I have a problem where I've bought a second hand iPod touch 7th gen from eBay, however it has an activation lock on it preventing me from setting it up. I can't contact the seller, and I'd quite like to be able to use it. I have already submitted a support request to apple but haven't heard anything back. How can I get this sorted?
iPod touch
If you see a "Locked To Owner" message, one referring to iCloud locked, or activation locked:
Read this article about removing Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support To remove the lock you will need either:
-The account information that set the lock (if the previous owner is deceased, read —> How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support )
OR
-The original sales receipt from Apple itself or an Apple approved vendor. Other ways you may think might be “proof” of ownership or purchase, such as having the box, or a receipt from a third party vendor such as Ebay, will likely not be acceptable by Apple. Apple may have no way of verifying the authenticity of other methods. If you have an acceptable receipt, ask Apple to unlock the device —> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support
This is what should have been done before you took possession of the iPhone --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support At this stage there is nothing you can do unless you also have the receipt from when the phone was purchased from Apple or an authorized dealer. It is not unusual to find similar posts here where somebody fell for a thief selling a stolen iPhone.
Recycle the device if you cannot unlock it; it is useless to you. 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."
When considering future purchases read these:
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
If you want to buy a preowned iPhone - Apple Support
If you see a "Locked To Owner" message, one referring to iCloud locked, or activation locked:
Read this article about removing Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support To remove the lock you will need either:
-The account information that set the lock (if the previous owner is deceased, read —> How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support )
OR
-The original sales receipt from Apple itself or an Apple approved vendor. Other ways you may think might be “proof” of ownership or purchase, such as having the box, or a receipt from a third party vendor such as Ebay, will likely not be acceptable by Apple. Apple may have no way of verifying the authenticity of other methods. If you have an acceptable receipt, ask Apple to unlock the device —> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support
This is what should have been done before you took possession of the iPhone --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support At this stage there is nothing you can do unless you also have the receipt from when the phone was purchased from Apple or an authorized dealer. It is not unusual to find similar posts here where somebody fell for a thief selling a stolen iPhone.
Recycle the device if you cannot unlock it; it is useless to you. 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."
When considering future purchases read these:
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
If you want to buy a preowned iPhone - Apple Support
If the iPod touch is Activation Locked to someone else, whom you cannot contact, and you do not have the original purchase receipt, there is no way to “get it sorted.” Apple will not remove Activation Lock on the basis of a second-hand sales receipt.
See also
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
iPod activation lock?
