How To Turn OFF The Apple ID Lock Using 3 Simple Methods

Seeing “iPhone Locked to Owner” or an Apple ID/Activation Lock screen can be frustrating, especially when you have purchased a second-hand iPhone or iPad and the previous owner is no longer available. Fortunately, there are several ways to deal with an Apple ID lock.

Below are 3 simple methods you can consider, starting with Apple’s official solutions.

Method 1: Remove the Apple ID Directly From the iPhone

If you know the Apple Account credentials connected to the device, this is the easiest and safest solution.

Turn on the iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions. When prompted, enter the Apple Account email address or phone number and password previously used on the device. Apple also allows you to use the device passcode in certain situations.

Once the account is authenticated, you can turn off Find My and remove the device from the account. Apple explains that Activation Lock is linked to Find My, so removing the device from the account allows another Apple Account to be used.

This is the official Apple-recommended method and should always be your first choice when you have access to the account.

Method 2: Ask the Previous Owner to Remove the Device

If you purchased a used iPhone and it is still linked to someone else’s Apple Account, contact the previous owner.

They can sign in to iCloud Find Devices, select the iPhone, erase it if necessary, and choose Remove This Device. Apple confirms that a previous owner can remove Activation Lock remotely when the device is no longer in their possession.

This method is particularly useful when the seller is available, but you don’t have their Apple Account password.

Important: Apple recommends not taking ownership of a used iPhone that displays “iPhone Locked to Owner” until the previous owner’s account has been removed.

Method 3: Use a Paid Unlock Service Such as UnlockBoom

If you legitimately own the device but cannot remove the Apple ID/Activation Lock using the previous methods, another option is a professional paid unlock service.

UnlockBoom’s iCloud Activation Lock Service offers an IMEI-based service designed for iPhones and iPads affected by Activation Lock. According to the service page, the process requires the device’s IMEI and has a listed delivery time of 1–3 working days.

Before ordering, make sure the device is legally yours and review the service’s eligibility requirements. UnlockBoom states that its service is intended for clean devices and is not a carrier/SIM unlock.

Which Method Should You Choose?

If you have the Apple Account credentials, use Method 1. If you purchased a used device, asking the previous owner to remove it is usually the best solution.

If neither option is possible and you are the legitimate owner, a professional service such as UnlockBoom may be an alternative to consider.