what does icloud locked mean?

Check the status of Activation lock here: https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/and you might find how it works here: Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support.

Why can't you use it fully, I mean what are the disadvantages?

Before you can do anything on it at all it will want the previous owners apple id and password and without it you'll have a really expensive paperweight.

I'd be buying one of these just for the logic board. Would taking that out and putting it into my phone still give me the icloud lock problem? I'm guessing yes....?

Yes, you will still be facing Activation Lock even if you relocate the logic board

to another iPhone.

Well, that's too bad, but that, as they say, is that. Thanks.

Great info, I goggled the question what is iCloud Lock and got this. My question is if a phone is brand new in a sealed box (never used) could it still be iCloud locked?

No, if he never turned on Find My iPhone then it would not be activation locked and could be used by someone else.

No, but it might be blacklisted by the carrier, which means no participating carrier will allow the phone to be activated. This is not iCloud lock, it is IMEI blacklisting.

I am taking from this that if you buy an iPhone from eBay or Craig's List, it is hard to know what you will wind up with, correct? But supper great info! Thanks

not like that

Can you please explain your response to the 18 month old post you just answered?

This was very helpful. Thank you very much!!

Sorry me again...

Is there a way to find out the carrier without the SIM card?

Thank you!

Oh my - I really have no clue 😟

I think I may just throw this one away as I don't want to sell/give it to anyone and it doesn't work.

Can it even be used for parts then?

AGain thanks!