Activation lock

Unfortunately you bought a used iPhone, which means you are NOT the original buyer of the phone and Apple didn't agree to remove activation lock because the only documentation they will accept is the original purchase receipt which clearly shows the phones serial number.

Since Apple has denied your request as it would be expected they would, we cannot help you at all. You now own a useless iPhone you can't use. Sorry.

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

The proof that you need for ownership is the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple seller. Apple does not get involve with any third party sales and receipts from others will not help. Without the Apple ID/Password, you will not be able to use the device.

tish297 wrote:

The phone was brand new when we bought it, not used. We bought it for a foster child that lived with us in 2021. The phone was deactivated and has been used since then.

The phone may be deactivated, but still signed into an Apple ID that you do not know. That is why you have to prove ownership by supplying the original receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple seller. You have not said where you bought it new from, but Apple is only able to verify through their Authorized outlets as any other location is not using phones that Apple has provided for resale.

I'm sorry, but not sure why you are continuing to push this when Apple's decision is final.

We are users here on this user-to-user site.......just like you.

We have no say in Apple's decisions, so continuing to try to explain your case here will be of no benefit to you.

If you were unable to supply Apple with sufficient documentation to prove ownership of the phone, it’s a brick.

Apple is not here. we can’t do anything for you. Apple’s decision is final.