Can you unlock an iCloud locked phone?

The most frequently asked questions about this common device lock.

If you own an iPhone, you've likely encountered an Activation Lock — also known as an iCloud lock — at some point in time. This extremely common security feature was designed to protect iPhone and other iOS device users from theft and private information exposure by securing the device(s) and the sensitive personal data within.

But while this security feature was intended to deter theft, it can also lock out the rightful owner under certain circumstances. Whether you've purchased a second-hand phone and suddenly find that the previous owner failed to remove their iCloud information and erase the device; or you've come across an old iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch of your own and you can't recall the old login information you once used; or even if you've recently changed the security information on your account, but you can't recall the new password you selected (and hey, it happens). In these cases and more, you may be wondering: Can I unlock an iCloud locked phone?

Here, we explore the most frequently asked questions about the iCloud lock, as well as what you can do about it if you have one.

While the iCloud lock is a security feature intended to deter theft, it can also lock out the rightful owner under certain circumstances.

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How do I know if I have an iCloud locked phone?

Generally speaking, you'll know it when you're unable to enter the correct password to access the device, and you encounter the dreaded activation lock screen. Granted, this screen is only “dreaded” if you can't recall the correct login information to unlock your phone—but there are many reasons this can happen, and we're betting that's why you're here!

Essentially, this is a stripped down login screen where you're asked to enter the Apple ID (email) and iCloud account password associated with the account, in order to gain further access to the device. If you reach this screen and you're the original owner, this should be relatively straightforward. But if you've purchased the device second-hand, or you no longer remember the Apple ID and password, you may end up with an iCloud locked phone. And in the case that you can't unlock your iPhone, you won't be able to make calls, send or receive texts, access any of your apps, or change any settings within the phone.

How can I unlock my iCloud Locked or Activation Locked phone?

The easiest way to unlock an iCloud locked iPhone is by having the original owner do it. Is that you? Then you probably have several options to access or even reset your account, including contacting Apple Support for additional instructions.

But if you purchased the device from someone else, your first option is to contact that seller and ask him or her to unlock it for you. Once they've done so, you should be all set and able to access the device, resetting it to suit your own account information and settings.

• Enter the original owner's login information
• Access the device's Settings and select the owner's name/account
• Scroll to the bottom and select Sign Out, which will detach that owner's account from the device and allow you to create your own new account

If that doesn't work, you can also ask the original owner to remove the device from his or her iCloud account remotely. In this case, you would follow roughly the same steps as above, with a few variances.

• Ask the original owner to log into iCloud
• Tell them to select the Find My or Find iPhone option on iCloud web, and click on All Devices
• From there, select Erase Phone, which will decouple the phone from that iCloud account

If none of the reset options work for you, your best bet may be to sell your locked device — and that's where SellLocked.com comes in, making it easy to recoup what you spent to acquire the device and putting you in the position to move on quickly and painlessly with a new device.

Whether you've forgotten your own iCloud information, or you've purchased a device second-hand and are unable to bypass the iCloud activation lock on the phone, you have options! SellLocked.com will quickly appraise your iCloud locked phone and make you an offer, so you can focus on more important things — like setting up your new device and enjoying it to its fullest.

Contact SellLocked.com to get your free quote, and get started today!