Activation Lock issue after forgetting password on iPhone 11

Hshwjnsjsks wrote:

Hello I am very very upset I bought a iPhone 11 a few months ago I’m not sure how but I ended up getting locked out of the device after only one week of being able to use it

Apple discontinued the iPhone 11 some time ago, so it sounds like you purchased a used iPhone 11.

Although Apple has a way to make Activation Lock support requests, my impression is that they will only consider removing Activation Lock if you have proof of original purchase that is satisfactory to them. You apparently do not have such proof.

after having a useless phone for months I decided to try and unlock with apple I submitted a activation lock request I provided all the documents that are required including my bill of sale I was able to get the place I bought it from to send me a new invoice as my receipt was worn just like what they say to do and after several attempts they deny the request and say ( please provide all documents including bill of sale) well this is so frustrating I have sent what they are asking me I even sent my worn receipt you can still make out most of the imei on it but the invoice is 100% pdf file sent from the place I bought it.

Apple has the fina word on whether to accept Activation Lock support requests. As I indicated above, a receipt for second-hand sale of a used iPhone is not likely to be acceptable to them. Anyone can make up receipts like that – so they don't prove much, and if Apple accepted them, thieves would be sending in made-up receipts all the time.

Why are they giving me a hard time and how can I either report this to either higher up or a 3rd party like better business bureau etc??? If they will not unlock it then they can pay me every penny I paid for it as on the invoice I have sent them numerous times This has got me so upset if they dont unlock it I will return my iPhone 16 that I just bought I will return it and go back to android

Threats will not get Apple to bypass their security requirements for the anti-theft mechanism Activation Lock. Go ahead and switch to Android if you feel that you must. Activation Lock is a very valuable feature of the iPhone, as far as many iPhone users are concerned, and Apple has no reason to compromise it just because somebody who purchased a second-hand phone is upset that a second-hand receipt will not be accepted.

Any suggestions please let me know or a way to get it direct contact with the activation lock department I called support but they were useless. Either way I will unlock the iPhone 11 either proper or I will have to buy one of those scetchy lock removal apps. If you know a free app or software that actually works in an iphone11 please let me know.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community

As for your proclamation of intent to install "scetchy [sic] lock removal apps", "Activation Lock is a Theft Deterrent System … One even the FBI could not bypass."

Waste your money on "apps" and "services" to bypass Activation Lock. In the end, you will only have enriched the sellers of those "apps" and "services", while the phone will remain Activation Locked.

Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support for the various ways to remove an Activation Lock. If you have the necessary information you can do this yourself, otherwise Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically absolutely require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

If you cannot get the device unlocked then read this section from the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."

Not sure where you purchased an iPhone 11 but likely not from Apple or an Authorized reseller. Without a receipt from either, Apple will not remove activation lock. Return your device.

You purchased a second hand device. It will not be unlocked. Return it

A practical observation: You are more likely to get assistance on this forum if you do not simply present large unbroken blocks of text. ;-)