Removing stolen device lock from Apple Watch

Question

Level 1

4 points

Removing stolen device lock from Apple Watch

Has anyone ever been able to have a stolen device lock removed off of their device? We have an Apple Watch that we thought was stolen and after a month of suspension, we put stolen on it and then a couple months later it was found down in a piece of furniture. I have tried multiple times with AT&T who are just putting me off. The watch is not even two years old yet.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Stolen Device reversal

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 8, 2025 3:59 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,312 points

Nov 13, 2025 6:20 AM in response to nathanspooh

nathanspooh wrote:

Update from AT&T. They are insisting on their end the block is removed however they are still unable to activate the watch. She seems to think this is bigger than AT&T at this point. Is there any reset that Apple can do if I can prove we are the original purchasers / owners of the watch? Here is here comment:

On my tool where we verify if the device is block, it shows as "unblocklisted" however, when I was trying to add the line, it shows: This device has been reported stolen and is blocked from network use. Only the originator of a stolen report may unblock a device. Please return to the original point of purchase to resolve any concerns. Technology Type:LTE Device:APPLE WatchSEA2727

No. There is nothing Apple can do. AT&T blacklisted it. only AT&T can remove it from the blacklist.

It can take time for that change to propagate out from AT&T's system if they do that.

Either you have to allow more time, or they didn't actually remove it from the blacklist.

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,205 points

Nov 8, 2025 4:47 AM in response to nathanspooh

If you have enabled "Lost Mode" on your watch, have a look at these steps to disable it again:

...

copied from: Use Lost Mode in Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support

If this is about Stolen Device Protection:

About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 3

nathanspooh Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 14, 2025 6:41 AM in response to KiltedTim

Update #2. After 12 hours of talking to 5 people at AT&T and 4 at Apple via chat and phone we finally got the phone unblocked, service restored, paired and working with an iphone. However it is suppose to be working independently. So that will be the last hurdle to figure out why we can not get it on the plan it is assigned to.

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Answer 4

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,205 points

Nov 8, 2025 6:38 AM in response to nathanspooh

Sorry, but if the carrier blocked the iPhone, only they can reverse that.

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,312 points

Nov 13, 2025 7:41 AM in response to nathanspooh

That doesn't change the fact that no one other than AT&T can remove it from the blacklist.

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Answer 6

nathanspooh Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 13, 2025 6:14 AM in response to Ingo2711

Update from AT&T. They are insisting on their end the block is removed however they are still unable to activate the watch. She seems to think this is bigger than AT&T at this point. Is there any reset that Apple can do if I can prove we are the original purchasers / owners of the watch? Here is here comment:

On my tool where we verify if the device is block, it shows as "unblocklisted" however, when I was trying to add the line, it shows: This device has been reported stolen and is blocked from network use. Only the originator of a stolen report may unblock a device. Please return to the original point of purchase to resolve any concerns. Technology Type:LTE Device:APPLE WatchSEA2727

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Answer 7

nathanspooh Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 13, 2025 8:15 AM in response to KiltedTim

So since my last reply I have been told again but on the phone this time to take it to point of purchase (Target) and that they (Target) can remove it. I'm so mad right now. We will try when my husband has time just to see. I'll report back.

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