ctnnash

Q: How can I factory reset my iPhone 4?

So I recently purchased an iPhone 4, and it was erased, but it still requires me to sign in with the previous owner's Apple ID. Due to my form of purchase, there is no way to contact the seller, and I obviously don't know their account information.

iPhone 4, iOS 7.1.2

Posted on Jul 14, 2016 4:29 PM

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Q: How can I factory reset my iPhone 4?

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  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Jul 14, 2016 4:32 PM in response to ctnnash
    Level 10 (123,770 points)
    Apple Music
    Jul 14, 2016 4:32 PM in response to ctnnash

    Without anyway to contact the seller, there's no way to restore the iPhone using your Apple iD.

  • by Bakhtina,Helpful

    Bakhtina Bakhtina Jul 14, 2016 4:38 PM in response to ctnnash
    Level 3 (749 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 14, 2016 4:38 PM in response to ctnnash

    Unfortunately, since this is a security feature, it is not meant to let you use the iPhone. This is called Activation Lock. In the article Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support, it says :

    Find My iPhone includes a feature called Activation Lock that is designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen.

    Even if you put the iPhone and recovery and try to factory reset it, if it is in Apple's Activation Lock system, you won't be able to activate the iPhone. I'm sorry.

    Unless the seller sold you the iPhone with it's original proof of purchase, in which case you can call Apple and request them to remove the iPhone from the Activation Lock system.