How do I factory reset the phone when the device has the old owners email and passwords that are not active. The person is in jail and I don’t have the information required to factory reset it? How can the phone be reset?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Please help
iPhone 13, iOS 18
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 or the signed in owner 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 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
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 or the signed in owner 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 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
You don't as the phone is locked to the owners Apple Account and it is their credentials that are required to remove the account from the phone.
If you purchased the phone and can provide the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller, then you can remove the Activation Lock by following the steps here:
How to factory reset an iPhone with inactive owner's email and password?
