iPhone locked to owner

Read this article about the two ways to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support This can be done by the owner, or by Apple upon request from the owner. The ownership of Apple equipment with an activation lock is indicated by access to the Apple Account that is signed into the device, by accepted documentation (e.g., a receipt from an Apple authorized reseller), or legally documented provenance from a deceased owner (in that situation read: How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support ). If you cannot prove to Apple's satisfaction that you are the true owner of a device, they just have to assume you are a scammer making up a story to try to get into another person's phone and will refuse to unlock it. In that case recycle the device.