Removing Activation Lock on second-hand iPhone with expired Apple ID

Ask the seller to reset the device using the "selling" article below or ask for a refund.

Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support There are only two ways to remove a lock:

#1 If you have the necessary information you can do this yourself by simply signing in with the owner account and password information. If you do not have the required information then you can try method 2 —>

#2 Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” User reports on this community indicate that typically Apple will ONLY accept an original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Presumably this is the only kind Apple can authenticate against fraud since Apple is not involved in third party sales. Apple recommends that you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

Note that the device cannot have Lost Mode set on it. If your device has been taken over by you having entered a scammer’s Account then the scammer may have set that too and the device is lost to you.

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.

If this is a new device to you, follow unlocking by doing as outlined in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If you cannot get the device unlocked then read this section from the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."

And this one for future purchases: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

seyed117 wrote:

Hello,

I bought this iPhone second-hand, and the Apple ID that is signed in has expired.

I cannot sign out because it asks for the old password.

I have the original box with the serial number.

Can you please help me remove the Activation Lock?

No, we cannot.

My understanding is that "the original box" means nothing – and that Apple will not remove Activation Lock from a second-hand iPhone on the basis of "the original box" or on the basis of any receipt for the second-hand sale.

You need to contact the seller (if it is safe to do so) – and ask them to properly prepare the phone for a new owner, or to take the phone back and refund your money. Don't be too surprised if the seller refuses to do so – or if that seller has conveniently "disappeared".