Request for Assistance: Navigating the Maze of Activation Locked iPhones

David_Ramsey wrote:

Unfortunately, these devices are all activation locked, all Apple devices. This has turned their use into a bit of a comedy of errors, sans the laughter.

With all transactions documented and receipts on hand, I am seeking your guidance and assistance in resolving this situation, if possible.

If all of the transactions are documented, and you have receipts in hand, then it might be time to seek redress from the people or businesses who sold you the phones. I.e., to ask that these sellers either (a) have the original owners properly prepare the phones for resale, or (b) refund your money.

Of course, if you have reason to think that the people who sold you the phones are criminals, it might not be al that safe to ask for a refund. In that case, you may want to recycle the phones responsibly, or turn them in to the local police department's Lost & Found department (if you bought the phones locally, and there is a remote chance that the rightful owners might come looking for their property and be able to claim it).

Options I am considering include unlocking the devices, exploring trade-in opportunities, or potentially donating them to educational entities, should they be made operable.

None of which will pan out. You will not be able to bypass Activation Lock. Apple will not give you anything in trade for an Activation Locked iPhone – at best, they will accept it free of charge, for recycling.

Additionally, I am committed to finding and returning the devices to their rightful owners if such information is available and actionable.

If the rightful owners have not chosen to display this information on the Activation Lock screens, Apple will not give their information to you. This is both to protect the rightful owners' privacy and security, and because Apple might not even have the information in question.

The best you can do is to turn the phones in to a Lost and Found department at some place where the owners may think to come looking for the phones – e.g., the Lost and Found department of the local police.

I am looking forward to collaborating with you to find a resolution that upholds the standards of customer service and sustainability that Apple is known for.

You're not speaking to Apple here, but to other Apple users.

David,

There is no maze to travel. It doesn't matter if you paid $1 or $10,000 dollars for these phones. They are most likely stolen phones and whoever you bought them from just wanted to get something for them. The receipt you have is worthless to Apple as the ONLY receipt which is worth it to Apple is the original purchase receipt a customer gets when they buy the device brand new and it also shows the Serial Number of the device.

You suggest Apple uphold the standards of customer service. Apple is doing just that. They are protecting whoever originally purchased the phones, which is most definitely NOT you. Apple in fact, owes you no consideration at all here.

As has already been recommended, drop the phones off at an Apple Store or electronics store, which recycles electronics. You will NEVER be able to use them and you shouldn't be able to use them.

You are welcome to read this as well --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

I have bad news for you, David. The activation lock is a theft deterrent. You may have receipts from whomever sold you the devices, but that means nothing unless the original owners took the following steps before handing over their devices to your seller. I question if some of these devices were stolen.

Before you buy, sell, give away or trade in – Apple Watch

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

You will not be able to use those devices. Before you purchase any other used Apple devices, please read the article below. It could save you money.

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

Re: “… find a resolution that upholds the standards of customer service and sustainability that Apple is known for …”

The devices can be easily returned for recycling at nearly any Apple Store.

.