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my iphone is blocked on activation lock

my iphone is blocked on activation lock


iPhone SE, iOS 12

Posted on May 14, 2019 10:00 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on May 14, 2019 10:11 AM

Did you buy the device second-hand (used)? If a used iOS device has been 'Activation locked' then only the previous owner can unlock it, either by providing you with the account ID and password, or by removing it from his list of devices (as he should have done before selling it).

If you are unable to contact him to do this then I'm afraid you will not be able to use the device - there is no other way of unlocking it at all. Apple cannot unlock it for you, nor find the previous owner for you, and neither can the websites that offer to unlock it for a fee: these are scams.

You should if possible return it to wherever you bought it and ask for a refund as in this event the device is completely useless.

If on the other hand you bought it new, and the ID it's asking for is yours but you've forgotten it, go to https://iforgot.apple.com to retrieve the ID and reset the password. See also If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

Failing that, take the device, the original purchase documents, and some ID to an actual Apple Store (make an appointment) and ask if they can unlock it.


1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

May 14, 2019 10:11 AM in response to brisset240

Did you buy the device second-hand (used)? If a used iOS device has been 'Activation locked' then only the previous owner can unlock it, either by providing you with the account ID and password, or by removing it from his list of devices (as he should have done before selling it).

If you are unable to contact him to do this then I'm afraid you will not be able to use the device - there is no other way of unlocking it at all. Apple cannot unlock it for you, nor find the previous owner for you, and neither can the websites that offer to unlock it for a fee: these are scams.

You should if possible return it to wherever you bought it and ask for a refund as in this event the device is completely useless.

If on the other hand you bought it new, and the ID it's asking for is yours but you've forgotten it, go to https://iforgot.apple.com to retrieve the ID and reset the password. See also If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

Failing that, take the device, the original purchase documents, and some ID to an actual Apple Store (make an appointment) and ask if they can unlock it.


my iphone is blocked on activation lock

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