How to unlock an iPhone

Basically a phone that was handed down to me and know one can remember the Apple ID., I’m trying to add it to Verizon account. But can not access info., what can I do?

iPhone 13, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 1, 2023 6:15 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 1, 2023 6:17 AM

Unlock what? Carrier lock or Activation lock or Passcode Lock or Security Lock?


Carrier Lock:- Request your iPhone’s original Carrier to unlock your iPhone and if they agree and do it, then you may know the further process here --> How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier ...


If you are the owner or the owner has shared all information with you then open Activation Lock:- If it is Activation locked, read here --> Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Learn how to remove a device from a previous owner's account.


If you are not the owner and do not have the Apple ID and Password then there is no way that you can get into this iPhone unless the original owner shares the Apple ID and password with you. If you are lucky you can get into this iPhone if they (the owner) accidentally remove the device from their Apple ID.


Lock Screen Passcode


Following this process is the only way out if your iPhone is disabled. The steps given in this link will help you reset the passcode -> If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your ...



If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or a "Security Lockout" screen


If you forgot your passcode, you can use your Apple ID and password to erase and reset your device without a computer.


Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPhone or iPad.)



2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 1, 2023 6:17 AM in response to ttowner76

Unlock what? Carrier lock or Activation lock or Passcode Lock or Security Lock?


Carrier Lock:- Request your iPhone’s original Carrier to unlock your iPhone and if they agree and do it, then you may know the further process here --> How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier ...


If you are the owner or the owner has shared all information with you then open Activation Lock:- If it is Activation locked, read here --> Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Learn how to remove a device from a previous owner's account.


If you are not the owner and do not have the Apple ID and Password then there is no way that you can get into this iPhone unless the original owner shares the Apple ID and password with you. If you are lucky you can get into this iPhone if they (the owner) accidentally remove the device from their Apple ID.


Lock Screen Passcode


Following this process is the only way out if your iPhone is disabled. The steps given in this link will help you reset the passcode -> If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your ...



If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or a "Security Lockout" screen


If you forgot your passcode, you can use your Apple ID and password to erase and reset your device without a computer.


Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPhone or iPad.)



Sep 1, 2023 6:37 AM in response to ttowner76

ttowner76 wrote:
know one can remember the Apple ID. [...]But can not access info., what can I do?


It sounds like you are encountering Activation Lock. 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.


Here are additional resources if you can find the previous device owner, or have an Apple accepted proof or purchase:


● Read this article 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


● Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


● Reset device if you can prove to Apple's satisfaction you are the owner:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online* at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt** issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer). Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account.


* There is a special link for this service. To save time you should use it instead of https://getsupport.apple.com/


**Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


How to unlock an iPhone

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