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Activation Lock

How do I remove Activation Lock if I do not have the proof of purchase documentation?

iPhone 5c

Posted on Nov 29, 2022 3:53 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 29, 2022 5:40 AM

I'll start with the short answer which is you probably can't unless you or the person who set up the device knows the Apple ID and password. The only other way is to ask Apple but they will require proof of ownership. If this device belonged to a deceased person you can try to get access to their accounts: How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support


For the longer version...


In most cases to remove an activation lock absolutely requires the information for the account that applied the lock. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information and you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. 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.


Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:


Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


Reset device:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide details as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 29, 2022 5:40 AM in response to juergen213

I'll start with the short answer which is you probably can't unless you or the person who set up the device knows the Apple ID and password. The only other way is to ask Apple but they will require proof of ownership. If this device belonged to a deceased person you can try to get access to their accounts: How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support


For the longer version...


In most cases to remove an activation lock absolutely requires the information for the account that applied the lock. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information and you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. 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.


Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:


Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


Reset device:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide details as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).



Activation Lock

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