The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Ask the seller or previous owner to remove the iPhone from their Apple Account before you use it. If the phone still asks for that person’s credentials during setup, it remains protected by Activation Lock. For an online purchase that shows “iPhone Locked to Owner,” Apple recommends returning it. If you have proof of purchase, you can also submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple, though approval is not guaranteed.
How to tell whether the iPhone is still linked
Activation Lock ties the iPhone to the previous owner’s Apple Account. Apple says a device running iOS 15 or later may show “iPhone Locked to Owner” when turned on or woken. A request for the previous owner’s Apple Account information during setup is also a sign that the phone remains linked.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
If you see the passcode Lock Screen or Home Screen, the iPhone has not been erased. Ask the seller to erase it, then start setup. Apple identifies the Hello screen as the sign that an iPhone is ready for its new owner. Do not treat it as ready until it can proceed through setup without requesting the previous owner’s credentials. Apple’s pre-owned iPhone guidance
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose the next step for your situation
| Situation | What to do | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| The seller is with you | Ask them to enter their account password and turn off Activation Lock. | Wait until the phone is erased and can proceed through setup without the previous owner’s credentials. |
| The previous owner is remote | Ask them to remove the iPhone from their Apple Account through a browser or Find My. | The phone must be removed from the account before another person can activate it. |
| You bought it online and it is locked | Return it through the seller or marketplace. | Apple recommends returning an online purchase that shows “iPhone Locked to Owner.” Return windows and refund rules depend on the marketplace or seller. |
| You have proof of purchase | Submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple. | Apple offers this route, but does not guarantee approval or specify an outcome or turnaround time. |
| The iPhone belongs to a business or school | Contact the organization’s IT department or manager. | The organization should handle the device’s account association. |
Ask a nearby seller to remove Activation Lock
Hand the iPhone back to the seller and ask them to enter their Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock. Apple’s advice is not to take ownership of a used iPhone until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account. Once the seller has erased it, begin setup and confirm it advances without asking for their credentials.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Have a remote previous owner remove the device
Contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the iPhone from their account. Apple’s web instructions use the following path:
- Ask the owner to go to iCloud.com/find and sign in.
- Have them select the iPhone from their devices.
- Ask them to choose “Remove This Device.”
The option and its availability can depend on the phone’s state; in the described web flow, Apple notes that the device may need to be offline. The previous owner can also erase and remove a device through Find My so another person can activate it. Apple’s Find My removal guidance
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Return an online purchase that remains locked
If you bought the iPhone online and it displays “iPhone Locked to Owner,” Apple says to return it. Follow the marketplace’s or seller’s return process promptly. Apple’s guidance does not establish the return period or refund rules; those depend on where and how you bought the phone.
Use Apple’s support request if you have proof of purchase
Apple offers an Activation Lock support request for buyers with proof of purchase documentation. Submit a request through Apple’s Activation Lock support page. Having documentation gives you a way to ask for help; it does not guarantee Apple will remove the lock or state how long a decision will take.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
If the phone is managed by a school or business
When the iPhone belongs to an organization, contact its IT department or manager rather than trying to remove the association yourself. Apple directs users to the organization for help with these devices. Apple’s Activation Lock guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
