Prepare your Apple Watch for Express Replacement Service
After you schedule Express Replacement Service*, you'll get a kit that has your replacement Apple Watch and everything that you need to send your original Apple Watch to Apple.
Before you return your original Apple Watch
To backup your Apple Watch, unpair it from your iPhone: With your iPhone and Apple Watch close together, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab > All Watches, then tap the info button next to the watch you want to unpair. Tap Unpair Apple Watch, then tap it again to confirm. If you have a GPS + Cellular model, move your cellular plan.
Remove the band from your Apple Watch. Don’t include the band or any other accessories when you ship your original Apple Watch to Apple.
Pack your Apple Watch
Your Express Replacement Service kit includes everything you need to pack up and send your original Apple Watch to Apple — including the box that your replacement Apple Watch arrived in, which you’ll use to send your original watch to Apple.
When you pack your Apple Watch, don’t include anything else in the box — like the watch band or other accessories. If you do, they won’t be returned to you.
Place your original Apple Watch in the smaller insert box, then close the insert's lid. Make sure that the screen of your watch faces up.
Place the insert into the larger box, then close it. Make sure that the battery sticker is pasted flat on the box and isn't covered by tape or a shipping label.
Ship your Apple Watch to Apple
Find the name of the courier on the provided return shipping label.
Visit the courier's website to schedule a pickup or find a drop-off location.
Make sure to get a receipt from the courier to confirm that you've returned your original Apple Watch. Apple isn't responsible for any damage during shipping.
Apple will release the temporary hold on your card after we process your original device and confirm that the issue is covered. If your original device is not returned within 10 business days or is found ineligible for service due to unauthorized modifications or severe damage, the hold will be charged to your card.
*Express Replacement Service is an AppleCare benefit that is not available in all countries or regions.
