What to Do with Old Apple Watches?

If you’re like me, you probably have an old Apple Watch lying around that you no longer use. You may have upgraded to a newer model or simply stopped using it altogether. Whatever the reason may be, you’re now left wondering what to do with your old device. There are a few options available to you. One option is to sell your old Apple Watch. While you may not get much in resale value, it’s better than letting it collect dust. Another option is to give it away to a friend or family member who could use it.

If you’re not interested in selling, giving away, or even donating your old Apple Watch, there are still other ways to put it to use. For example, you could repurpose it as a dedicated sleep tracker or use it as a backup device in case your primary Apple Watch runs out of battery or malfunctions. In this article, I will explore these options and more, so you can make the most of your old Apple Watch.

Understanding Your Old Apple Watch

As someone who has an old Apple Watch, I understand how it can be difficult to know what to do with it. However, before you decide to sell or give it away, it’s important to understand what you have.

Firstly, you need to identify which model of Apple Watch you have. If you’re unsure, you can check this by going to the “My Watch” section of the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting “General” > “About”. Here, you will see the model name and number.

If you have an older model, such as the Series 4, you may not have access to the latest features and updates. However, your Apple Watch can still be used for basic functions such as tracking your activity, receiving notifications, and controlling your music.

If you have a newer model, such as the Apple Watch SE or Series 8, you may have access to more advanced features such as GPS, GPS + Cellular, and the ability to connect to a cellular plan through your carrier.

It’s also important to note that the size and material of your Apple Watch can affect its value. For example, a lightweight aluminum watch may be worth less than a stainless steel or ceramic model.

If you’re planning on selling or giving away your old Apple Watch, it’s important to erase all of your personal data and turn off the Activation Lock.

Preparing Your Apple Watch for Resale or Gift

If you’re planning to sell or gift your old Apple Watch, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure that the new owner can use it without any issues. Here are some steps to follow:

Unpair Your Apple Watch

Before you do anything else, you need to unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone. This will remove all of your personal data from the watch and reset it to factory settings.

Back-Up Your Apple Watch

If you want to keep a copy of your data before erasing your Apple Watch, you can create a backup. This will allow you to restore your data to a new Apple Watch or to the same watch if you decide to use it again in the future.

Erase All Content and Settings

Once you’ve unpaired your Apple Watch and created a backup (if you want to), it’s time to erase all of the content and settings. This will remove all of your personal data from the watch and reset it to factory settings.

Turn Off the Activation Lock

If you have an Apple Watch with cellular capabilities, you’ll need to turn off the Activation Lock before the new owner can use it.

Other Considerations

Before you sell or gift your Apple Watch, there are a few other things to consider:

• Make sure that the watch is clean and free of any scratches or damage.
• Disable any features that might interfere with the new owner’s use of the watch, such as Do Not Disturb, Restrictions, Siri, FaceTime, and iMessage.
• Remove any passcodes or passwords that might prevent the new owner from using the watch.

Options for Your Old Apple Watch

If you have an old Apple Watch that you no longer use, you have several options for what to do with it. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Selling Your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is in good condition, you may be able to sell it for a decent price. Some popular online marketplaces for selling used electronics include eBay, Craigslist, and Swappa. When selling your Apple Watch, be sure to include clear photos of the device and an accurate description of its condition. You may also want to consider offering a return policy to increase buyer confidence.

Trading in Your Apple Watch

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new Apple Watch, you may be able to trade in your old one for credit toward the purchase. Apple offers a trade-in program that allows you to receive credit for your old device, which you can then use toward a new purchase.

Gifting Your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is still in good working condition, you may want to consider giving it as a gift to a friend or family member. Before gifting the device, be sure to erase all of your personal data and settings to ensure the recipient has a fresh start with the device.

Donating Your Apple Watch

If you’re not interested in selling or trading in your Apple Watch, you may want to consider donating it to a charity or organization. Some organizations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, accept donations of used electronics. Be sure to check with the organization first to ensure they accept Apple Watches.

Recycling Your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is no longer functioning or in poor condition, you may be able to recycle it. Apple offers a recycling program that allows you to send in your old device for free, and they will either recycle it or refurbish it for resale. Other electronics recycling programs may also accept Apple Watches.

In conclusion, if you have an old Apple Watch that you no longer use, you have several options for what to do with it. Whether you choose to sell, trade-in, gift, donate, or recycle the device, be sure to erase all of your personal data and settings before parting with it.

Repurposing Your Old Apple Watch

If you have an old Apple Watch lying around, there are various ways you can repurpose it to make it useful again. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sleep Tracker

One way to repurpose your old Apple Watch is to use it as a dedicated sleep tracker. While newer models have built-in sleep-tracking features, older models can still be used for this purpose with the help of third-party apps. By wearing your old Apple Watch to bed, you can track your sleep data and get insights into your sleep patterns and habits.

Nightstand Clock

Another way to repurpose your old Apple Watch is to turn it into a permanent nightstand clock. By connecting it to power and turning it on its side with its digital crown facing upwards, you can use your old Apple Watch as a stylish and functional clock that displays the time, date, and weather.

Kitchen Timer

If you like to cook, you can repurpose your old Apple Watch as a kitchen timer. Whether you’re boiling eggs, baking cinnamon rolls, or cooking a roast, your old Apple Watch can help you keep track of the time and ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.

Safety Blinker

Finally, you can repurpose your old Apple Watch as a safety blinker. By using the flashlight feature in watchOS 4, you can turn your old Apple Watch into a blinking light that can be used to signal for help or alert others to your presence in low-light conditions.

There are many ways to repurpose your old Apple Watch and make it useful again. Whether you use it as a sleep tracker, nightstand clock, kitchen timer, safety blinker, or something else entirely, your old Apple Watch can still have a valuable place in your life.

Passing Your Apple Watch to a Family Member

If you have an old Apple Watch that you no longer use, you may want to consider passing it on to a family member. This is a great way to recycle your old device while also giving someone else the opportunity to enjoy its features. Here are some steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Erase Your Apple Watch: Before passing your Apple Watch to a family member, make sure to erase all of your personal data from the device.
2. Set Up Family Sharing: If you have a family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone, you can use Family Sharing to set up their Apple Watch. This will allow them to use the device to make phone calls, send messages, and share their location with you.
3. Upgrade Your Own Device: If you’re passing your Apple Watch to a family member because you’ve upgraded to a newer model, make sure to back up your data before transferring it to your new device.

Passing your old Apple Watch to a family member can be a great way to recycle your device while also giving someone else the opportunity to enjoy its features. By following these simple steps, you can make the process as smooth as possible and ensure that your family member gets the most out of their new device.

Using Your Old Apple Watch for Sports and Fitness

I love using my old Apple Watch for sports and fitness. Even if you upgrade to a new model, your old watch can still be a great workout companion.

Here are some ways to use your old Apple Watch for sports and fitness:

Heart Rate Tracking

Your old Apple Watch is a great tool for tracking your heart rate during exercise. The watch’s built-in heart rate monitor can help you stay in your target heart rate zone and get the most out of your workout. You can view your heart rate data in the Health app on your iPhone and get insights into your fitness level and progress over time.

Health App

The Health app on your iPhone is a great way to keep track of your fitness and health data. You can use your old Apple Watch to track your workouts, steps, and other activity data, and then view that data in the Health app. This can help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come in your fitness journey.

Insights

One of the best things about using your old Apple Watch for sports and fitness is the insights you can get into your workouts and activities. The watch can provide you with data on your heart rate, calories burned, and more, which can help you make more informed decisions about your workouts and track your progress over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I sell my Apple Watch for cash?

There are several options to sell your old Apple Watch for cash, including online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. You can also sell your watch to companies that specialize in buying used electronics, such as Gazelle, Decluttr, and BuyBackWorld.

What is the best place to sell an Apple Watch?

The best place to sell your Apple Watch depends on your preferences and needs. Online marketplaces offer a wider audience and potentially higher prices but require more effort and time to manage the sale. Companies that specialize in buying used electronics offer a more convenient and hassle-free option but may offer lower prices.

How do I prepare my Apple Watch for trade-in?

Before trading in your Apple Watch, make sure to back up your data and erase all content and settings. You can do this by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Can I use my old Apple Watch for sleep tracking?

If your old Apple Watch is compatible with the latest version of watchOS, you can use it for sleep tracking by enabling the Sleep app. However, keep in mind that older models may have shorter battery life and may not be as accurate as newer models.

Is my old Apple Watch worth anything?

The value of your old Apple Watch depends on several factors, including the model, condition, and demand. Older models and those with visible wear and tear may have lower value, while newer models and those in pristine condition may have higher value. You can check the current market value of your watch on online marketplaces or by getting a quote from a company that buys used electronics.

Does Apple accept trade-ins for older watches?

Yes, Apple will take older watches as part of its trade-in program. The value of your trade-in depends on the model, condition, and other factors. You can check the estimated trade-in value of your watch on Apple’s website or by visiting an Apple Store.