Blocked iCloud from previous owner on new iPhone

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Level 1

4 points

Blocked iCloud from previous owner on new iPhone

Hello, I bought a phone from someone, the content and settings were erased, but the phone did not reset to factory settings. I tried to reset it through iTunes, it reset, but when I tried to log in to iCloud, the iPhone was locked, asking to log in to the previous owner's iCloud. I called the previous owner, entered his data, but nothing changed, I still can't use it. I asked him to go to the settings from his other personal phone and remove my iPhone from the devices, but he said that my iPhone was not there. This previous owner also bought this iPhone from another person, it turns out that I am the third owner. Is it possible that the iPhone was locked by the first owner? The screen shows that the iPhone is locked, I absolutely cannot use it, I cannot go to the settings, etc. What can I do now?

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 29, 2025 11:25 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 29, 2025 11:33 AM in response to eschanikova

Then return the phone to whoever you purchased it from and get your money back. You will NEVER be able to use this phone. As you are now the 3rd owner, Apple will NOT unlock the phone for you. It is a useless brick. If the seller won't take it back and refund your money, then recycle it responsibly and learn from your unfortunate buying decision.

Read this --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

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Answer 2

Haudeda

Level 1

63 points

Jul 29, 2025 07:49 PM in response to eschanikova

It sounds like the iPhone is still tied to the previous owner's iCloud account, which is why you're unable to use it. If the previous owner is also unable to remove it from their account

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 3

Jul 29, 2025 12:31 PM in response to Haudeda

Haudeda wrote:

It sounds like the iPhone is still tied to the previous owner's iCloud account, which is why you're unable to use it. If the previous owner is also unable to remove it from their account, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance in resolving this issue.

It's a used iPhone. Apple will NOT help them in ANY WAY.

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Answer 4

Jul 29, 2025 12:54 PM in response to Haudeda

Haudeda wrote:

It sounds like the iPhone is still tied to the previous owner's iCloud account, which is why you're unable to use it. If the previous owner is also unable to remove it from their account, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance in resolving this issue.

You've made this same post in multiple threads. It's great you're trying to help people. However, this advice is just wrong. Apple will not help people in this situation. If people call Apple for this, they are just wasting their time and Apple's.

You might want to read the article (already linked once in this thread) about buying used phones and why it can go wrong:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

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