Buying a refurbished Apple Watch in Ireland: what to check

An Apple Watch is a good thing to buy refurbished. It has no moving parts to wear out, the case is tough, and most of what makes it useful comes from software that Apple keeps updating. But a watch also has its own quirks: it's tied to an iPhone, it can be locked to someone else's Apple ID, and its small battery matters more than a phone's.

Here's what to check before you buy a refurbished Apple Watch, and how to pick the right model.

First: do you have an iPhone?

An Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and to get the most from it. It doesn't work with Android phones, which is worth knowing if you searched "Apple Watch for Android". If you use a Samsung or Google phone, a Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch is the better choice.

Check that your iPhone runs a recent enough version of iOS for the watch you're considering. Newer watches need newer iPhones, and Apple lists the requirements for each model.

1. Activation Lock must be removed

This is the most important check. Activation Lock links an Apple Watch to its owner's Apple ID. If the previous owner didn't unpair it and remove it from their account, you won't be able to set it up.

A professional refurbisher removes Activation Lock before sale. If you're buying privately, ask the seller to unpair the watch in front of you. "How to unpair Apple Watch" is one of the most common Apple Watch questions for a reason: it's the step people forget.

Pairing your refurbished watch

Once the watch is free of its old account, setup is the same as for a new one. Hold it near your iPhone, open the Watch app and follow the steps. If you're moving from an older watch, you can restore from a backup during pairing.

2. Battery health

A watch battery is small, so a worn one is noticeable quickly. On the watch, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see the maximum capacity as a percentage.

Every refurbished Apple Watch from Refurb Phone has a battery at 80% or more of its original capacity, and at least 85% in the Like New grade. If a seller doesn't state a battery minimum, ask for it before you buy.

3. GPS or Cellular?

Every Apple Watch has GPS. A Cellular model adds an eSIM, so the watch can make calls, send messages and stream music when your iPhone isn't nearby.

• Choose GPS if your phone is usually with you. It's the simpler and more common option.
• Choose Cellular if you want to leave your phone at home on runs or swims. You'll need a watch plan from your network, so check that your Irish network supports Apple Watch on the plan you have.

Cellular models we sell are unlocked and ready to use with a compatible plan.

4. Size and comfort

Apple Watch sizes are measured by case height in millimetres, and the right one depends on your wrist and how much screen you want. As a guide:

• Apple Watch SE: 40 mm or 44 mm.
• Series 7, 8 and 9: 41 mm or 45 mm.
• Series 10: 42 mm or 46 mm.
• Ultra and Ultra 2: 49 mm, with a titanium case.

The larger size gives more screen and slightly more battery. The smaller one is lighter and suits smaller wrists. Bands are sized to the case, so check band compatibility if you plan to reuse straps.

5. Condition grade

The screen and case of a watch take more knocks than a phone. Look for a seller that describes condition plainly. Our three grades are:

• Like New: no visible signs of use.
• Very Good: slight cosmetic signs of use.
• Used: visible scratches or scuffs, fully working, at the lowest price.

You can see examples on our grading page.

6. Testing, warranty and returns

A refurbished watch should be tested on more than the screen. Heart-rate and other sensors, the Digital Crown, side button, speaker, microphone, charging and connectivity all need checking. We test every device with M360 Diagnostics.

Every refurbished Apple Watch we sell has a 24-month warranty, on top of your statutory rights. Bought online, it can also be cancelled within 14 days, as set out in our refund policy.

Which refurbished Apple Watch should you buy?

The right model depends on what you'll use it for.

Apple Watch SE: the entry point

The Apple Watch SE (2022) covers notifications, fitness tracking, Apple Pay and crash and fall detection. It doesn't have the always-on display or ECG of the Series models. If you mainly want the basics, it's the cheapest Apple Watch way in.

Series 9 and Series 10: the all-rounders

The Apple Watch Series 9 adds an always-on display, ECG and a brighter screen. The Series 10 is thinner with a larger display. Either suits most people who want health features as well as fitness tracking.

Ultra: for the outdoors

The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 have a 49 mm titanium case, a brighter screen, a larger battery and an extra Action button. They're built for hiking, diving and long runs, and are bigger on the wrist.

You can compare every model and grade in our refurbished Apple Watch range.

Frequently asked questions

Is a refurbished Apple Watch worth it?

Yes, if it's been tested, has a stated battery minimum and comes with a warranty. Apple Watch hardware is durable, and software updates keep older models useful.

Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?

No. An Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and use. Android users should look at a Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch instead.

How do I check the battery on a refurbished Apple Watch?

On the watch, open Settings > Battery > Battery Health. It shows the maximum capacity compared with when the watch was new.

What happens if the Apple Watch is still linked to the old owner?

You won't be able to set it up until Activation Lock is removed. Reputable refurbishers remove it before sale; private sellers must unpair it first.

Choose your Apple Watch

Browse our refurbished Apple Watches, from the SE to the Ultra: tested, sent free with DPD and covered by a 24-month warranty.