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I have an Iphone I bought from a thrift store and I cannot get the serial number or access to the phone. What do I do?

how Do I use the phone without being able to contact the previous owner. I've tried everything and I've exhausted every effort to reset the phone. Is there any way that I can reset the phone? I cannot attain the serial number because I can't get to the settings and I have access to the IMEI and MEID number but nothing more that isn't on the back.

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 3:30 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 4:39 PM

kixxinthemix wrote:

You can't return items to thrift stores. There's no way Apple can un link it from the old user?


That’s not the question you want to ask. There is a way to unlock this.


The better question to ask is whether Apple will unlock it for you. Apple will not.


Not without evidence of ownership. Which you lack. No, the thrift store receipt is not enough.


Activation Lock is intended as a theft deterrent.


You are unable to provide sufficient evidence to Apple that this is not a lost or stolen device.


Which means this device will remain forever useless, locked, and unavailable. Recycle it.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a used iPad/iPhone - Apple Community

4 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jan 14, 2023 4:39 PM in response to kixxinthemix

kixxinthemix wrote:

You can't return items to thrift stores. There's no way Apple can un link it from the old user?


That’s not the question you want to ask. There is a way to unlock this.


The better question to ask is whether Apple will unlock it for you. Apple will not.


Not without evidence of ownership. Which you lack. No, the thrift store receipt is not enough.


Activation Lock is intended as a theft deterrent.


You are unable to provide sufficient evidence to Apple that this is not a lost or stolen device.


Which means this device will remain forever useless, locked, and unavailable. Recycle it.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a used iPad/iPhone - Apple Community

Jan 14, 2023 4:28 PM in response to kixxinthemix

Hello ~ No…that is the activation lock. If the person/persons that you bought the iPhone from cannot or will not remove it …the iPhone is basically useless to you. If they cannot/will not remove it…return it and get your money back. We cannot help remove it nor can Apple. Take a look here:


Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Also:


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone


~Katana-San~



I have an Iphone I bought from a thrift store and I cannot get the serial number or access to the phone. What do I do?

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