-step through the entire process.
Why good preparation is crucial
You might think: just reset it and you're done. But the reality is more complex. Apple has built in several security mechanisms that make your smartwatch unusable to others if you don't turn it off properly. Activation Lock is the most common example. If you forget to disable it, the buyer is left with a useless device—and you with a dissatisfied customer.
In addition, the watch stores sensitive health data , from heart rate to sleep patterns, from training data to medical notifications. You naturally don't want this information falling into the wrong hands. A proper reset is therefore essential for your privacy.
Step 1: First make a full backup
Always start by backing up your data. Do this via your paired iPhone, as the Watch itself doesn't have a direct backup function.
The backup process works as follows:
- Place both devices next to each other (maximum distance of one meter)
- Open the Watch app on your phone
- Navigate to 'My Watch' in the menu
- Select your watch from the list
- Synchronization will start automatically - this will take about 5 to 10 minutes
Tip: Make sure your iPhone has enough storage. A full backup can be several gigabytes in size, especially if you have a lot of music or photos on your Watch.
Step 2: Disconnect the devices properly
Unpairing is more than just breaking the Bluetooth connection. This process also disables the aforementioned activation lock—a security feature that prevents stolen watches from being reactivated.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Hold both devices together again
- Open the Watch app and go to 'My Watch'
- Tap the watch you want to sell
- Press the information symbol (the small 'i')
- Select 'Unpair Apple Watch'
- Confirm your choice twice
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
Caution: Never skip this step. Without proper unpairing, the activation lock will remain active, preventing the new owner from using the device.
Step 3: Erase all personal data
After unpairing, your smartwatch will still contain data. You'll need to manually delete this data through the watch's settings.
- Go to 'Settings' on the watch
- Scroll to 'General'
- Select 'Reset'
- Select 'Erase all content and settings'
- Enter your access code (usually 4 or 6 digits)
- Confirm with 'Clear all'
The process takes about 2 to 5 minutes. You'll see a progress bar on the screen. Don't interrupt this process by turning off the watch.
Step 4: Remove the device from your Apple account
Many people forget this crucial step. Your smartwatch is still registered to your iCloud account, even after erasing it. This can cause problems for the new owner when activating it.
To remove it, do the following:
- Go to iCloud.com on your computer or phone
- Log in with your Apple ID
- Click on 'Settings'
- Scroll to 'My Devices'
- Find your Watch in the list
- Click on the cross to remove it
- Confirm the deletion
Step 5: Make the device presentable
A clean watch sells better—it's that simple. Take the time for a thorough cleaning. This not only increases the chance of a sale but also justifies a higher asking price.
Cleaning tips for different parts:
- The screen: Use a microfiber cloth with a drop of water
- The housing: clean with a slightly damp cloth, dry immediately afterwards
- The sensors: clean gently with a cotton swab
- The strap: depends on the material - leather requires different care than silicone
- The charging puck: remove dust and dirt from the magnetic contacts
Avoid harsh cleaning agents, alcohol, or abrasives. These can damage the coating or harm the screen's oleophobic layer.
Step 6: Collect all original accessories
A complete set yields significantly more. Buyers value completeness and are willing to pay extra for it. Therefore, gather all the original parts.
What belongs to a complete set:
- The original packaging with all inlays
- Charging cable (usually 1 meter USB-A or USB-C)
- Magnetic charging puck
- Extra straps (if you purchased them)
- Manual and warranty papers
- Apple stickers (small detail, but it counts)
Step 7: Determine a realistic sales price
Research the market before setting a price. Look at comparable models across different platforms. Consider factors such as generation, storage capacity, material (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium), and the condition of the device.
Price determining factors:
- Model and generation: newer models retain their value better
- Size: 44/45mm models are usually worth more than 40/41mm
- Material: Titanium and stainless steel yield more than aluminum
- Condition: Scratches on the screen significantly reduce the price
- Completeness: Original packaging can yield an additional 10-15%
Additional tips for a successful sale
Take clear photos in daylight. Show the device from all sides, including any signs of wear. Honesty prevents disappointed buyers and negative reviews.
Write a detailed description. Include the exact model, purchase date, battery condition, and any special features. Also, explicitly mention that the activation lock is disabled—this will reassure buyers.
Consider different sales channels. Marktplaats reaches many people, but specialized platforms for electronics can command higher prices. Selling locally saves on shipping costs and risks.
Common mistakes that cost you money
The most costly mistake is forgetting the activation lock. This makes your watch unsellable and leads to hassle with returns. Leaving personal data behind is also problematic – not only for your privacy but also because it looks unprofessional.
Another common mistake is underestimating presentation. A dirty watch with a broken cable in a crumpled box might fetch half the price of a well-maintained one. That extra time spent cleaning and presenting it will more than pay for itself.
Conclusion: preparation pays off
Properly preparing your Apple Watch for sale takes about an hour, but it could potentially earn you hundreds of euros in extra money. By systematically completing all the steps, you protect your privacy, avoid buyer issues, and maximize your profit. With that extra income, you can easily upgrade to a newer model—for example, a refurbished one that's both good for your wallet and the environment. So take the time to prepare properly. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
Conclusion: invest time for maximum returns
Selling an Apple Watch isn't something you do on the fly. The time you invest in properly unpairing, thoroughly cleaning, and completing your setup will pay for itself many times over . The difference between hastily listing it on Marktplaats or systematically preparing it can be up to 40% of the selling price . This is not only good for your wallet, but also gives you the opportunity to upgrade to a newer refurbished model . So take that extra time - your privacy is protected, the buyer is satisfied, and you get the most out of your old smartwatch.
