PHONES GUIDE
iPhone Activation Lock: what it means and how owners remove it
Activation Lock links an iPhone to its owner's Apple Account through Find My. It is separate from a screen passcode or network lock, and a factory reset is not a substitute for the owner's permission.
Understand the protection before changing anything
Apple explains that Activation Lock turns on with Find My and can remain protective after a remote erase. Its purpose is to prevent another person activating a lost or stolen device without authorisation.
If the screen says iPhone Locked to Owner, or setup asks for a previous owner's account, resolve that account link before treating the phone as ready for sale. An unlocked screen or a working SIM does not establish that ownership protection has been released. Keep network status and account status as separate checks.
If you own and can access the iPhone
Use your own account credentials and follow the phone's normal prompts. Before a handover, check your saved information and complete the preparation process in our iPhone reset guide. Do not erase the only accessible copy of important data while trying to solve an account issue.
Apple's removal instructions explain the supported authentication options. If you have forgotten the account or password, use the official recovery help linked there. Keep your password, device passcode and verification codes private; the buyer should not need them in an enquiry.
If the device is offline or belongs to a previous owner
Apple provides a web route for removing an eligible device through iCloud Find Devices. The account holder signs in, selects the correct handset and follows the removal instructions. Check the identifier carefully, especially if several similar devices are listed.
If somebody else's account is attached, ask that person to complete their own removal. Do not ask them to give you their password. A second-hand seller who cannot release the phone needs to resolve the issue; paying an unknown service to bypass the lock is not an appropriate handover process.
If ownership needs additional help
Apple offers an Activation Lock support-request route where proof of purchase is available. A request is subject to Apple's checks, rather than a promise that any document will unlock a device. Use the official support page and retain your original records.
For a business or school phone, contact the authorised IT team or manager. Do not remove organisational controls without approval. If the phone is actually lost or stolen, follow Apple's missing-device advice instead of releasing it for someone requesting account removal.
Check readiness before a sale
When an erased phone is set up, it should not demand the previous owner's account. Apple's used-iPhone guidance explains why a buyer must check that point. A welcome screen alone is only part of that assessment.
Tell EXE about any unresolved restriction, damage or preparation problem. An enquiry can describe the situation, but it does not promise acceptance of an account-locked handset. Resolve legitimate ownership first and agree any handover with clear information.
Sources and further guidance
Follow the official instructions for your own device and software version.
support.apple.com — 108794support.apple.com — 108934support.apple.com — 104999Tell us what you have.
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