what if i have no way of contacting the previous owner?

Question

Level 1

4 points

what if i have no way of contacting the previous owner?

I bought my iPhone 5 from someone on offerup and they failed to let me know that their icloud was still on the phone.

Now im in an emergency and need my phone but since i updated my phone it wont let me use it without that information.

For months now i have been trying to get in contact with the person who sold it to me but they said they dont want to take my phone off the account but wont because they dont know how. I offered to help but they havent responded since. WHAT DO I DO

iPhone 5, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Mar 24, 2016 6:27 AM

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Answer 1

ManSinha

Level 6

12,183 points

Mar 24, 2016 6:33 AM in response to Kianafromfl

Unfortunately - there is nothing anyone in the community can do to help

The usual means we offer is to see if the person in the situation like yourself can get a refund or replacement or lodge a complaint about potentially stolen goods being sold to them.

The activation lock is an anti theft mechanism and it cannot be surmounted or worked around

I am sorry for the bleak message but that is the reality

Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

120,179 points

Mar 24, 2016 7:01 AM in response to Kianafromfl

If "they" are indeed the legitimate original owner of the iPhone it is very easy to remove the activation lock remotely. They just need to follow the simple instructions in this article:

What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If "they" refuse to do it and they won't give you a refund, unfortunately there is really nothing you can do.

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Answer 3

Mar 24, 2016 7:01 AM in response to Kianafromfl

They don't have to take off the account, just contact Apple and provide Apple with original receipt (with original proof of purchase they can help) and as motivational tool use Mansinha's advice. Because selling stolen goods to you may actually be the case and if it is seller should not do that. The worst case scenario ask for receipt yourself and contact Apple. If they seller tells you they do not have one - they can contact their seller (Apple authorized) and get

a copy emailed to them.

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