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ellamama

Q: How can I "factory reset"/unlink from Appleid an iP 5s?

I've an iPhone 5s which I purchased from a friend. The phone had been her daughters, but was no longer being used (her daughter had broken the screen and her dad had purchased her a new phone with a different carrier). In the process of trying to prepare the phone for use by my own daughter, I'm stuck because I don't know the original owners' Appleid and password. While I may be able to obtain this information, doing so is complicated due to complicated issues within the family.

 

I understand that the Find My iPhone feature is supposed to be great for security, etc. But right now, it's a great big pain! I can't believe there's no alternative/workaround. I don't need to save any of the information on the device. All I want is basically a factory reset.

 

Thanks in advance for advice!

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.2

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 11:55 AM

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Q: How can I "factory reset"/unlink from Appleid an iP 5s?

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  • by FoxFifth,

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Dec 21, 2015 12:03 PM in response to ellamama
    Level 7 (25,748 points)
    iPhone
    Dec 21, 2015 12:03 PM in response to ellamama

    Sorry, but if there was a workaround or way to do a reset it would essentially be useless as a theft deterrent. The only option to make the phone usable is with the Apple ID and password. If the original owner has forgotten either or both, there is help available from Apple for that.