A GUIDE TO DECIDING
Activation Lock links an iPhone to its owner's Apple Account through Find My. A used phone that remains locked cannot be assumed ready for your use. Apple advises against buying an iPhone while Activation Lock is enabled, regardless of an attractive price or a seller's promise.
Stop the purchase if the device shows that it is locked to its owner. The account holder should resolve the association through Apple's official process before you complete the transaction.
Teveotecno · Content updated November 4, 2026
A screen passcode, a network provider restriction and Activation Lock are separate things. Accepting a SIM card or displaying some screens does not establish that a phone can be transferred to another owner.
A photograph of the welcome screen is insufficient too. The erased phone still needs to complete activation as appropriate. Ask to verify its condition and account status before payment, without requesting passwords or verification codes from the seller in messages.
The account holder needs to use Apple's official options for their situation. If they have lost account access, they need to resolve that through the appropriate Apple channels. A discount or an assurance that the problem can be fixed later is not a substitute.
Remote erasure alone does not demonstrate that Activation Lock has been removed. Consult Apple's official explanation and avoid services promising to bypass somebody else's account. If the device is marked as lost, do not proceed with a purchase conditional on unlocking it.
Account readiness is an important check, but it does not describe the rest of the phone. When operational testing is appropriate, review battery, display, cameras, connectivity and disclosed repairs. Ask for the purchase conditions and warranty terms in writing.
In the used iPhone catalogue, compare the information for each device and enquire about missing details. If you are handing over your own phone, use the selling preparation guide: protect your information and carry out your own Apple Account actions.
Do not assume that it does. The relevant official process must be completed; remote erasure can leave Activation Lock in place.
No. They are different restrictions and should be checked separately when evaluating a used iPhone.
Apple advises against buying an Activation Locked iPhone. Ask the account holder to resolve the association before purchase, without relying on a later promise.
Listings describe individual devices. Price, condition and availability can change.
Stock changes; if the configuration you want is missing, ask about alternatives.