Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Recovering iPhone locked to owner

2 iPhones locked to owner 1st is iPhone XS, 2nd is a 13 . Years ago my neighbor asked to use my laptop to show his dad something. I didn’t think anything about it . I was only one using it so I never signed out .( Well he was much more criminal minded than me , he synced my MacBook Pro & 2 iPads along with the 10xs phone now everything is locked . He admitted it after I asked if the device I saw on iPad was his . This guy ruined some of my photos ( that’s how I found out ) giving me a rotten tooth ( I have good teeth ) shape of eyes . Blurred out other photos . Is there a way to recover my locked devices . The 10xs is the photos I really want . I do have serial # all the other numbers for that . I did put the laptop & iPads on external drive so have those .



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 27, 2024 11:54 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 28, 2024 8:45 AM

While some of what you say seems to hang together, I am not getting a clear picture. Simply using a laptop is not going to lock devices to his account, particularly if you did not sign out of your account first. The only thing I can think of is you let him know your account password and then he changed that. But surely it wouldn't have taken you "years" to discover that?


To lock a device to an account the person has to sign in on the device itself. Signing in on the laptop is not going to lock the device to his account. Him changing your password could result in the message you see because it is now locked to your account to which you no longer have access. You may or may not be able to regain access to that.


Read this document if you think your Apple ID has been compromised. --> If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support


For iOS 15 or earlier, if you want to see if anyone else has access to your device or accounts, click here --> Checklist 1: Limit device and account access - Apple Support


For iOS 16 or later see how Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe. Safety Check for an iPhone with iOS 16 or later - Apple Support


Use the information in this document to check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in --> Check your Apple Account device list to find where you’re signed in - Apple Support


Related materials:

Personal Safety User Guide

Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support

> open the Table of Contents and review the articles


A document with general information about security and your Apple ID --> Security and your Apple Account - Apple Support


Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security. This page provides country-specific Apple Support contact information ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


As for the "locked to owner" thing, you can get Apple to reset the device if you still have the original receipt for it, but they will completely erase the device, plus it won't get your account back for you.


Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support




3 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 28, 2024 8:45 AM in response to IMAPFA

While some of what you say seems to hang together, I am not getting a clear picture. Simply using a laptop is not going to lock devices to his account, particularly if you did not sign out of your account first. The only thing I can think of is you let him know your account password and then he changed that. But surely it wouldn't have taken you "years" to discover that?


To lock a device to an account the person has to sign in on the device itself. Signing in on the laptop is not going to lock the device to his account. Him changing your password could result in the message you see because it is now locked to your account to which you no longer have access. You may or may not be able to regain access to that.


Read this document if you think your Apple ID has been compromised. --> If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support


For iOS 15 or earlier, if you want to see if anyone else has access to your device or accounts, click here --> Checklist 1: Limit device and account access - Apple Support


For iOS 16 or later see how Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe. Safety Check for an iPhone with iOS 16 or later - Apple Support


Use the information in this document to check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in --> Check your Apple Account device list to find where you’re signed in - Apple Support


Related materials:

Personal Safety User Guide

Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support

> open the Table of Contents and review the articles


A document with general information about security and your Apple ID --> Security and your Apple Account - Apple Support


Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security. This page provides country-specific Apple Support contact information ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


As for the "locked to owner" thing, you can get Apple to reset the device if you still have the original receipt for it, but they will completely erase the device, plus it won't get your account back for you.


Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support




Reply

Dec 30, 2024 7:50 AM in response to IMAPFA

With Apple it is 'one account for everything'. He didn't have to do it on other devices. Once he had access to your account it gave him access to anything with that account. That's why Apple is pretty determined about account security which some people think is crazy until something like this happens.

Reply

Dec 30, 2024 3:34 AM in response to Limnos

Yes after a new iPad crashed he offered to fix it , I did give him the password ( never in a million years did I dream he would synch everything) He actually admitted it to me , I should have called the cops right then . Yes I was stupid . I’ll never trust anyone again .

Reply

Recovering iPhone locked to owner

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.