HT201365: Find My iPhone Activation Lock

Learn about Find My iPhone Activation Lock
rodney555
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: iphone4

i lost my proof of purchase, i have a notorized letter saying i am the legal owner of this phone, its under my name with AT&T i have a number however, its still activated under another icloud. numerous attempt to reach the previous owner "a female" have been unsuccessful. it isnt a stolen iphone, legally obtained, its just that this lady will never log onto icloud to remove the devise who ever she is been dealing with this for about a month now.... and according to michael; a senior advisor for apple support, who by the way tried all he could do to help me (thanks mike) , said that without a valid purchase reciept i cant do nothing.... im hoping if i go to corporate with I.D my notorized letter a letter from AT&T i will be ok.......

iPhone 4, iOS 7.1

Posted on Mar 20, 2014 10:47 PM

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rodney555

Q: iphone4

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  • by Jay-Ray,

    Jay-Ray Jay-Ray Mar 20, 2014 11:13 PM in response to rodney555
    Level 4 (2,699 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 20, 2014 11:13 PM in response to rodney555

    If it is locked to another person's account, they will have to remove it from their account, otherwise you purchased a valuable brick.  there is not much more you can do short of asking for your money back form the previous owner or pursuing legal action to get your money back from them.

     

    Activation Lock: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766

     

    What if I purchase a device that is still linked to the previous owner's account?

    Contact the previous owner as soon as possible and ask them to erase the device and remove it from their account. For complete instructions, read how to remove a device from a previous owner's account.

     

    How do I check for Activation Lock before purchasing a used device?

    When purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, it is up to you to ensure that the device has been erased and is no longer linked to the previous owner’s account.

    Follow each of these steps to make sure that you can use the device you purchase:

     

    1. Turn the device on and slide to unlock.
      2. If the passcode lock screen or the home screen appears, the device has not been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Do not take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been erased.

    2. Begin the device setup process.
      3. After choosing a language, choosing a country, and connecting to a network, the device will begin activation. If you are asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner is not present, they can remove the device from their account by signing in to icloud.com/find. Do not take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

    You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you are asked to “Set up your iPhone", “Set up your iPad", or “Set up your iPod” during the device setup process.

  • by Jay-Ray,

    Jay-Ray Jay-Ray Mar 20, 2014 11:16 PM in response to rodney555
    Level 4 (2,699 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 20, 2014 11:16 PM in response to rodney555

    I know that's not what you wanted to read, but you are kind of stuck and there's no other way around it in your situation.