iPhone 12 locked to owner

Question

iPhone 12 locked to owner

Subject: Help needed with iCloud locked iPhone 12 Pro purchased from eBay

good morning .Apple support team

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to ask for help regarding a recent purchase I made on eBay, which unfortunately turned out to be a scam. I purchased the iPhone 12 Pro with the following details:

Med: ***

Serial number: G6***D83

IMEI: [IMEI Number]

ICID: ***

Regulatory: [Regulatory information]

The seller failed to inform me that the device was locked to iCloud, and despite my attempts to reach out and resolve the issue, they would not agree to return the device or provide any assistance.

I have all the necessary information related to the purchase including pictures of the device and the invoice. I am reaching out to you in hopes that you can guide me on the next steps to unlock the device so that I can use it without losing my hard-earned money.

I understand the importance of protecting against unauthorized device access, but I am the legal owner of this iPhone 12 Pro, and I have proof of purchase.

Please provide assistance in unlocking this device or provide instructions on how to proceed in this unfortunate situation. Any help or advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and your respect.

[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 15, 2023 9:43 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Raicya

Level 10

209,175 points

Sep 15, 2023 9:51 AM in response to AHMEDelbohtey

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)

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

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)

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

If you can't get in touch with the retailer, you can't use the iPhone, recycle the iPhone

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You can report to eBay, see eBay Security Center -> Report a Concern.

Need to resolve an issue with a buyer or seller? If you've already attempted to contact the member but were unable to resolve the problem, you can open a case at the resolution center.

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iPhone 12 locked to owner

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