Activation Lock is designed to keep your device and your information safe in case your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Mac is ever lost or stolen. If you erase your device without signing out of iCloud first, it might still be protected by Activation Lock.
Whether you erased your own device or bought one from someone else, you can turn off Activation Lock by entering the correct Apple ID and password.
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Remove potentially unwanted apps through the Finder. One of the first things to attempt for removal of adware software is to check your MAC OS installed programs screen and look for unwanted and suspicious software. If there are any software you do not recognize or are no longer using, you should remove them.
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If you erased your own device
If you don't sign out of iCloud before you put your device in recovery mode and restore, it might remain in Activation Lock. That means you need to enter the same Apple ID and password that you used when you previously set up the device.
If you have iOS 11 or later and your account is protected with two-factor authentication, you can turn off Activation Lock with your device passcode. Tap Unlock with Passcode, then tap Use Device Passcode. Learn more about using a passcode.
If you still need help removing Activation Lock from your own device, contact Apple Support.
If you bought the device from someone else
Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Learn what to do if an Apple Watch or Mac is still protected by Activation Lock.
If you turn on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and see one of these screens, you need help from the previous owner.
If you see the Activation Lock screen, the device is still linked to the previous owner's account.
If you see the passcode lock screen or the Home screen, the device isn't erased.
Ask the previous owner for help
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If the device is linked to a previous owner's account and they're close by, ask them to enter their Apple ID and password on the Activation Lock screen and remove the device from their account.
If you see the passcode screen and the device isn't erased, ask the previous owner to unlock the device and go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. They'll need to enter their Apple ID and password.
If the previous owner isn't with you
If the previous owner isn't present, contact them and ask them to remove the device from their account:
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- Sign in to iCloud.com with their Apple ID.
- Go to Find My iPhone.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.
- Click Erase [device]. Select Next until the device is erased.
- Click Remove from Account.
After the previous owner removes the device from their account, turn off the device and then turn it back on to begin the setup process.
Learn more
- Get help with iPhone activation issues.
- Learn how to turn off Find My on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
- Learn what to do before you sell or give away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- If you can't remember your Apple ID or password, learn how to find your Apple ID or reset your password.