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Since October 2014, you can check the activation lock of any iPhone. We tell you what this means and how it works.
Check iPhone Activation Lock
If you have activated the “Find my iPhone” function, the activation lock is also switched on. This links your iPhone to your Apple ID even if someone steals your iPhone and resets it. If you buy or sell an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, you should make sure that the activation lock is switched off, otherwise the device cannot be used with another Apple ID.
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap your name at the top.
- Select the “Where is?” category and tap “Find my iPhone” at the top.
- If the option is activated, the activation lock is also switched on. If you switch the option off, the lock is also cancelled.
- Alternatively, you can log in to the following iCloud.com website and select your iPhone under “All Devices” at the top. If you can locate your iPhone, the activation lock is still active. Select the option “Erase iPhone” here to deactivate the lock, this will reset the device completely.
iPhone/iPad: Disable Activation Lock
If you have sold or bought an iPhone on which the activation lock is still active, the new owner cannot use the device. However, the problem can be solved quite easily.
- Seller: If you want to sell your iPhone and deactivate the activation lock, you should reset your iPhone. You will find video instructions in the next paragraph.
- Buyer: If you have bought a used iPhone and it is still activated in the previous owner’s account, ask the former owner to deactivate it. All they have to do is follow the instructions in the paragraph above.
