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How can I factory restore an iPhone XR?

How can I factory restore an iphone xr that I purchased online second hand, after recieving the phone in the mail, I found out that the phone was locked to owner. I reached out to the seller about this issue and he said that the original owner died. HELP!!!!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone XR

Posted on Feb 11, 2023 12:40 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 11, 2023 12:47 PM

A factory reset will NOT release an Activation Lock.


ONLY the prior “activating” owner can release the lock. (This is an INTENTIONAL feature of the theft deterrent mechanism)


Without the prior owner’s (or their heir’s) cooperation, the phone will remain unusable; you should request a refund from the seller.


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


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 11, 2023 12:47 PM in response to Smokey2018

A factory reset will NOT release an Activation Lock.


ONLY the prior “activating” owner can release the lock. (This is an INTENTIONAL feature of the theft deterrent mechanism)


Without the prior owner’s (or their heir’s) cooperation, the phone will remain unusable; you should request a refund from the seller.


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


Feb 11, 2023 2:17 PM in response to Smokey2018

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information, are not the owner, or do not have Apple accepted proof of purchase, get the owner of the account to remove the lock (the section: "If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad" in: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support ), or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


How can I factory restore an iPhone XR?

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