If you have reset your iPhone or bought a used one, now it won't get past the setup screen until Apple ID credentials are entered. That is because of Activation Lock, which is meant to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone in case it gets stolen. But if you want to get rid of it and continue using your device, then keep reading as we help you unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone in no time.
How to Unlock an iCloud-Locked iPhone
An iPhone can get locked if it gets reset without turning off Find My. As a result, you might see an "iPhone not activated" error on the setup screen. It means your iPhone is iCloud locked. To remove this, you need to sign in to your Apple ID account if it is your iPhone.
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Remove Activation Lock If You Know the Password
This one is simple. If you already know your Apple Account ID and password and have another device nearby signed in with the same account, then here's how you can remove the activation lock on Apple phones.
- On the setup screen, tap on the Apple ID field (if it's already showing).
- Enter your Apple ID account details as required.
- A confirmation code will be sent to a trusted device. Enter the code and the lock will be removed.
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Unlock iCloud Locked iPhone If You Don't Know the Password
If you have forgotten your Apple account password, follow these steps. You'll need a trusted device, phone number, or recovery email tied to your Apple ID to verify it's actually yours and reset the password.
- On the Activation Lock screen of your iPhone, tap on the info icon as shown below.
- Alternatively, you can tap the Apple ID field (if it's already showing).
- Then, select Forgot Password.
- Now enter the email address and phone number associated with the Apple ID.
- A 6-digit code will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it in the empty field.
- You can now create a new password for your account.
- Once you've recovered access, enter the correct Apple ID and password directly on the Activation Lock screen to unlock the device.
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Access Your iPhone with Trusted Devices
Alternatively, you can follow these steps if you have a trusted iPhone, iPad or Mac or access to the number associated with your Apple ID account.
- On another device, or a borrowed one, go to iforgot.apple.com.
- Here, tap on Reset Password and select Start Security Delay if it is your device.
- Once the security delay ends, you will be able to reset your password.
- If it is not your device, tap on Help Someone Else.
- Enter your Apple Account email address.
- Enter the trusted phone number and select how you want to receive your verification code.
- Enter the code, then follow the prompts to set a new password.
- Use the new password on the Activation Lock screen to unlock the device.
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Remove iCloud Lock without Trusted Devices
If you don't have a trusted device, number, or email address handy, but you know the number and other details, Apple still offers a way to unlock your iCloud-locked iPhone in a few steps. You can do it from another iPhone or someone else's Android device too.
- Go to iforgot.apple.com and tap on Reset Password.
- You'll need to enter the trusted phone number tied to the account when prompted.
- Even if you can no longer receive calls or texts on it, simply recalling the number is enough.
- Once submitted, Apple sends a confirmation email within 72 hours.
The email informs you when you will be able to gain access again. This wait is a security measure, and Apple Support cannot speed it up, even if you call them directly.
- When the wait period ends, return to iforgot.apple.com and complete the password reset.
- Use your new password to unlock the device.
If you can't confirm the trusted phone number at all, or the device does not belong to you, then account recovery is not possible, and the iPhone will remain locked.
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What to Do If You Bought a Used iPhone With an iCloud Lock
This is the more frustrating scenario, since you're dealing with someone else's Apple ID, not your own. Here are the possible dos and don'ts for you.
- Contact the previous owner: This is by far the fastest fix. They can either enter their Apple ID password to unlock the device or remove it remotely by signing into iCloud.com, going to Find Devices, selecting the iPhone, and choosing Remove From Account.
- Contact Apple Support: You can also use Apple's Activation Lock support request to get your iPhone unlocked, but you'll need valid proof of purchase, an original receipt or invoice showing the device's serial number or IMEI, submitted through Apple's official portal.
- Wait for Apple's review: If your documentation checks out, Apple can remove the lock remotely, though this can take several days.
- Avoid third-party "iCloud unlock" tools and services: There's no legitimate tool that can remove the lock from your iPhone if it is iCloud locked. Anything claiming to unlock iCloud instantly through an app or paid service is probably a scam or uses illegal exploits to reactivate stolen phones.
- Know when to walk away: No receipt, no way to reach the seller, and no other proof of ownership means it's time to cut your losses on that device rather than keep hunting for a workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone without the previous owner?
Only through Apple's official Activation Lock support request, and only with valid proof of purchase. Without the previous owner's cooperation or a receipt showing you're the rightful owner, there's no legitimate way to remove the lock.
How long does Apple's Activation Lock removal request take?
It varies, but expect it to take several days rather than being instant. Apple reviews your submitted documentation before deciding whether to remove the lock remotely.
Is it illegal to sell an iCloud-locked iPhone?
It's not illegal, but it's a bad idea and often against marketplace policies. Always sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My iPhone before selling or handing off a device so the buyer doesn't end up stuck in a situation this guide is meant to help.
And that's how you fix an iCloud-locked iPhone, whether it's your own device you're locked out of or a used one you're stuck with. Account recovery handles the first case in minutes. The second takes more patience, but between the previous owner and Apple's official process, there's always a legitimate path through it, even if it's not always fast.
