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Bought used iPhone and it's locked to the owner

I brought a used phone from someone on Fb. It is locked by the owner now is there a way to find the original owner’s email so I can contact them to unlock the phone and/or return it to them?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 8, 2023 9:05 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 8, 2023 9:10 AM

Have you bought 2nd hand iPhone?

You must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

 

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)


Read this before you buy a newer iPhone.

  

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


Ask you money back if possible.

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5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 8, 2023 9:10 AM in response to nataija83

Have you bought 2nd hand iPhone?

You must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

 

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)


Read this before you buy a newer iPhone.

  

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


Ask you money back if possible.

Apr 8, 2023 9:12 AM in response to nataija83

You've been the victim of a very common scam of being sold what is likely a stolen phone.


Unfortunately, there's no buyer protection of any kind through a private, third party sale. It's about the same as paying a lot of money for a fake Rolex watch that isn't worth $10.


Even if you managed to find the real owner, they're not going to just give you their Apple ID and password so you can unlock keep what is still their phone. They're also not going to reimburse your cost for returning it as they've likely already gotten another phone to replace it.


That leaves you with a useless brick. Your only hope is returning it for a refund, but I wouldn't count on that happening.

Bought used iPhone and it's locked to the owner

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