need help with activation lock

Then you will have to enter the Apple ID and password that you used to set it up when you purchased it. If you have forgotten what those are and you have the original purchase receipt and an ID that matches it you can request Apple to remove Activation Lock, as explained in the link.

Repeating what is in the link:

Follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple ID and password you used to set up your device or your device passcode.

Learn how to find your Apple ID or reset your Apple ID password.

If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

What was the result when you followed the guidance in the Related Article above your name on this page, that you were reading just before you posted here? If the Related Article doesn't answer your question please post back with more details about the issue and another user in this user-to-user forum will try to help.

The Related Article should answer your questions about Activation Lock. If you cannot remove Activation Lock, it makes me believe that you may have purchased a used device, and the previous owner did not prepare the iPhone correctly. Only the previous owner can remove Activation Lock. I you cannot contact the previous owner, then the device is useless to you. If you are the original owner, then the information in the Related Article has a link where you can ask Apple for assistance in removing it. Otherwise, Apple will not help to remove Activation Lock and you will not be able to use the device.