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How do I contact a previous owner to remove activation lock from a device

How do I contact a previous owner to remove activation lock from a device I bought from someone?

Posted on Aug 25, 2020 8:13 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 26, 2020 1:17 AM

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201441


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.


Sorry - but you’re short of options.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 26, 2020 1:17 AM in response to gaby108

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201441


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.


Sorry - but you’re short of options.

Aug 26, 2020 8:26 AM in response to gaby108

I certainly understand your wanting to find the owner to return it, and can truly appreciate your effort. At this point, you can either return it to the seller (in case they may know, probably not likely), or bring it to your local law enforcement agency to turn it in (if you feel it might have been lost or stolen.)

How do I contact a previous owner to remove activation lock from a device

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