Unable to remove Activation Lock after forgetting Apple ID

I forgot the Apple ID password and I cannot unlock the device. I tried to recover the Apple ID but failed. I have the original invoice and I am the authorized owner of the device.Please help remove the Activation Lock.

Windows, Windows 10 (19045)

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 8:52 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 12:19 PM

I agree with Mac Jim ID. Years ago you could take a device to a store and then they might or might not unlock it for you. It was really at the discretion of the manager. It wasn't an official service and they could just say no if they didn't want to be bothered or your story wasn't convincing. A few years go Apple made it an official service but then established rigid unlocking criteria. They also moved it to an online service and I have not seen anybody report since then that they have had this done at a store.


Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 1, 2025 12:19 PM in response to mst133

I agree with Mac Jim ID. Years ago you could take a device to a store and then they might or might not unlock it for you. It was really at the discretion of the manager. It wasn't an official service and they could just say no if they didn't want to be bothered or your story wasn't convincing. A few years go Apple made it an official service but then established rigid unlocking criteria. They also moved it to an online service and I have not seen anybody report since then that they have had this done at a store.


Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested.

Dec 1, 2025 10:01 AM in response to mst133

You can submit the Proof of Ownership information here:

https://al-support.apple.com/#/al/agreement


While an employee at an Apple Store may assist you in providing this information, I have not see where they are able to unlock the device at store level anymore. That was the case long ago, but believe the process has been centralized where each store no longer has the ability to make that decision. This has just been my observation from users here who have tried at store level and I stand corrected if I am wrong. In any case, you can submit the required documentation using the link without going to an Apple Store.

Dec 1, 2025 9:16 AM in response to mst133

mst133 wrote:

I forgot the Apple ID password and I cannot unlock the device. I tried to recover the Apple ID but failed. I have the original invoice and I am the authorized owner of the device.Please help remove the Activation Lock.

you need to original purchase receipt and then take it with you to the Apple store, only they can remove the activation lock.

Unable to remove Activation Lock after forgetting Apple ID

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