So, I was laid off a year ago, have since moved, and recently found my old work phone. It’s an iPhone 12 in good condition. I want to trade it in, but can’t unlock it. The Apple ID is my old work email and I can’t remember the password or passcode to get into the phone. Can I still trade it in?
Not possible. The phone is not yours to trade-in and it should be returned to the owner. Apple will simply not accept a trade-in like this. And you can’t sell it because it cannot be used by anyone else but the owner, known as Activation Lock. You would need the cooperation of your former employer to unlock and prepare the phone for trade-in or reselling.
However, if you actually own the phone but have forgotten your login credentials try reading the links provided below.
If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it - Apple Support
Not possible. The phone is not yours to trade-in and it should be returned to the owner. Apple will simply not accept a trade-in like this. And you can’t sell it because it cannot be used by anyone else but the owner, known as Activation Lock. You would need the cooperation of your former employer to unlock and prepare the phone for trade-in or reselling.
However, if you actually own the phone but have forgotten your login credentials try reading the links provided below.
If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it - Apple Support
If all else fails you can ask Apple to unlock it BUT you would need to provide the original sales receipt that shows the correct model and serial number. A copy of the receipt would not be accepted, only the original.
If you are successful use the link below to prepare the phone for gifting, resale, or trade-in.
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
But I purchased the phone outright when I started at the company. It’s mine to keep. The account used was mine via the company, but the physical phone was purchased by me through them. I can’t return it because it’s mine, but the account on it is theirs. I have old emails on my personal phone that are from the work account. But I can’t find any other information that shows it’s mine.
Just saw the rest of your reply . Looking into it now
Trading in old work phone
