I was just given a used IPhone 4 in perfect condition. It is unlocked from previous service but I need an Apple ID and password. help!

I believe it is asking you for the Apple ID and password for the former owner. The creation of an Apple ID and password for yourself is handled during activation, or you can do it here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2731

If the device is asking for an Apple ID and password of the former owner, you will have to get in touch with the person that you got the device from. Without that information, you will not be able to activate the device.

Confirming ChrisJ4203's diagnosis - you need to get past the Activation Lock by supplying the previous owner's Apple ID and password. This is an anti-theft process that Apple instituted.

This article explains activation lock:

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13695

can someone please help, it's happened to my Ipad i have been using for just over a year. It crashed and needed recovering and i can get pass a activation Ipad part.

It's new, i Bought it from a chinese shop and now it wants a ID number i dont know. I cant even get in touch with the shop owner, cos its so long ago.

I think this is stuipd and should at least ask the owner of it when puting this serive into use, cos i have not stole it paid a good £300+ some and now I cant use it.

xixi123 wrote:

can someone please help,

Sorry... There is No workaround...

The Apple ID and Password that was Originally used to Activate the iDevice is required.

I believe it is a shame that this is affecting you in this way, however, your purchase of this device second hand from a shop that is not authorized to sell it is where your problem lies, not with Apple. This was designed to prevent the theft, resale and activation of devices that have been stolen or obtained other ways. You did not do this, the former owner did and the shop just exacerbated the issue. No one said you stole it, but someone probably did.