Restore backup to new iPhone without transferring the (blocked) Apple ID sign-in?

llo,


my iPhone 13 is signed into an Apple ID that has been permanently disabled and cannot be recovered. Because of this I cannot sign out of iCloud on the device or turn off Find My.


I created a full encrypted backup via my Mac and restored it to a new iPhone. However, the restore also transferred the iCloud sign-in of the disabled account to the new phone, and I could not sign out there either. I had to erase the new iPhone, which is now set up fresh without any account.


I would like to move my data (photos, notes, messages, app data) from the old iPhone to the new one without the disabled Apple ID being configured again.


Questions:

1. Is there any supported way to restore a Finder/iTunes backup while excluding the iCloud account settings?

2. Can Apple Support remove Activation Lock from the old device with proof of purchase, even though the account itself remains disabled? What documents are needed?

3. Is there any other supported migration path in my situation?


Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you!

iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 18, 2026 7:12 AM

Reply
6 replies

Jul 18, 2026 1:50 PM in response to apple__problem

apple__problem wrote:
Are you sure? It seems like iMazing is a powerful tool for syncing data?

I have only ever seen problems when users have attempted to use it on an iPhone, not only with the phone but also the computer where it is installed. There is a reason why it cannot be found in any App Store and the developer requires you to install it from their website.


Activation Lock is removed by Apple with the appropriate documentation. The device will be wiped following removal:

https://al-support.apple.com/#/al/agreement


Carrier Lock is only removed from the carrier it is locked to where Apple cannot help at all.

Jul 18, 2026 8:42 AM in response to apple__problem

iOS is a closed/sandbox system. There are NO tools you can use to transfer over files from an iPhone. Everything on the phone is 100% Encrypted.


If you have the original purchase receipt from Apple or an authorized Apple Reseller, which clearly shows the serial number of the iPhone, Apple "may" be willing to help you. If you don't have that very important document, Apple won't help you at all.



Jul 18, 2026 7:37 AM in response to apple__problem

apple__problem wrote:
llo,
my iPhone 13 is signed into an Apple ID that has been permanently disabled and cannot be recovered. Because of this I cannot sign out of iCloud on the device or turn off Find My.
I created a full encrypted backup via my Mac and restored it to a new iPhone. However, the restore also transferred the iCloud sign-in of the disabled account to the new phone, and I could not sign out there either. I had to erase the new iPhone, which is now set up fresh without any account.
I would like to move my data (photos, notes, messages, app data) from the old iPhone to the new one without the disabled Apple ID being configured again.
Questions:
1. Is there any supported way to restore a Finder/iTunes backup while excluding the iCloud account settings?
2. Can Apple Support remove Activation Lock from the old device with proof of purchase, even though the account itself remains disabled? What documents are needed?
3. Is there any other supported migration path in my situation?
Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you!
  1. No
  2. How did the phone wind up in Activation Lock in the first place? If for example you signed out of your account on the phone and signed into someone else's account and the phone was then locked by the scammers, the answer is NO, Apple can't remove Activation Lock at all.
  3. Probably not.


We need more information on how the iPhone 13 became locked.

Jul 18, 2026 3:15 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks, this is interesting to hear that this can cause issues, thanks for sharing! Is there any (safer) tool instead?


Hmm not sure re activation lock - I got the unlock now approved but its prob not helpful as it would still erase all my data before it is removed. Or would it help wipe it -> restore from backup and then not force me to stay with the Apple ID?


Sounds like I dont have a Carrier Lock issue.

Restore backup to new iPhone without transferring the (blocked) Apple ID sign-in?

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