How to unlock an iPhone locked to owner?

Iphone locked by previous owner please help.me apple community


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 2:59 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 3:05 AM

You need to contact the previous owner and have them unlock it, no one else can.


Activation lock is a security protocol that can't be bypassed. Only the person it is locked to can unlock it.

If you bought this from someone and it came locked, try to get your money back, you will never be able to use the phone.


If your phone is Activation Locked - How to remove Activation Lock -

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a used phone -

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 24, 2025 3:05 AM in response to billa33

You need to contact the previous owner and have them unlock it, no one else can.


Activation lock is a security protocol that can't be bypassed. Only the person it is locked to can unlock it.

If you bought this from someone and it came locked, try to get your money back, you will never be able to use the phone.


If your phone is Activation Locked - How to remove Activation Lock -

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a used phone -

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038


Mar 24, 2025 3:05 AM in response to billa33

If you are talking about "activation lock" (an anti-theft measure), AND if you cannot remember or don't know the old Apple ID & Password (even using these instructions:--> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support or these:--> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support ) neither we, just users like you, nor Apple can help you, sorry, unless you are the original owner and you still have the proof of purchase (receipt/invoice reporting your device’s IMEI or Serial Number). Should be this case, start your request using this link: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support


Shouldn’t be this case, activation lock can be removed only by the previous owner, with the credentials that were used to activate that iPhone/iPad. Without those credentials, that device is useless to you.

You can also take a look at this support article:--> How to removeActivation Lock- Apple Support


Regards

Giulio

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to unlock an 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.