How Activation Lock works
When Find My is enabled, the device is associated with the Apple Account used on it. During activation or recovery, the device checks with Apple whether Activation Lock is enabled. If it is, setup asks for the linked account credentials or another supported verification method. Apple’s Activation Lock overview explains the feature and used-device checks.
Activation Lock is not the same as a forgotten password
A forgotten password is an Apple Account access issue. Activation Lock is the device’s ownership protection. If it is your account, recover access through Apple’s account recovery site, then follow the prompts on the device.
If you are buying a used device
Ask the seller to erase the device and remove it from their account before you pay. Start setup yourself. If it asks for the previous owner’s account, the device is still linked: return it to the seller and ask them to remove it. Do not accept a promise that it can be bypassed later.
Can an online service remove it?
A third-party website cannot legitimately clear Apple’s Activation Lock state just by knowing the device’s IMEI or serial number. Use the linked account, the previous owner’s removal process, or Apple’s support request when you have valid proof of purchase. Read our IMEI and Activation Lock explanation.