Who can remove Activation Lock in-person, aside from the online request. Apple Stores? Apple Authorized Resellers? Apple Authorized Service Providers? Elsewhere?
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Many years ago an Apple Store could remove an Activation Lock by bringing your documentation to them, but from what I have heard, they no longer do that and refer you to the singular online process where it is not the store employees making the determination on validity of the owner of the device.
They may assist in submitting the required documentation to Apple, but I would not expect that you could go into the store with a Locked device and walk out with it unlocked. Good question though and look forward to real world experiences. Jeff Donald would be a great source as a previous Apple Store Manager.
Thank you for your reply Mac Jim ID. I am on a thread with someone else and they purchased a new iPhone, it somehow became Activation Locked on their account, they don't know their passcode, and Apple Support is not available in their country. What would they do next?
I didn't know if other Apple Authorized places can remove the Activation Lock on the spot, I guess not. I would assume there would be some distrust and fraud in that.
Hopefully Jeff will chime in.
What country are they in? In countries where Apple does not have a direct presence, service and support for iPhones are provided by the authorized carriers.
If they are in a country without authorized carriers, they may be completely out of luck.
Hi, this will give you a starting point. Serbia is listed and has a link to one carrier.
Stores have some capabilities, but basically it’s turned over to corporate and their stated requirements. Stores act as an interface to provide assistance (what I call handholding) for those customers frustrated or overwhelmed by events, circumstances and corporate processes.
But to your point, a store cannot force an activation, to the best of my knowledge. Apple uses special secure activation servers.
Activation Lock security - Apple Support
Mobile device management security overview - Apple Support
Jeff, thank you for your informative and sage response. I believe it would be best if you answer within the original thread as you understand it best.
Can I remove iCloud lock without my old p… - Apple Community
Serbia.
Who can remove Activation Lock in-person, aside from the online request?
