Can I trade an iPhone that is activation locked for a new one?

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Can I trade an iPhone that is activation locked for a new one?

I have had an iPhone 12 for the past 4 years. I want to upgrade to the 16 pro this year and I was wondering if apple takes an iPhone that has a locked apple id. The phone functions fine but no matter what I have tried I can’t unlock the apple id( I have even considered requesting to remove activation lock but because the phone was a gift from somebody I can’t provide a proof of purchase). Is it possible to trade in my iPhone 12 for a new one?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 28, 2024 8:04 AM

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Answer 1

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lobsterghost1

Community+ 2026

Level 10

188,585 points

Sep 28, 2024 8:13 AM in response to parsa38

Zachyy is 100% correct. The phone will have no value in trade, since it is activation locked. The "gifted" phone was not prepared correctly for a new use from the beginning. Give it back to whoever gave it to you and ask them to remove the activation lock. If they can't, then the phone is worthless.

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