Activation Lock helps to protect Apple devices against theft, and this pretty much helps with privacy. This feature means that if the phone is locked, it will be almost impossible to use the gadget without an authorised password. The device cannot be reset used or modified to work.

 

Sometimes, you may have been gifted, inherited or bought an iPhone or iPad with an Activation Locked device. The original owner may have not unlocked it for you, so you are left with a phone you cannot use. This is a legitimate problem, and there are two practical remedies.

 

You can either get the Apple ID and Password with proof of ownership. Or get Apple Support to do it for you. A very easy way will be to get the Apple ID and password from the original owner of the device.

 

However, another method would be to:

• First, turn on the iPad or iPhone and enter the Apple ID password when you see the Activation Lock screen.
• Once that device is done starting, disable the Activation Lock.
• If the iPhone or iPad device is running the iOS 10.3 or later, you can go the Setting app and tap the username at the top of the screen.

 

 

• Then tap Sign Out.
• You will then need to re-enter the password and tap Turn Off.
• If it is an older device, start the Settings app and tap iCloud and then Sign Out.
• Then Re-enter the password and tap Delete from My iPhone.
• Now Tap General and tap Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings.
• Once the device restarts it will look like a new device that has been reset to factory settings. But this time, without an Activation Lock.

 

Another method is to bypass the Activation Lock using iCloud.

 

This will be useful if the person with the password cannot re-enter the password or give you the information. The owner can still give you access by using the iCloud Find My Phone feature in a web browser.

 

• The owner of the password will need to go to iCloud’s Find My iPhone page and log in with the Apple ID password.
• Now tap All Devices and select the device that needs to be unlocked.
• Click on Erase iPhone or Erase iPad and confirm by clicking Erase again.
• Now click Remove from Account.
• With these, the device will be unlocked and restored to factory settings.
• If all these fail or you really cannot get access to the Apple ID password, your options aren’t a lot.

 

The only option is that you can ask Apple to unlock the device for you. They will, however, need proof that you acquired the device legally. A transfer of ownership or receipt will be acceptable proof. You will then need to contact Apple support and request assistance.