I entered someone else's Apple ID into my phone

I entered someone else's Apple ID into my phone. The scammers demanded money and then blocked my phone. I lost access to the phone. What can I do about this?

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 10:42 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 10, 2025 3:58 AM

This is a common scam and usually ends with the device owner buying a new device.


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. However, you do not have the required information so 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 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


6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 10, 2025 3:58 AM in response to DanceTrener

This is a common scam and usually ends with the device owner buying a new device.


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. However, you do not have the required information so 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 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


Nov 10, 2025 6:44 AM in response to khurshid_kuchkarov

I wouldn’t give the key to my home to some stranger who asked for it out on the street. It would not be surprising if that stranger robbed me if I did. If they quickly called a locksmith, or I gave them an only key, I might even find myself locked out of my own home.


The same applies here. You acted to intentionally register a stranger as the “owner” of your device. Then bad things predictably followed.

Nov 10, 2025 7:03 AM in response to khurshid_kuchkarov

Yes, it was wrong of the scammer but you made an unwise decision in actively helping somebody else take ownership of your device. The locking system is there to protect owners from having stolen devices being used by thieves but it can only go so far in protecting people from themselves. Accept this as a costly way in having learned a lesson.




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.

I entered someone else's Apple ID into my phone

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