What to do if your iPhone is locked as a demo unit.

Hello everyone!

I have worked in a retail setting where I used to set up demo iPhones and other Apple products. Sometimes, devices can be wrongly allocated as demo devices while inventory is being taken in, and it's not apparent until the device is powered on (demo devices are set up while in the box using the serial number). Often, people jump to the conclusion that these devices are stolen, so I wanted to share the process of how to get your device unlocked if it was enrolled as a demo unit accidentally.

First, contact the retailer that you bought the iPhone from to see if they can remove the demo lock.

You will have to contact the manager of the store, as they are the only people with management access to the demounit portal. Make sure you carefully explain the situation to them and provide any proof of purchase you can (ex. a receipt or an invoice). Have your serial number ready, as it's required to remove the device from demo management. It's not guaranteed that they will be able to remove the demo lock, but it's worth reaching out to see if it's an option.

If you can't get help from the retailer that you bought the iPhone from, contact Apple Support.

Have your proof of purchase and serial number ready, and contact Apple Support to see if they can remove the demo lock. It's always best to reach out to the retailer first, but Apple Support can also assist in the removal of a demo lock if you have proof of purchase.

Please keep in mind, demo lock cannot always be removed, even if you have valid proof of purchase.

Thanks for taking the time to read my user tip! I hope it provides an insight into the demo lock removal process, and why the demo lock may be there in the first place.

-Drake