iPhone locked to owner

If you know your Apple ID, but have forgotten your password, see:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

If you need help removing Activation Lock, and have proof of original purchase that would be satisfactory to Apple, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

If you do not know / cannot recover the credentials, and do not have proof sufficient to convince Apple that you are the legitimate owner, they will not help you – and we cannot, either.

Mac Jim ID wrote:

Nope! The Genius Bar cannot fix a device that has an Activation Lock from a previous owner. This is simply not true. The device will remain a brick and the only way Apple would help is if:

• You can provide the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple seller showing you purchased the device.

• You have followed the steps provided if the device was from a deceased family member. This will likely involve court orders and further documentation.

Precisely. Activation Lock is an anti-theft device designed to make lost and stolen iPhones useless to dishonest finders, thieves, fences, and others who might come into possession of someone else's property.

Apple's not going to remove it unless they are sure they're doing it for someone who has rights to the device.

Lillie1230 wrote:

i lost my phone around last year and I completely forgot the password and I sent it all back to factory setting and I now can’t get back in to my phone it’s locked on the iPhone locked to owner

Setting up a new Apple ID is unusual for this.

Most folks continue to use the same Apple ID, as that keeps access to iCloud data, app and music purchases and subscriptions, and disconnects you from Find My, and other such.

Given you’re here and asking about Activation Lock, you didn’t continue to use the same Apple ID.

You’ll need to recover access to the original Apple ID, or provide proof of ownership sufficient to convince Apple.

Jayd1m wrote:

When you buy a new iPhone or reset it the phone can think it’s lost or the owner needs to unlock it so if it’s not yours originally contact the owner or see if the genus bar at the Apple Store can fix it

Nope! The Genius Bar cannot fix a device that has an Activation Lock from a previous owner. This is simply not true. The device will remain a brick and the only way Apple would help is if:

• You can provide the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple seller showing you purchased the device.
• You have followed the steps provided if the device was from a deceased family member. This will likely involve court orders and further documentation.

When you buy a new iPhone or reset it the phone can think it’s lost or the owner needs to unlock it so if it’s not yours originally contact the owner or see if the genus bar at the Apple Store can fix it