The best things to do with an old Apple Watch are to trade it in, sell it, or recycle it. First, unpair it from your iPhone. That one step backs it up and turns off Activation Lock, so the watch is wiped and not tied to you.
Even a few generations old, an Apple Watch holds some value, and the band is worth saving too. Here is how to handle it.
First: Unpair Your Apple Watch
Keep the watch and your iPhone close together. Open the Apple Watch app on the phone, tap your watch at the top, tap the info button, then Unpair Apple Watch. This makes a fresh backup, erases the watch, and turns off Activation Lock. If you skip it, the next owner is locked out and cannot use it.
Trade It In or Sell It
- Apple Trade In gives store credit or an Apple gift card, and recycles it free if it has no trade value.
- Sell it on Swappa or eBay. Working watches with a good battery sell well. List the model, case size, and whether it has GPS or cellular.
- Sell the band separately. Apple Watch bands fit many models, so a clean band can sell on its own to someone with a newer watch.
Donate or Hand It Down
An older watch still tracks steps, heart rate, and workouts, so it makes a useful hand-me-down for a family member or a thoughtful donation. Wipe it by unpairing, then let the new owner set it up with their own phone.
Recycle It
If the screen is cracked or the battery is shot, do not trash it. Apple recycles any Apple Watch for free, in store or by mail, and Best Buy takes them too. The battery makes it unsafe for the regular bin. This is the same path you would use for old iPhones and old AirPods.
Repurpose an Old Apple Watch
Kept it after upgrading? Use it as a bedside sleep tracker, a dedicated workout watch you do not mind sweating on, or a simple activity tracker for a kid. It still works on Wi-Fi for many features even without its own cellular plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I erase an old Apple Watch?
Unpair it using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. That backs it up, erases it, and turns off Activation Lock all at once.
Are old Apple Watches worth anything?
Often yes. Working models have trade-in or resale value, and Swappa usually pays more than a trade-in. The band can be sold on its own too.
Can you recycle an Apple Watch?
Yes, for free. Apple and Best Buy both accept them. Never put one in the trash because of the battery.
Why do I have to unpair before selling it?
Unpairing turns off Activation Lock, which ties the watch to your Apple Account. Without that step, the buyer cannot set it up.
What can I do with an old Apple Watch I am keeping?
Use it as a sleep tracker, a dedicated gym watch, or a basic activity tracker for a child. Many features still work over Wi-Fi.