How can I get rid of activation Lock

Hi guys so I had stopped using Apple products for a very long time until I found my old iPhone XR now my iPhone XR it’s old and I forgot the password so I factory reset it now I am stuck on activation lock because I don’t use the email anymore I don’t use the entire iCloud anymore so I can’t get rid of it I still have the serial number and the IMEI number but I don’t have the receipt or the box anymore can someone help me to recover my old iPhone XR

Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Feb 17, 2026 12:27 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 17, 2026 12:38 PM

To me it reads like the XR is ready for recycling. You just negated all the methods Apple (or anybody) can do to remove it.


Refer to https://support.apple.com/108934 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 https://support.apple.com/109511 or http://support.apple.com/HT201065 . 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" --> https://support.apple.com/HT202711

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 https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in :

"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 https://www.apple.com/ 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:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038

https://support.apple.com/104999


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 17, 2026 12:38 PM in response to lwazi35

To me it reads like the XR is ready for recycling. You just negated all the methods Apple (or anybody) can do to remove it.


Refer to https://support.apple.com/108934 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 https://support.apple.com/109511 or http://support.apple.com/HT201065 . 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" --> https://support.apple.com/HT202711

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 https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in :

"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 https://www.apple.com/ 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:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038

https://support.apple.com/104999


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How can I get rid of activation Lock

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