I got this new iPhone 14 pro max from someone who doesn't remember the password after I factory reset and he is not interested in helping me

I phone 14 pro max was acquired by my friend from the original owner in a dirt bike trade from a random guy. The original owner never put his apple information in this new phone. My friend James made a new apple account and password and used a prepaid service all is well... He has the phone for less than a week decided he hates apple and I buy it for $1000 and was using the phone in Washington to call my girl FaceTime in California for a day. So I leave on the train the very next day and I factory reset the phone and locked to owner. Can't remember password and James has no clue we tried everything. Call it a loss or what options do I have ? I have a bill of sale we wrote up for the transfer of the phone.



iPhone 14 Pro Max

Posted on Jun 23, 2023 7:53 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 23, 2023 7:56 AM

If you have bought 2nd hand iPhone, you must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

 

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

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

 

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)


👉 Read this before you buy a newer iPhone.

  

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


See also -> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device – Apple Support (UK)


----- 

Ask your money back if possible, perhaps you have bought a stolen iPhone.

If you can't get in touch with the previous owner, you can't use the iPhone.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 23, 2023 7:56 AM in response to MarkMecham

If you have bought 2nd hand iPhone, you must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

 

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

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

 

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)


👉 Read this before you buy a newer iPhone.

  

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


See also -> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device – Apple Support (UK)


----- 

Ask your money back if possible, perhaps you have bought a stolen iPhone.

If you can't get in touch with the previous owner, you can't use the iPhone.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I got this new iPhone 14 pro max from someone who doesn't remember the password after I factory reset and he is not interested in helping me

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