Kennedycrew

Q: Activation Lock asking for deleted Apple ID.

Just got a second hand iPhone 4S. The previous owner had the data erased, and now when I try to activate the phone it asks for his AppleID and password. I called him and he said he had deleted the account, and so it won't accept the AppleID. Is there a way to activate the phone without this AppleID?

iPhone 4S

Posted on Sep 4, 2016 12:31 AM

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Q: Activation Lock asking for deleted Apple ID.

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  • by Rudegar,

    Rudegar Rudegar Sep 4, 2016 3:58 AM in response to Kennedycrew
    Level 7 (28,376 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 4, 2016 3:58 AM in response to Kennedycrew

    no

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Sep 4, 2016 4:41 AM in response to Kennedycrew
    Level 7 (31,061 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 4, 2016 4:41 AM in response to Kennedycrew

    Hi

     

    You are describing Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of the iPhone if it is lost or stolen.

     

    This can be disabled only by the previous owner either entering their Apple ID and password on the device or by them removing the iPhone from their devices list in Find My iPhone via iCloud.com.

     

    If the seller was the original owner and the one who enabled Activation Lock, they can try to recover their forgotten Apple ID and/or password information (it seems unlikely that they "deleted the account", as this cannot be done without Apple's assistance):

     

     

    If they cannot recover this information, but they still have their proof of purchase as the original owner of the iPhone, ask them to accompany you and the device to a Genius Bar appointment, where Apple may be able to assist in removing the lock.

     

    If you cannot arrange for either of these steps to be taken, then you will be unable to use the iPhone and should return it for a refund. There is no way around this security feature.

     

    More information and instructions:

    Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support