iPhone is locked to owner

my iPhone 12 got locked by the owner when I was using it and I had to use a different phone because I didn’t know how to get back into it



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 15

Posted on Aug 17, 2023 4:12 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 11, 2024 7:38 PM

palesa100 wrote:

Yes


Hello and welcome to the thread.


If this is an iPhone you’ve recently acquired, contact the seller.


You’re here though, which usually means the seller has disappeared, which means no unlock and no refund, which means you bought a brick.


This iPhone is indistinguishable from a lost or stolen iPhone, if not actually lost or stolen.


We can’t help bypass Activation Lock or bypass a locked device, and — absent convincing proof of ownership — Apple won’t.


if the seller has vanished, recycle it. Yes, really. Recycle it. You bought a brick.


Related: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Also see the other answers above.

58 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 11, 2024 7:38 PM in response to palesa100

palesa100 wrote:

Yes


Hello and welcome to the thread.


If this is an iPhone you’ve recently acquired, contact the seller.


You’re here though, which usually means the seller has disappeared, which means no unlock and no refund, which means you bought a brick.


This iPhone is indistinguishable from a lost or stolen iPhone, if not actually lost or stolen.


We can’t help bypass Activation Lock or bypass a locked device, and — absent convincing proof of ownership — Apple won’t.


if the seller has vanished, recycle it. Yes, really. Recycle it. You bought a brick.


Related: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Also see the other answers above.

May 6, 2024 1:31 PM in response to keontae14

keontae14 wrote:

How can I get my iPhone 12 Pro Max unlocked form locked to onwer without knowing the email or password

You can't. If you don't know whoever originally set up the phone, you can't use the phone. Apple won't help you unless you are the original buyer and you can provide Apple the original purchase receipt, which clearly shows the serial number of the phone.


I'm going to assume you bought a used iPhone which is locked? You bought a brick you can't use if unless you know the person who set it up and can get them to remove the phone from their account. If you can, get your money back. If you can't get your money back, recycle the phone as it is totally useless to you.


Read this --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Nov 17, 2023 7:39 AM in response to sulekha242

As you can see, the only way to use the iPhone is by entering the original owners Apple ID and Password. This happens most frequently when a used phone is purchased from a third party. The original owner should have followed these steps to erase the device and remove Activation Lock before selling. If you did purchase this device from a third party, your options are to get a refund or have them enter their credentials. If you are unable to contact the seller, then you have a device that will never be able to be used.

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If you purchased the device new from Apple, then they may be able to help if you provide them the receipt that shows the serial number of the device as well as your name on it to prove you are the original owner.

May 29, 2024 6:23 AM in response to Scoiphone12

Hi Scoiphone12.

Sorry to hear your iPhone 12 is locked to the owner, there are some Apple Official ways you can try, but I would like to tell you, that whatever method you use, you will lose data.


First, if you know the Apple ID password, you can use it to unlock your iPhone on the "locked to owner" screen.

Second, if you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it first, here: If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


To unlock an iPhone 12 that is "Locked to Owner," you can follow these methods based on Apple Support


Using the Apple ID and Password:

  1. Enter the Credentials: When you see the Activation Lock screen, enter the Apple ID and password that were originally used to set up the device. This will unlock the iPhone if you have the correct credentials.


Using iCloud:

  1. Access iCloud: Go to iCloud.com.
  2. Sign In: Log in with the Apple ID that was used to set up the iPhone.
  3. Find My iPhone: Click on "Find iPhone."
  4. Select Device: Choose the iPhone 12 from the list of devices.
  5. Remove from Account: Click on "Erase iPhone" to erase all data, including the lock, and then click on "Remove from Account."


Using Apple Support:

  1. Support Request: If you have proof of purchase, you can contact Apple Support to request the removal of the Activation Lock. Visit Apple Support to start this process.


Potential Issues:

  1. Incorrect Credentials: If you don’t remember the Apple ID or password, you can try resetting your Apple ID password or finding your Apple ID through Apple’s support.
  2. Ownership Verification: If you bought the device second-hand, you may need to contact the previous owner to remove the device from their iCloud account remotely.


Troubleshooting:

  • Forgot Apple ID or Password: Use the Apple ID account page to recover your Apple ID or reset the password.
  • Device Still Linked: Ensure the device is not still linked to the previous owner's account by asking them to remove it via iCloud.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the official Apple Support page on Activation Lock.


If you don't have any idea about the previous Apple ID information, you might need to google this problem, or you might check this out, this might help:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


[Edited by Moderator]


Oct 8, 2024 4:51 AM in response to Bhra2001

Bhra2001 wrote:

My iphone xr is locked to owner and how can I open it

Take it back to the person from whom you received it. Get them to do the things in this support article or ask for a refund --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support There is no way to discover the owner of a device unless they left a message to display on the device when it is turned on, or the person who gave you the device knows them.


Read this article about removing Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support Unless you have the account information that set the lock, the original receipt from Apple or an Apple approved vendor, or can demonstrate legal inheritance from a deceased owner, you cannot remove the lock; return or recycle the device.


From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."


May 7, 2024 1:26 PM in response to jabrax240

jabrax240 wrote:

What I can do please help me


You got scammed.


You’re here, asking this, which usually means the seller has disappeared, which means no unlock and no refund.


This iPhone is indistinguishable from a lost or stolen iPhone, if it’s not actually lost or stolen.


What to do? Recycle this iPhone, as it is not now and never will be useful to you. Yes, really, recycle it.


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



Sep 27, 2024 1:45 PM in response to jamshid26

Activation lock is a security protocol that can't be bypassed. Only the person it is locked to can unlock it.

If you bought this from someone and it came locked, try to get your money back, you will never be able to use the phone.


If your phone is Activation Locked - How to remove Activation Lock -

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a used phone -

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community



Oct 7, 2024 10:37 AM in response to lamariyah66

lamariyah66 wrote:

My phone is locked


New to you, or purchased from Apple or an authorized reseller?


If an iPhone you’ve recently acquired, contact the seller.


You’re here, which means the seller has disappeared, which means no unlock and no refund, which means you bought a brick.


This iPhone is indistinguishable from a lost or stolen iPhone, if not actually lost or stolen.


We can’t help bypass Activation Lock or bypass a locked device, and — absent convincing proof of ownership — Apple won’t.


if the seller has vanished, recycle it. Yes, really. Recycle it. You bought a brick.


Related: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Sep 1, 2024 6:04 PM in response to Sek275

Re: “Iphone 7plus mobil locked to owner I don't have a bill and I don't remember apple ID and password plz help me”


Without the owner’s help, the phone will remain a brick. If you think it is safe to ask the seller to fix things or refund your money, do so.


If the owner cannot or will not help you, all the help that we can offer you is to learn from your mistake of buying an Activation Locked (and possibly stolen) “brick” to avoid repeating the same mistake next time.

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.

iPhone is locked to owner

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