I bought a secondhand iPhone 5s second hand and it has an activation lock on it

hi i recently bought a secondhand iphone 5s second hand and it has an activation lock on it i contacted the previous owner but they have no idea what account it is or what the password is. is there any way to recover or reset? I have tried iTunes, it still requires a password thanks!



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iPhone 5s

Posted on Aug 1, 2019 4:32 PM

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Posted on Aug 1, 2019 4:34 PM

If possible, return it for a refund. If the previous owner can not, or will not remove the lock, the phone is useless to you.

2 replies

Aug 1, 2019 5:23 PM in response to petermasemore

You can ask the previous owner to try the links below.


Apple ID - How to find your Apple         An iCloud e-mail address is an Apple ID.


Apple ID - Find


Enter the Apple (iCloud) ID and click Forgot Password.


Apple ID - Manage


Apple ID – Forgot Password


If necessary, If they are the original owner, they can take the device, the original purchase receipt with the serial number, and a photo ID to the nearest Apple Store.


Genius Bar Reservation US


or contact Apple ID Support. They will need to see the original purchase receipt/paperwork also.


Apple ID Support


Apple ID Support (2) 


Apple Support by e-mail or chat         Select your device, Battery, Power and Charging, then Power adapter not working to get a chat option. 


Apple Support using Twitter


Or fill out and submit this form.

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I bought a secondhand iPhone 5s second hand and it has an activation lock on it

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