What is Activation Lock?
Learn what Apple Activation Lock does, how it relates to Find My, and what to do if it appears on your iPhone or iPad.
Read this guideTHE OWNER GUIDE LIBRARY
Apple Account and Activation Lock guides
Start with the issue you have. These practical explainers cover account recovery, used iPhone checks, IMEI questions, and Apple’s official support routes.
16 practical guidesOfficial Apple referencesIndependent information
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How Activation Lock works
Understand how Find My links an Apple device to its owner, when Activation Lock appears, and what legitimate options are available.
Read this guideCan an IMEI remove Activation Lock?
An IMEI identifies cellular equipment; learn why an IMEI check cannot remove Apple Activation Lock and what to do instead.
Read this guideCarrier unlock vs. Activation Lock
A carrier-unlocked iPhone can still have Activation Lock. Compare network restrictions, Apple Account access, and device ownership checks.
Read this guideBought an iPhone that is Activation Locked?
A practical, safe sequence for a second-hand iPhone that asks for someone else’s Apple Account during setup.
Read this guideCheck a used iPhone for Activation Lock
Use this practical pre-purchase check to confirm a used iPhone is erased and no longer linked to its previous owner.
Read this guideApple Account recovery
Learn where to start Apple Account recovery, what to expect, and how to protect your account while Apple verifies your identity.
Read this guideLost Mode vs. Activation Lock
Learn what Lost Mode does when a device goes missing and how it differs from Activation Lock during erase and setup.
Read this guideActivation Lock and proof of purchase
Find out when a proof-of-purchase document may support an Activation Lock request and what to do if a second-hand device is locked.
Read this guideHow to spot iCloud unlock scams
Warning signs of misleading Activation Lock unlock offers, including IMEI claims, upfront fees, and requests for credentials.
Read this guideHow to remove Activation Lock
See the owner, previous-owner, and proof-of-purchase routes Apple documents for an Activation-Locked device.
Read this guideWhat can an iPhone IMEI check tell you?
Understand what an IMEI identifies, why lookup data varies, and why it cannot confirm or remove Activation Lock.
Read this guideIMEI status vs. Activation Lock
Compare IMEI-based device and network lookups with Apple’s account-linked Activation Lock protection.
Read this guideForgot your Apple Account password?
Reset a forgotten Apple Account password through a trusted Apple device or Apple’s official recovery website.
Read this guideUsed iPhone buying checklist
A concise checklist for checking a used iPhone in person before payment, including ownership setup and carrier questions.
Read this guideiPad Activation Lock help
Learn why iPad Activation Lock appears, how an owner can recover access, and what to check before buying a used iPad.
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We provide general information, not account or device-specific support. Apple handles Apple Account recovery and Activation Lock requests. Go to Apple Support ↗