iPhone showing Activation Lock after a factory reset
Activation Lock is a security feature locked to the Apple ID that was on the phone before the reset. You need that Apple ID password to get past it. If this is your phone, sign in. Or reset the password using your recovery email.
When you reset an iPhone, it stays locked to the Apple ID that was on it before the reset. This is a security feature. If someone steals your phone and erases it, they can't use it without your password. If this is your phone, you just need to sign back in with your Apple ID and password. If you forgot the password, Apple can help you reset it.
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step — just tap, no typing needed.
Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Trying to sign in with a different Apple ID. Activation Lock only unlocks with the exact ID that was on the phone before
- Erasing the phone again thinking that will remove Activation Lock. Erasing makes no difference, it stays locked to the original Apple ID
- Waiting too long to contact the previous owner. The longer you wait, the harder it is to track them down
Signs you need professional help
- You have proof of purchase showing you own the phone, but you don't know the Apple ID and can't reach the seller. You know it's your Apple ID but can't reset the password and you've lost access to the recovery email. Someone else set up this phone on their Apple ID without your permission.
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