[Help] iphone - unlock from an icloud account

albionant · Aug 12, 2018

I've purchased an iphone from a local auction, I took a chance as it was so cheep.
Unfortunately it's stuck at the iCloud activation screen and linked to an iCloud account.
Has anybody been able to remove the iCloud account from an iphone?
There are a number of merchants online, I just don't know how legit they are.
Thanks

PeterOut · Aug 12, 2018

I'm not an iphone user (plenty on here are) but it looks straightforward enough from a quick google.

Which model of iphone is it? Later versions seem to be more secure

Javeaseagull · Aug 12, 2018

Pretty sure you need the original password to leave. Not very good if it's not sold without it. Mind you I only found out when I sold one recently. Maybe the seller didn't know. Anyway of contacting them? They won't want you to be able to access their iCloud will they?

albionant · Aug 12, 2018

No idea who the original owner is as bought at an auction (I think it may 'british rail' lost property not claimed)
There are a number of companies online, but with the wisdom and experience of NSC its always worth an ask !

Javeaseagull · Aug 12, 2018

You could try Apple assist but they are security conscious, I don't know if they can help. Annoying.

Brian Parsons · Aug 12, 2018

Things may have changed but one time of day putting it into a freezer for a few days used to unlock it.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

bhafc1976 · Aug 13, 2018

If you already have an apple/iCloud account on a computer you can put the phone in DFU mode and restore it as a new phone then during the set up process connect to your iCloud account to restore it from your back up. Google has loads of tutorials as the process can differ slightly depending on the model.

Sent from my VFD 620 using Tapatalk

albionant · Aug 15, 2018

Thanks for the advice but it didn't work, it still goes back to the activation lock screen, I think I'm left with an iphone paper weight !

PeterOut · Aug 15, 2018

PeterOut said:
I'm not an iphone user (plenty on here are) but it looks straightforward enough from a quick google.

Which model of iphone is it? Later versions seem to be more secure

Errm - which model of phone is it?

Superphil · Aug 15, 2018

This site seems to have a lot of answers https://drfone.wondershare.com/icloud/bypass-icloud-activation.html

RandyWanger · Aug 16, 2018

Boot it into DFU mode and restore it. I have to do this with non managed devices when users leave our company and don't clear their phones. Works a charm.

Different ways to get into DFU mode depending on what model it is. Google should help but it's usually holding down buttons while turning it off and on again. Phone needs to be done through iTunes on a mac/pc

bWize · Aug 16, 2018

RandyWanger said:
Boot it into DFU mode and restore it. I have to do this with non managed devices when users leave our company and don't clear their phones. Works a charm.

Different ways to get into DFU mode depending on what model it is. Google should help but it's usually holding down buttons while turning it off and on again. Phone needs to be done through iTunes on a mac/pc

You can no longer do this since IOS 7 if it's iCloud locked and will still get the activation screen after restoring. There is a way to get past the lock and to the home screen by changing the DNS, but it has to be done each time the phone is restarted and doesn't give full functionality.

It's an anti theft mechanism and designed so you can't just wipe/restore the phone.

happypig · Aug 16, 2018

best bet is probably to buy a phone of the same model with a smashed screen off ebay and swap the guts.

Arthritic Toe · Aug 16, 2018

You have what is known in the trade as a brick. It'll make a nice coffee mat though.

The red pepper kid · Aug 16, 2018

happypig said:
best bet is probably to buy a phone of the same model with a smashed screen off ebay and swap the guts.[/QUOTE
I thought iphones were sealed]

clippedgull · Aug 16, 2018

The red pepper kid said:
happypig said:

best bet is probably to buy a phone of the same model with a smashed screen off ebay and swap the guts.[/QUOTE
I thought iphones were sealed]

Click to expand...

They are, but they can be 'unsealed' if you have the correct tools.

Bognor Bystander · Aug 16, 2018

As others have said a lot depends on the model of the iPhone - Apple should be able to 'unlock' it using IMEI/SERIAL number and they can be located on the back of the phone , in the sim tray depending on which model it is. If you can plug it into iTunes it should display the numbers on Summary details.

albionant · Aug 18, 2018

Apple wont unlock I tried at the store, have to write it off as a bad investment

happypig · Aug 18, 2018

albionant said:
Apple wont unlock I tried at the store, have to write it off as a bad investment

Stick it on ebay as "faulty, no returns". cut your losses.

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[Help] iphone - unlock from an icloud account

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