You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

activation locked with a apple id no longer in use

my phone per default is requiring me to log in with an old apple id that is no longer in use or supported by apple. what to do?

Posted on Mar 12, 2021 1:12 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 12, 2021 8:09 AM

"Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch" is a security feature, one aspect of which is deterring re-selling of stolen devices. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


An activation lock can only be removed using information for the account that applied the lock.


How to remove Activation Lock - https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If you are the original owner and have forgotten the log-in information, try to recover it:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Otherwise:

- Apple can remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by an Apple Authorized dealer and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


Alternatively you may be able to do this at an Apple Store.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 12, 2021 8:09 AM in response to jimmie213

"Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch" is a security feature, one aspect of which is deterring re-selling of stolen devices. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


An activation lock can only be removed using information for the account that applied the lock.


How to remove Activation Lock - https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If you are the original owner and have forgotten the log-in information, try to recover it:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Otherwise:

- Apple can remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by an Apple Authorized dealer and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


Alternatively you may be able to do this at an Apple Store.

activation locked with a apple id no longer in use

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.