How do I unlock the iPhone locked to owner?

If you see a "Locked To Owner" message, one referring to iCloud locked, or activation locked:

Take it back to the person from whom you received it. Get them to do the things in this support article or ask for a refund --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support There is no way to discover the owner of a device unless they left a message to display on the device when it is turned on, or the person who gave you the device knows them.

Read this article about removing Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support Unless you have the account information that set the lock, the original receipt from Apple, or can demonstrate legal inheritance from a deceased owner, you cannot remove the lock; recycle the device.

From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."

You have bought an iPhone with Activation Lock. Activation Lock is a security feature used to protect your device and personal information if it’s lost or stolen, and stolen iPhones are often sold with it.

This is known as buyer beware, beware buying used Apple Products, as they can be Activation Locked and if so, practically useless. You should only ever buy Apple Products from Apple or an Apple Authorized Retailer.

I suggest you return to the seller of this iPhone and request that they unlock it. However, I anticipate that you may not be satisfied with their response, or even receive one at all!

This is nothing else you can do besides that to unlock the iPhone, now you know for next time. Don’t waste your precious money on used iPhones, especially with the risk of Activation Lock.

You should look into Refurbished iPhone Deals - Apple.

I recommend you read this user tip on the risks and sad reality of buying resale Apple Products ⇢

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

Read more on ⇢ How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support or Contact Apple Support, but you wont like the answer from them.

-Zachyy ✌️

Only the seller would be able to resolve the issue if the device is actually theirs and you are able to still contact them. That is very common when people try to sell stolen devices and find a buyer willing to purchase them. You will never be able to use the device if you cannot contact the seller..

brodey289 Said:

"How do I unlock the iPhone locked to owner?: I can’t get into this iPhone I just bought I need help"

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Thank you for the photo.

Troubleshooting a "Locked to Owner" iPhone:

A. Donation Purchase:

Sometimes, a deal is too good to be true --something typically seen at off of the shelf at a Goodwill Store. So, if purchased at a Goodwill, then see if they'd give you credit back.

B. Handing this Over:

If found just laying about the street, then be honest about this and hand it in to local authorities, or to the store where you found this.

They wont be satisfied with their response, or even receive one at all!