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what can I do if it is locked. It was my phone to begin with and was taken

i bought a phone from verizon about 2 years ago. My son gave it to someone else to use and I have finally gotten it back but it is locked and I can't use it. It was not a good situation and I have no way to get info from them to unlock it. Is there any way I will be able to use this phone


Posted on Jan 1, 2023 10:44 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 7:31 AM

You appear to be are encountering the Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support feature, related to iCloud - Find My - Apple . Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information get the owner of the account to remove the lock. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


Your alternative will be Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request -

https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support

Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 2, 2023 7:31 AM in response to Laneymay30

You appear to be are encountering the Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support feature, related to iCloud - Find My - Apple . Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information get the owner of the account to remove the lock. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


Your alternative will be Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request -

https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support

Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


what can I do if it is locked. It was my phone to begin with and was taken

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