iPhone: Check activation lock
Since October 2014, you can check the activation lock of any iPhone. We'll tell you what that brings and how it works.
Check the activation lock of the iPhone
If the activation lock is switched on, the owner of the iPhone is logged on to the device and can also delete it remotely. If you buy or sell an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, you should definitely check whether the activation lock is switched off.
- Open the following iCloud.com website and type in the serial or IMEI number of your device. Then read the code from the image and click the "Continue" button.
- You will then see whether the activation lock for the iPhone is activated or not. If it is not activated, everything is fine. If it is still activated, you will find more information as both seller and buyer:
iPhone / iPad: activation lock activated - what to do?
- Seller: If you want to sell your iPhone and deactivate the activation lock, you should reset your iPhone. You can find video instructions in the next paragraph.
- Buyer: If you have bought a used iPhone and it is still activated in the previous owner's account, ask the former owner to deactivate it. It also works remotely via iCloud.com.