Avoid sellers who insist on shipping or paying via Zelle/CashApp before you see the item. Stick to cash in a public place. 4. Safety First
If the seller refuses to provide the serial number for a coverage check on Apple’s website, walk away.
Ask the seller to go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and send a screenshot of the Maximum Capacity. Anything below 80% will likely need a battery replacement soon. 2. The Inspection (During the Meetup) buying apple watch on craigslist
If a brand-new Ultra 2 is listed for $200, it is likely a scam or a high-quality clone.
When you turn the watch on, it should immediately show a screen asking you to bring an iPhone near it to start setup. If it asks for a passcode or shows a clock face, it’s still locked to the seller. Avoid sellers who insist on shipping or paying
This is the most important step. Ask the seller directly: "Is the watch unpaired from your phone and removed from your iCloud account?" If it isn't, you won't be able to use it.
Meet at a coffee shop or a "Safe Exchange Zone" (many police stations have these). Safety First If the seller refuses to provide
Ask for a photo of the back of the watch. It lists the series (e.g., Series 9), case size (e.g., 45mm), and material (e.g., Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel).