How can I remove Activation Lock from older iPhones?

Unless you have the account information that set the lock, or the original receipt from Apple, you cannot remove the lock; recycle the device. Read this article about how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

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.

If you do not know the required information, are not the signed-in owner, or do not have Apple accepted proof of purchase, get the owner of the account to remove the lock, 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.

Cannot be done without the original owners credentials. Think about it, the feature is there to prevent thieves from gaining access to your device if it is stolen. If you could bypass activation lock, then any thief could also use your device. That would defeat the whole purpose of having it in the first place.

If you purchased the device from Apple and had the original receipt that includes the serial number of the device, they would be able to help you, but they won't do anything for third party sales.

To remove Activation Lock on the device, you will need the Apple ID and Password of the person that set up the device. There is no way around this and without that information, the device will be useless, unless you have original receipt showing serial number of device from Apple or Authorized Seller.

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)

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

I understand and turning them into the PD is a viable option. The PD will not actively search for the owner, but if the owner files a Theft report that includes the serial number, they me be able to match the device to the owner. Not sure if it happens in real life, but that is the way it could work depending on the efficiency of the PD.

Sorry, there is no way to contact the original owner. The original owner does have the option to provide contact information if found, but in most cases they do not do that to avoid phishing attempts. They are still able to track the location of the device themselves, so it is easier for them to find you, than for you to find them.

Updated Below.

Please help me to remove activation look on iPhone