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We purchased an iPhone off eBay and seller did not remove Apple ID we are unable to get into phone how do we remove their Apple ID

We purchased an iPhone off eBay 2 years ago and they didn’t remove their Apple ID from it. We restored phone but it says activation lock and wants us to enter Apple ID and password. How do we remove this ID from this phone so that we can use it

Posted on Jul 26, 2021 10:06 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 26, 2021 11:20 AM

shelene163 wrote:

We purchased an iPhone off eBay 2 years ago and they didn’t remove their Apple ID from it. We restored phone but it says activation lock and wants us to enter Apple ID and password. How do we remove this ID from this phone so that we can use it

You need the seller information to remove the activation lock, if you can't get a hold of them the phone is useless.

Should've returned the phone when you first got it if there info was still attached to the phone.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 26, 2021 11:20 AM in response to shelene163

shelene163 wrote:

We purchased an iPhone off eBay 2 years ago and they didn’t remove their Apple ID from it. We restored phone but it says activation lock and wants us to enter Apple ID and password. How do we remove this ID from this phone so that we can use it

You need the seller information to remove the activation lock, if you can't get a hold of them the phone is useless.

Should've returned the phone when you first got it if there info was still attached to the phone.

Aug 20, 2021 8:50 AM in response to atik18

If this is a used device, the previous owner needs to log out of iCloud or go to https://www.icloud.com/find/ and erase the device, then remove it from their account. If they won't do that, the device is useless. Apple won't unlock it.


Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support.   *


If you are the original owner, contact Apple. Apple can remove the ID  if provided the required paperwork to include the original purchase receipt with the serial number on it. 


Request additional support for unlocking your device.    -


You used to be able to take the device, the original purchase receipt with the serial number, and a photo ID to the nearest Apple Store (if it has reopened) and have them remove the ID. This may have changed, so call the store before going to make sure they can help.


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple.   -



We purchased an iPhone off eBay and seller did not remove Apple ID we are unable to get into phone how do we remove their Apple ID

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