So you purchased a used iOS device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) from somewhere other than Apple. In order for you to use this device, you have to make sure the device is no longer linked to the previous owner’s account (Apple ID). Without this, it is highly likely that you will not be able to use this device because you will not be able to activate it.
Activation Lock
This feature was introduced iOS 7. This means that if you bought a device using iOS 7 or later, when you want to set up this device, you may see the following message:
Activate iPhone / iPad
This iPhone (or iPad) is linked to an Apple ID. Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to set up this iPad (or iPhone). (k……@macreports.com).
This is a security feature that makes it very hard for someone to use or sell a stolen device.
If you see this, you have to contact the former owner. Only the former owner can remove this. There are no other ways to bypass iCloud Activation Lock. If you call Apple, they will not help you. DFU restore will not fix this. This is because the previous owner’s Apple ID is securely stored on Apple’s activation servers and linked to his/her iPad or iPhone.
The previous owner of this device can remove this lock. He or she can do this remotely by signing in to iCloud with their Apple ID. Simply use the Find My iPhone app on iCloud.com. Then go to Find iPhone > Select the device > Remove from Account.
iCloud screen. Select Find iPhone
All of your devices linked to your Apple ID. Select the device you want to remove.
Find My iPhone: Remove your account
Before buying a secondhand device
Enabling Find My iPhone also turns on Activation Lock. Make sure that you visit icloud.com/activationlock. Here you can check if Activation Lock is disabled or not. You need to enter IMEI or serial number. Go to Settings > General > About to find these numbers. You can also locate these numbers on the back of your device.
If it is on, you should ask your seller to erase the device (Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings). Make sure you both are present. During the setup process, this iPhone or iPad may ask the previous owner’s Apple ID. Ask him / her to enter the password. If the owner is not present, you can also ask him /her to remove the lock by going to iCloud (see above).
There are a lot of bad people. Some people may be trying to scam you by selling a stolen device. Note that the current owner may change the status. For instance, lets say you check the status before you meet with the seller, and the status showed “off”. The owner may change this by turning on Find My iPhone while he or she posses the device without you knowing. So be careful; check this right before you get the device.
You are the owner but you forget your Apple ID or password
There are other situations where you may need to remove Find My iPhone Activation Lock. For instance, you may forget your your Apple ID. If this is the case, here are what you can do:
- You can try to reset your Apple ID (more info)
- If you are unable to reset your Apple ID using this website, call Apple. They may be able to help you if you can persuade them that you are the owner by presenting them proofs e.g., receipts etc.
In fact, I had this problem last week. My son created an Apple ID on his iPad and turned on Find My iPhone. Then later he forgot it. Since he did not remember anything (e.g. his answers to security questions), we could not use the Apple ID web site. But we called Apple, and they remotely unlock the device. This article explains how you can contact Apple for help.
Muhammadjamil says
December 7, 2016 at 10:13 amMy phone Activation lock,with Apple I’d, plz help, I can’t remover my apple I’d plz help me
Aung says
January 22, 2017 at 5:05 pmi phone 6s id or passwed pleace help me
Dean says
February 13, 2019 at 5:01 ameither, you will need information of previous owner or you will need to contact Apple or got to Apple store and tell them that you need to unlock mobile and there will be fee that you will need to pay.
Sarunas says
December 12, 2016 at 7:00 pmI found iphone 5C with brokene screen. i charged it and i saw that iphone is locked to another icloud account. Do you know if where is a way to find the email of previous owner? How i could get this unlocked or just return to the owner?thanks
Chethan says
March 14, 2017 at 5:35 amU can’t use unless it is removed by previous owner
Jim Scott says
February 26, 2019 at 10:47 pmjust because you cant do it does not mean it’s impossible there is a lot of ways you can bypass the activation,,e.g with tools like jailbreak , without tools by reconfiguring.
the DNS etc….
stop deceiving them.
Joe says
March 7, 2019 at 1:36 amCan you share some other ways to use iphone thats icloud locked
badsha says
June 28, 2017 at 5:12 amnot possible just impossible
abir says
August 26, 2017 at 10:22 amhow I find out the main user of I phone…one man stole it from another and he sell it to me…
Zack V. says
January 16, 2018 at 3:10 amThats what happened to me! the guy i bought it from bought it from a guy on craigslist, and this guy then sold it to me an this iphone 6s i have is locked and idk what to do with it now since its locked.
Victor says
February 26, 2019 at 6:44 amBelieve it or not just because the phone is locked doesn’t mean you cannot be unlocked do you usually is if he will go to a little mom and pop cell phone store depending on what state do you live on in New York they will definitely unlock it I’ll get it unlocked one way or another either way it’s good for parts at worst
Denise says
March 2, 2019 at 12:51 amLooking for suggestions Purchase an ipad the seller swore it was disabled When I contacted her she blocked me. Help please
Bikash Sunuar says
January 5, 2017 at 3:47 pmMy iphone 6 is locked to another icloud account. Do you know if where is a way to find the owner and email of previous owner? How i could get this unlocked or just return to the owner?thanks
Chris says
January 14, 2017 at 6:03 pmMy ipad mini is locked out. I bought it in 2013, set it up with a new email account and then the email account was closed and deactivated. Now, even though I am the owner of the device I cannot get it reactivated because my account can’t be verified. I might as well throw it in the bin!
Nika says
January 19, 2019 at 1:43 amI can totally relate:/ Did you just let it go or did you find the solution? It is such a waste. The worst thing is that I am actual owner but I purchased it long time ago there is no way of having the proof:/
Nenz says
March 8, 2019 at 10:25 pmYes that’s true It also happen to me now I’m the owner but Apple won’t help you unlock unless we have proof of purchase I feel so upset & sad
Rohit says
January 17, 2017 at 11:12 amIphone 6 Showing Activation ID and PSW. Do you know if where is a way to find the owner and email of previous owner? How i could get this unlocked or just return to the owner ?
Javed Sulaiman says
January 20, 2017 at 4:08 amI have bought iPhone 5 used one from my cousin in Saudi Arabia around 3years before.it was running very nicely.but because of my cousin I’d I can’t update app.for updates need psd and I called my cousin for psd but unfortunately he has forgotten pad.i reset through I tunes but now showing activation I’d and psd.we now about I’d but forgot pad.how can we get psd for that I’d.need help.Javed Sulaiman.
abhinav kumar says
January 20, 2017 at 11:01 amMy phone is reset and owner is out of city and main problem is email and password is lost it so please help me….
Victor says
February 9, 2017 at 1:55 pmi was given an iphone by my aunt, but it seems to be icloud signed in on the phone, with find my phone switched on. my aunt no longer has access to this apple id anymore,, she has actually open a new id, and no longer has access to the mail, i tried with the question reset, but she can only remember one answer. please how do i remove the apple id/icloud/find myphone. Thanks
Abigail says
February 24, 2017 at 7:04 pmI bought an iPhone and she is the previous owner but doesn’t know the icloud password. It has an activation lock and I have no idea what to do or how to get rid of it.. help?
Muhammad irfan says
October 17, 2017 at 1:57 pmIf you just do not know password even email address u can still set it up but if u remember previous or current users user name …go to icloud apple saport .com try to log in (try to forgot ur password reset it …u would be asked some security questions but do not worried .it can be activated viva email address or reset ur forgotten password …was this suggestion help full (yes or no)
irven says
March 6, 2017 at 11:44 pmMy ipad is reset and owner is out of city and main problem is apple id and password is lost it so please help me….
Polly says
March 17, 2017 at 8:29 pmWe have an Iphone that is registered in our name. We gave the phone to our granddaughter and then had to take the phone away from her due to her wild living that we could not condone. Now we cannot use the phone due to the fact that she had her password and ID and she is not willing to give that info to us. How can we activate the phone and use it without her cooperation? We are still paying the bill and cannot use the phone. Thanks
Unhappy apple customer says
July 8, 2018 at 6:15 amSame issue. For this reason alone, the iCloud lock is ridiculous. It hurts paying customers as much as the thieves. This is going to cause Apple to lose me as a long time customer. The phone I have that my son refuses to give me the log in to, is useless garbage that I paid $800 for. Apple you are really hurting customers with this. The police are there to handle thieves. Sell the phones. Stop being police. I am going back to android. At least they cost less and If I get locked out, I dont lose a grand.
louis says
October 20, 2018 at 11:21 amUm polly and unhappy if you have proof that you purchased the device apple will unlock it for you the whole only that person can unlock it is a myth you really think apple would allow someone to lock them out of their own product they just got tried of dealing with people I mean shoot u want it unlocked and their lessons learned file a police report theft of service is a crime and them not allowing you to use the service you pay for is that’s right theft of service either way if you can prove you are the owner of the device apple will unlock it and unless you bought it off craigslist and got screwed you should have some proof of purchase bank statement billing statement debit or credit card verification this is apple where talking about if you bought it they have a copy of it and if the info you give matches theirs boom iPhones unlocked but all the data on the phone will be gone or like me I repair phones and if I repair and they don’t pay I go and get a judgement of surrender basically stating the courts say I own the phone I’ve literally gotten probably 50 iCloud locked phones unlocked next time be a little smarter if u buy anyone any phone and do not put a key logger on it before u give it to them your stupid and I don’t mean that rudely but if you don’t know how to safe guard yourself with items that cost hundreds you have no business getting it in the first place
Kelsey says
December 17, 2018 at 1:23 amHow did you get it unlocked!?!? Helpppp! It’s been proven not stolen by apple…. bought a locked phone and need this help so we have our gps to get us through our 12 hour drive to get our daughter for Christmas!!! Thanks in advance
Latifa Miller says
April 10, 2017 at 8:45 pmI brought Iphone 6 plus from other website. I asked previous owner about apple id and password also activation lock. The owner previous not give me information. What i do with iphone 6 plus. Please Please Please help me as so as possible.
Jen says
January 18, 2019 at 9:17 pmWe have the same problem do you unlocked yours?
Olawale says
April 15, 2017 at 9:12 pmI bought a london used iphone 4s i never knew there was activation lock on it and i couldnt locate the previous owner, probably would be a white person and its now asking me for apple id and password please help
White Person says
May 10, 2017 at 2:31 amMaybe “non whites” shouldn’t buy a phone off the street, more than likely stolen.
Lindsay says
April 23, 2017 at 10:57 pmThis guy has my stolen iPad and I want to pull up my Icloud on the iPad so I can prove I’m the owner
Ryan says
April 28, 2017 at 6:29 amI just found my old iPod, I don’t know the email it was hooked up with. And I need the owner to unlink but i don’t know what to do
Robert says
May 6, 2017 at 7:10 amI got my iPhone from a deceased friend, with an icloud lock, asking for user iD and password. Please can you help me unlock it.
Mike says
July 28, 2017 at 3:43 amYour best bet would be to contact apple with proof of death (death certificate) and proof that the iphone was given to you (maybe copy of the will/statement from the executor of the will, etc). Even then you might be hard pressed to do so.
It might be easier to try and get access to the email address used for the account and hope you know enough answers to obscure questions to be able to reset the password.
I’ve heard of apple being given court orders to unlock an account/iphone and flatly ignoring it while stating “policy” is why they won’t. Frankly I think they don’t want to unlock what can only be described as the thin end of the wedge. If they start it, who knows what’ll happen if others get to cite it as an excuse to get an unlock on even shakier grounds. Good luck.
Mustafa bin masain says
May 20, 2017 at 2:02 pmI found one of iphone 6S, but i cannot use it because iphone was lock by owner, can you help me to unlock iphone??? Please help me to unlock this iphone sir.
Dyanna Pizarro says
December 30, 2018 at 4:53 amSame thing here I got an iPhone 6s but it has an activation lock on it with previous owner iCloud n password what should I do with it please help me with this situation
Kelly G says
June 1, 2017 at 12:25 pmI purchased an iPhone 7 plus that is is asking for the apple id and password (activation locked). Is there a way to find the former owners email so that I can try to reach out to them and ask them to remove this for me? Your help would be much appreciated.
Thor Vidar Overland says
June 15, 2017 at 1:56 amI got my ipad from my grandpa, when i opened it and reset it, i dont have the apple id or password because he is dead and noone in my family knows the password. so what do i do.
Melvin says
January 20, 2018 at 9:14 amDo you have an invoice?
Shruthi says
June 19, 2017 at 9:29 amHi,
I have a got a ipad from one of my friend’s friend. It is now showing activation lock please enter the apple id and password.
Now I dont have any contact with that friend. So what should I do. Please help me out in this.
Salaheldin Abdelmonem says
June 21, 2017 at 11:19 amI purchased an iPhone 5s 32gb and i check imei number, cloud and find my iphone off
and serial number ok
after i turn on mobile for first time setting up
i see the messege
This iPhone linked to an Apple ID. Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to set
up this iPhone
i used my apple id and password the phone open and start
what does it mean
Salaheldin Abdelmonem says
June 21, 2017 at 11:21 amsorry aI’m sorry I’m weak in English
SiddiqueMagan says
June 26, 2017 at 7:35 pmi brought iphone5s in website when i undate software in itune now is asking for the apple id and password previous owner icloud. plez help me the websits coustumer care officer have says your phone is active and clean plez learn it where i learn and what i do? plez bro help me
Joey Mugas Delmonte says
June 27, 2017 at 8:14 amibought an iphone 5S but when i reset it it can’t be done because this already reported lost or stolen.then the girl selling to me i contacted her but she already blocked from online. pls.. help me how to activate this phone.
Joey Mugas Delmonte says
June 27, 2017 at 8:16 amthis is the EMEI#351983064846548 pls help me to activate this iphone pls……..
kibuh peter says
June 28, 2017 at 6:47 amhello please i bought a macbook air from someone and sent it with a 4pine icloud code on. i cant use the macbook, plese can you help?
chi says
June 29, 2017 at 11:26 amI purchased a second hand mini ipad that is asking for the apple id and password (activation locked).I have tried to call the phone number on the screen but it was saying invalid number. I have searched on line to find the country’s code but was unsuccessful. I need your help on what to do next.
Frasier cephas says
July 11, 2017 at 10:02 amI have an iPad and I don’t have the activation lock password and owners Ipad I’d how can I be able to unlock it
Omar says
July 15, 2017 at 10:53 amHello my friend give me iPhone 6 in my birthday as like gift. When I start it need Apple ID when I ask him he sayid I forgot plz help me how to open my iPhone 6
thor says
September 9, 2017 at 8:15 pmsolution is here u need this so message me…
Lile says
December 15, 2017 at 3:46 pmPlease help me. I bought 5s which has an icloud account on it. And its needs to be activated
Juan says
January 1, 2018 at 5:13 pmMy niece gave me a iphone 6 and forgot her apple id password can you help
desy.dsy says
February 24, 2018 at 9:29 amHello dear how can i contact you
Billy Thurston says
June 1, 2018 at 11:34 pmPlease I need to know this
Samuel abeyku says
July 26, 2017 at 7:02 pmthe phone for my dad and he died and it lock, and i take to flash and they flash it for me, and it still requesting the owner ID and password, abd dont know what to do
NEYAZ YUNUS says
August 19, 2017 at 7:36 amDear’s,
i want to know how should i can activate unlocked ID while i am using in 2 phone one phone pay bill is available for another phone don’t have, its possible to deactivate unlocked id in the second phone as per first iPhone pay bill, please reply, now both phone is working in good condition.
Your prompt reply regard the above would be highly appreciated.
Bwalya Mambwe says
October 3, 2017 at 6:44 pmI have an iPhone 6 with icloud activation lock…I do not know the previous owner who is from another continent…how do I remove it…???
Please help me
Kanon says
October 26, 2017 at 4:35 pmis it possible update ios version on lock icloud device via dfu?
Alex R says
December 7, 2017 at 1:30 pmHi there. iActivate is a perfect program for users who have an activated iPhone or iPad mini with Apple ID but who have forgotten the password. The tool can bypass Apple ID account.
Steve Austin says
January 17, 2018 at 3:37 pmThis will NOT bypass iCloud Activation Lock. Only works for MDM remote management (company) lock! Don’t waste your time. iCloud activation lock CANNOT be defeated.
Lance says
January 26, 2018 at 1:05 amIt can if the iOS version is pre-11.0
Lance says
January 26, 2018 at 1:06 amMistake – post-11.0
sambruce.prout says
December 29, 2017 at 5:25 amI have an iPhone 6 with icloud activation lock…I do not know the previous owner who is from another continent…how do I remove it…???
Please help me
nawish says
January 3, 2018 at 10:18 ammy iphone 6s activation lock..
please help me
Sahil says
January 16, 2018 at 4:42 pmMy I phone activeton loke please forget pasword and id
Bilal says
January 22, 2018 at 9:10 amHi i reset my iphone 6 when i entered apple id its dissabled what i can plz help me
Lance says
January 25, 2018 at 10:33 pmUSELESS!!!!! Nowadays, many people are selling iPhones, iPads in estate sales. The original owner is dead. We need to know how to unlock these devices.
Khal says
April 6, 2018 at 2:30 amAll stolen phones
desy.dsy says
February 24, 2018 at 9:32 amI purchased iPhone 5s from store and i the phone is on icloud lock. i have the invoice how can i unlock i mean how can i contact apple
Venkat says
February 28, 2018 at 12:23 pmI forgot my apple id and password please any body can help me
pontsho says
March 7, 2018 at 5:11 ami got an iphone5 from my mother’s employer’s child but its locked and no one remembers the passwords…..im so frustrated pls help
vynx pearl says
March 7, 2018 at 6:58 amwell, i just bought an iphone 6s from whatsapp group.so the main problem is the iphone is still locked.i’m just thinking to destroy the iphone..can someone tell me how to reset it? because i already reformat it and its can’t be activated
Jen says
January 18, 2019 at 9:24 pmSame problem do you fix yours? Thank you
Paul says
March 7, 2018 at 12:33 pmHaven a find iphone s6 and there is an icloud activation lock account so please what should I do to do remove those icloud activation lock?
bivek rai says
April 8, 2018 at 11:08 amsomebody sold iphone to my sister and when she try to unlock .. she found out owner has not remove his account .. he just rest and sold her .. she dont have contact of the owner what to do .. how to ulock it
Pieter says
July 24, 2018 at 4:19 pmCan my iphone 7 plus be unlocked from icloud
sathique basha says
August 1, 2018 at 7:56 ami phone 4s activation lock how to remove & unlock any idea,
iphone 5s only show in apple logo what a problem how to solved.
please share any idea &`breaking software linkes.
Cindy Hart says
August 2, 2018 at 3:44 amTrying to unlock my kids iPhone, and nothing is working, can anyone help me with this please.
Misty says
August 7, 2018 at 2:00 pmSo I have an iPhone 6 Plus that I haven’t used in 3 years and forgot the passcode. The phone is now disabled and says connect to iTunes. I don’t remember any of it because it’s been so long plus it’s deactivated. Can I enable my phone without a computer?
Misty Gassman says
August 7, 2018 at 2:03 pmSo I have an iPhone 6 Plus that I haven’t used in 3 years and forgot the passcode. The phone is now disabled and says connect to iTunes. I don’t remember any of it because it’s been so long plus it’s deactivated. Can I enable my phone without a computer?
Goodbloke says
October 8, 2018 at 3:19 pmHi
I have an old 4s given to me. I don’t want to use it as a phone, but as an iPod. I use Android as phone. Mac for computer. Broke the screen of my iPod touch.
I did a recovery, loaded music via library but I can’t see why I need an apple id just to be used as a music player.
Don’t want to make calls.
Anyways to bypass this?
Thanks
Maria the goat says
October 30, 2018 at 12:30 amMy cousin gave me an iphone 6s plus and the phone has an icloud account and the previous person does not remember the pw. I reseted the phone and in order to activate it i need the pw. Am i still able to unlock the phone??? Please anyone helpp!!!
Raelene says
November 14, 2018 at 7:31 amMy partner passed away earlier this year his house mate tried to get into his ipad shortly after and now it is locked , my partner never gave me his password so i need to be able to get rid of the activation lock please help
Modou jabbi says
December 2, 2018 at 1:27 pmI forgot my apple ID and the Password..so can u please help me to remove it
Yared says
January 1, 2019 at 3:27 pmMy iphone say id and i don’t remember pls help me
esta says
January 22, 2019 at 6:21 pmi bought an iphone 8 on hand,it happen to be icloud locked i have the owner icloud email and his phone number but he doesnt want to unlock it for me,what should i do.is there any way i can reset it using the email and phone no?
Hope says
February 18, 2019 at 7:52 pmI bought my first i phone 4 from a Chinese gentle man 4 days ago but have not been to use it because of the id and password. Honestly we were unable to complete all the changes needed to unlock the phone because he didn’t know English and am poor at Chinese. He helped change settings in Chinese to English but we forgot the id. I can’t get him now bse phone number he gave me to keep untouched hasn’t helped. He left me a copy of his passport since had long lost his receipt. If I submit the details of his passport to confirm genuine transfer of ownership can I be helped?
Mark Statman says
March 27, 2019 at 9:48 pmI have been trying to give an old iPad to a friend. I have reset it to factory settings. I have deleted the iPad from iTunes, deleted it from the iCloud, and still when she tries to set it up, it says that the iPad is blocked and I need to enter my Apple ID and password. But then the Apple ID and password aren’t recognized?
Suggestions?
debra a berdine says
May 11, 2019 at 7:35 pmMy elderly father just gave me his now-deceased wife’s 2 iPads to give to my two daughters. He gave us the home screen 4-digit password, her Apple ID, but doesn’t know the password that goes with the Apple ID. She had it written down but he is unable to find it. One of the iPads has an Activation Lock on it, but the other does not. Without the Apple ID password, it’s basically useless. Any suggestions?