Activation Lock for stolen iPhone with passcode and Find My off

I would like to clarify a security concern regarding my iPhone. My iPhone had an Apple ID signed in and a passcode lock enabled, but Find My iPhone was turned off.




In this scenario, if someone tries to restore my iPhone using any software or method, will the Activation Lock be triggered, or would the iPhone be restorable without requiring the Apple ID?




I appreciate your guidance on this matter.




Thank you.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 12:23 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 12:28 PM

No. Unfortunately in that case, the thief can bypass the passcode by connecting your iPhone to a computer and erasing it. If Find My was enabled, after that it would present the Activation Lock screen.

7 replies

Oct 21, 2025 12:37 PM in response to rehman221

rehman221 wrote:



My stolen iPhone still has my Apple ID signed in, which I never logged out from.



In this situation, if someone tries to restore or use the iPhone, will the Activation Lock be triggered, or would it be possible to use the device without entering my Apple ID?

Even if the iPhone had your Apple Account signed in to iCloud Services, it would still need Find My explicitly enabled beforehand.

Oct 21, 2025 12:51 PM in response to rehman221

Refer to What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support where it says, "sign in to iCloud.com/find"

and see if your device is signed in. I was kind of under the impression that unless you specifically disabled Find My that it was automatically enabled when you set up a device. If you are signed in then set the device to erase but do not remove it from your account. If you do that then a finder can make use of your device.


Read this support article to learn what you can do if Find My iPhone or Find My iPad isn't enabled on your missing device --> How to find your lost iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


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Activation Lock for stolen iPhone with passcode and Find My off

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