iPhone Asking for Previous Owner’s Apple ID After Reset

My account was signed in on my phone, but after I reset it, it now asks me to enter the Apple ID of the previous owner. I don’t understand how it could have changed after I reset the phone. Because of this, I can’t sign in to my phone with my own email and password. Please help me solve this problem.

iPhone XS Max, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 15, 2026 7:39 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 15, 2026 9:16 AM

You will have to either be able to contact the person whose address is entered into the device, or they will have to have given you an acceptable receipt from when they got it from Apple.


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 and doing as instructed in the above article. If you use this method and 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 or What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support . 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 and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested. Apple says they “may” require "proof of purchase documentation” and that you need “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 absolutely require, and 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 has likely 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 read these for future purchases:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

If you want to buy a preowned iPhone - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 15, 2026 9:16 AM in response to didarartyk

You will have to either be able to contact the person whose address is entered into the device, or they will have to have given you an acceptable receipt from when they got it from Apple.


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 and doing as instructed in the above article. If you use this method and 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 or What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support . 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 and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested. Apple says they “may” require "proof of purchase documentation” and that you need “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 absolutely require, and 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 has likely 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 read these for future purchases:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

If you want to buy a preowned iPhone - Apple Support


Feb 15, 2026 8:58 AM in response to didarartyk

It was never properly erased before you received the phone. Don't take ownership of a phone unless you see the "Hello" screen to activate the device with your Apple Account. Simply signing in with your Apple Account on a device that was previously linked to another user will not check Activation Lock status, that is only done after a reset or attempt of another user to activate the phone.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Unfortunately that now leaves you with no way to use the device without the assistance of the original owner to remove the Activation Lock with their credentials. They can do this remotely if you are able to contact them.

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.

iPhone Asking for Previous Owner’s Apple ID After Reset

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