Here are additional resources if you are the account owner, can find the previous device owner, or have an Apple accepted proof or purchase: If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.

If you do not know the required information, are not the signed-in owner, or do not have Apple accepted proof of purchase, get the owner of the account to remove the lock (the section: 'If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad' in: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support ), or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. Or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged -> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support

This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.Ĭlick on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web -> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device.

If you're referring to Activation Lock, you can't unless they gave you the Apple receipt.Īpple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen.

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