Apple activation lock check. Ways to check iCloud Activation Lock status on iPhone or iPad. Checking the Activation Lock status in the iCloud menu
Acquisition new iPhone from an official retailer makes a rather serious hole in the budget of the domestic user, so many prefer to look for cheaper options on the secondary market or from “gray” suppliers. Naturally, it would be a good idea to check such a device before purchasing.
What is noteworthy is that the fears of buyers of used or “gray” smartphones are completely justified. For example, a seller may claim that the device is not tied to an operator contract, but in fact, after flashing the iPhone, it will refuse to accept a SIM card and turn into a media player, in other cases, scammers will subsequently demand additional money. These and other nuances can be checked by the serial number, even without having the iPhone itself in hand.
How to find out IMEI and serial number of iPhone
Discover serial number iPhone and iPad can be found on original box(back), in iOS settings ( Settings —> Basic —> About this device) .
ATTENTION:
- Serial numbers Apple devices may contain the number "0" (zero), but never contain the letter "O".
- If it is not possible to open the menu " Settings", then to get support, you can call the IMEI/MEID code instead of the serial number instead of the serial number
What can you check using your iPhone serial number?
Linking the device to iCloud (Apple ID) - Activation Lock status
Since January 28, 2017, the iCloud page (icloud.com/activationlock/), where you could check the activation lock status, no longer opens. In addition, links to this service have disappeared from the technical website. Apple support. Apparently, the page was deleted by the company itself, without disclosing the reasons.
Find My iPhone includes an Activation Lock feature to prevent the use of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple Watch third parties in case of loss or theft of the gadget. Activation Lock turns on automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone (In iOS 6 - iOS 10.2.1: Settings->i Cloud -> In iOS 10.3 and later: Settings -> Apple ID -> iCloud -> ).
When Activation Lock is enabled, a third party will need to enter the device owner's Apple ID and password to disable Find My iPhone, delete data, reactivate, and use the gadget.
This measure allows you to protect the device if it falls into the wrong hands and increases the chances of its return. Even if the user remotely deletes all data from the device, Activation Lock will prevent unauthorized reactivation.
How does Activation Lock work?
When Find My iPhone is turned on on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, your Apple ID is securely stored on the company's activation servers and linked to your device. From now on, to disable the functionality, delete data on the device and reactivate it, you will need to enter your password.
What to do if you lose your device?
If your device is lost or stolen, you must immediately put it in lost mode in Find My iPhone. This mode locks your screen with a 6 or 4 digit passcode and displays a message with your phone number to make returning your device easier.
If necessary, you can remotely erase data from the device; the message will remain on the screen even after the information is deleted. While Activation Lock works in the shadows to prevent unauthorized use or sale of the device, Lost Mode reminds the finder (or stealer) that the gadget has an owner and cannot be used without knowing the password.
To turn on Lost Mode, visit icloud.com/find from a Mac or PC, or use the Find My iPhone app for iOS.
Should I turn off Find My iPhone before transferring my device to another owner?
Before passing the gadget into other hands, you need to disable the functionality in order to New user was able to activate and use the device. The best way to do this is to sign out of iCloud and then delete all data and settings on the device. Next, turn off Find My iPhone and remove the device from your account. Apple records ID.
1 . Click " Settings -> iCloud;
2 . Scroll down, click " Go out» and confirm the action by pressing the button again;
In iOS 10.3 and later: Settings -> Apple ID -> iCloud -> .
3 . Click " Delete from iPhone" and enter your password;
4 . Return to " Settings»;
5 . Click " Basic» -> « Reset» -> « Erase content and settings».
Do I need to disable Find My iPhone before servicing (repairing) my device?
If the Find My iPhone function is enabled, service specialists will not be able to diagnose the device.
What to do if you don't remember your Apple ID password?
If you can't remember your Apple ID password, reset forgotten password on your Apple ID page or contact Apple Support.
What should I do if the purchased device is still linked to the account of the former owner?
In this case, you need to contact the previous owner of the device as quickly as possible and ask him to erase the data and remove the gadget from his account.
How to check for Activation Lock when purchasing a used device?
When iPhone purchases, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch not at an Apple store or authorized point of sale, make sure that all information is deleted from the device, and the device itself is not linked to the account of the previous owner. To do this, follow these steps:
1 . Turn on and try to unlock the device;
2 . If you see a password prompt on the Lock screen or Home screen, your data has not been deleted. Ask the seller to completely erase the data: “ Basic» -> « Reset» -> « Erase content and settings» ().
Don't buy a used iPhone, iPad or iPod touch until it's been erased;
3 . Enable the device setup process;
4 . After selecting your language, region, country and network connection, device activation will begin. If a request for the password and ID of the previous owner appears on the screen, it means that the device is still linked to his account. Return the device to the seller and ask him to enter your password. If the previous owner cannot be reached, he can remove the link to the account via icloud.com/find.
If after the first turn on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and connected to the Internet, you are prompted for setup and the device is ready to use.
Activation Lock is only supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS control 7 and later, as well as on Apple Watch smartwatches running watchOS2 and later.
Before purchasing a used iPhone, it is important to check for iCloud activation lock. After all, if this function is available, you can lose access to your smartphone at any time, and you will not be able to unlock it. Therefore, we recommend that you clarify certain details before the transaction during the conversation with the seller.
iCloud lock check
Initially, you need to clarify the main information from the seller:
- Who is the first owner of the device;
- Reason for sale;
- IMEI code;
- Availability of AppleID authorization data and password;
- Screenshot showing that Find My iPhone is disabled;
If the iPhone has problems, then the seller will not be able to do the above steps. There will be excuses like lack of time, and the presence of people who want to pick up the phone right now. Don't fall for the tricks of scammers.
Even if you make a purchase by cash on delivery, it is recommended to check the availability of this data and check the compliance with the information described below.
Checking iCloud Activation Lock Status
Let's say you buy a used iPhone and want to make sure for yourself that there are no activation locks. You have previously received all the above information from the seller, but you also want to check with additional means to be completely confident in your purchase. To do this, you need to launch the iCloud Find My iPhone app.
A satellite map will appear in front of you, and all connected devices to this AppleID will also be shown. If you see in the lists iPhone devices, which you are holding in your hands, then the iCloud Activation Lock feature is activated. In this case, a person who has access to the AppleID data and password can block access and determine his current location.
This function was developed with the goal of catching iPhone thieves and does its job perfectly. Therefore, if the device appears in the Find iPhone lists, it is recommended that you discard it.
Checking iCloud activation lock status by IMEI
Previously, the ability to detect a lock on an iPhone when IMEI help was available to everyone and on the official website there was a separate section in which you could check your smartphone for blocking. But for security reasons, Apple has disabled this feature and now only the method described above is suitable for determining blocking. Therefore, it is important to find out all the information described above at the discussion stage in order to avoid purchasing a stolen device.
Otherwise, you risk losing access to your smartphone and will not be able to use it. It is also possible to disable the Find My iPhone function and this is done directly in the iCloud settings. Only for this operation you need to know the correct AppleID + password. Moreover, even after successful operation You need to check if your smartphone is not displayed in the Find My iPhone app.
This can be done using a computer by installing iCloud on it and using the same authorization credentials to test the device search function.
Find My iPhone and Activation Lock provide reliable protection for those who have lost their smartphone. However, this feature can also become a problem. Especially for those who are planning to purchase a used Apple smartphone or tablet.
Before purchasing a used device, we strongly recommend checking to see if the activation lock feature is enabled. We will tell you how to do this further.
Activation blocking is necessary to combat intruders. It is enabled by default in iOS 8 and is optionally enabled in earlier versions. With the lock feature enabled, the phone will not work after deleting or erasing data, updating or restoring the firmware. To unlock the lock, you will need to enter your Apple ID login and password.
Checking the Activation Lock Status
You will need a computer or mobile device with internet access.
2. Enter the IMEI or serial number of the smartphone (you can find it in the settings, section General, item About this device. This data is also on the back cover of the iPhone).
4. Enter the captcha.
5. After clicking the Continue button, the service will provide information on the blocking status.
Checking Activation Lock Status in iPhone Settings
1. Go to Settings – iCloud.
2. In the Account field the entry will display the address Email, to which the Apple ID is registered.
3. If the Find iPhone function is active, then the device is locked. The lock can only be removed from using Apple ID specified in the Account field. record.
Checking Activation Lock using the app
3. If your smartphone is in the All devices list, then its search and blocking function is enabled.
The last two options are not suitable if you are buying a used iPhone, as it is not attached to your Apple ID. If the Find iPhone function is enabled in the settings of such a device and someone else’s Apple ID is listed, then sooner or later you will become the owner of an expensive brick. We strongly do not recommend purchasing such smartphones.
Since 2011, Apple company offers a service virtual storage and data synchronization, the so-called iCloud, which literally means iCloud.
What is iCloud for?
iCloud is an absolutely free storage for photos, videos, documents and contacts, with a capacity of 5GB, with the possibility of expansion. By the way, the cost of data storage in iCloud has decreased significantly, and among similar services it has become the most affordable. And additional data volume is offered in the amount of 20 and 200 GB.
Connecting your apple friend to the cloud opens up broad prospects for data management:
Access to information by anyone connected to account Apple devices, from anywhere in the world. That is, every photo you take during the day will automatically appear on all gadgets that are registered under your account. Therefore, it is advisable not to forget to check that your iPhone is synchronized with iCloud before uploading personal information to your iPhone. Otherwise, a situation may arise like with the characters in the movie “Home Video.”
The situation is similar with programs, applications and games downloaded through the Apple Store, all of them will automatically appear on all Apple gadgets synchronized with iCloud. And when you connect family access, five more people get the same opportunity. At the same time, when purchasing personal content, it can be hidden from other group members. If purchases are made by children, they can only be possible after the approval of the choice by the parents. Also, when connecting family access, all photos are automatically added to a common family album, and if the date of a family event is postponed, a warning will be sent to all participants.
Automatic data backup, by given parameters. This function will help you recover accidentally deleted documents. And return all data and settings after resetting the iPhone, or as a result of its loss.
Also, when iCloud help You can track the location of your phone and block it if necessary. The geolocation function will allow you to find out where your loved ones are (if necessary, you can easily turn it off).
In general, iCloud has many more pros than cons. And you have to face its shortcomings if the Apple ID synchronized with iCloud suddenly becomes inaccessible to the owner of the iPhone or iPad.
When do you need to check your iPhone on icloud?
Before purchasing from an unauthorized point of sale, you should make sure that your iPhone is not connected to iCloud, because if you try iOS updates, or resetting to factory settings, the iPhone can turn into a “brick”. A similar situation may arise if the Apple ID password was forgotten, and the email to which it was associated is no longer relevant.
How to check the blocking?
The easiest way is in the settings, select iCloud, and look at the /account/ field; if it is busy, then this iPhone or iPad has a connection to iCloud. And, when you try to reset the data to factory settings, or update iOS, the iPhone will ask for an Apple ID and cloud account password.
In addition, Apple has personally taken care of the ability to check Apple gadgets for binding to iCloud from any gadget. Now, to check an iPhone for a potential brick, it is enough to know its serial number or IMEI. These codes are located in the gadget itself, in the menu /Settings/General/About this device/. And if access to the menu is impossible, then IMEI can be read from back cover gadget, from its packaging, or from the SIM card tray. Then everything is simple, you need to go to the iCloud page, in the section /check activation lock status/ enter the IMEI, or serial number, captcha in the field, and get an answer: is activation lock enabled on this gadget.
From all of the above, there are several rules for successfully using iCloud
1. For an iCloud account, use only a real email, and be sure to enter an additional email to recover your password.
2. Try to write down the ID, password and mailboxes in several places, on paper, as well as in the home computer database.
3. It’s better to remember and write down the answers to test questions.
4. Don't give your Apple ID and password to anyone! It will take a few minutes to register a new account, but restoring a blocked account may take several days or months.
5. Before selling your gadget, be sure to reset your iPhone or iPad by deleting all accounts and iCloud connections. Your buyer will be grateful to you, and you will be spared problems with other gadgets that are synchronized with iCloud under the same account.
6. In case of interruption of a relationship with another user, it is also worth replacing the existing ID number and disconnecting this person’s Apple devices from iCloud. Or change your own account, leaving the second user with your previous Apple ID, in which case you need to do backup and delete your data from the cloud, and also be prepared to provide your account password, which will be required upon the first update.
7. Sell your iPhone from hand to hand, as cases of fraud related to shipping are quite common.
8. Before purchasing, check your iPhone on iCloud and reset the previous Apple ID. The easiest way to check the presence of an Apple ID is to go to the Apple Store and try to make a free purchase. If the iPhone is free from an ID number, then the window that pops up will have a button: “create new Apple ID".
In our practice, we often encounter requests to restore an ID number or the need to set up an iPhone in iCloud. Therefore, we have accumulated experience in this area that is sufficient to solve the problems of Apple gadgets associated with IoCloud. You can get a free consultation by contacting one of service centers iFix, or by contacting a specialist via chat.
Buying used equipment is always a risk. Purchasing a supported iOS device is a risk squared - because in addition to hidden technical defects that will require repairs and additional investments, you can run into a device with activation lock enabled. In the latter case, after the first update, the new user will simply lose access to the device. How to avoid getting caught by a blocked gadget - read this article.
It's no secret that iOS gadgets are very popular. But they are also not cheap. These two facts have led to a thriving market for used apples. An Apple fan with a modest budget will be happy to purchase a “worn” gadget at a significant discount. Well, since people are ready to line up even for used iPhones, attackers have an excellent “business” prospect - steal the device and sell it without problems.
At one “wonderful” moment, the number of thefts of iOS devices exceeded all conceivable and unimaginable limits, and then Apple decided that it was time to create some kind of anti-theft mechanism, which resulted in that very activation lock.
Activation lock as protection against theft
To enable blocking, the user needs to go to the “Settings” menu of the device, then go to the iCloud section, then “Find iPhone” (or “Find iPad/iPod”) and turn on the slider next to the option of the same name.
When the lock is activated in the iCloud menu, two “mechanisms” are launched. Firstly, the user has the opportunity to enable “Lost Mode” if the device is lost/stolen, which requires:
When the lost mode is activated, the device screen will be locked and a message with contacts from the user will appear on it.
However, even if you do not enable the lost mode, blocking the activation will negate the efforts of the thief. After all, immediately after erasing the data (and the thief will certainly perform this procedure; he won’t be able to sell a device full of other people’s data), the blocking mechanism will require the login and password of the victim’s Apple ID, which the attacker, of course, does not know. If he tries to restore the device in iTunes, this will not change anything - the screen after restoration will show the same request for Apple ID. Thus, the thief will find himself in a very depressing situation - a device stolen at the risk of his own freedom is a useless brick for him.
Some time after the introduction of the locking function in iOS devices, the number of thefts decreased significantly, and it would seem that everyone should be happy, but...
How does activation blocking threaten the average user?
As we said above, the request for an Apple ID appears after erasing the content and the recovery procedure. However, this requirement also appears after the update. Thus, if a new user of a used device forgot to check whether the lock on the device is enabled, and it turned out to be enabled, then after the first update he will encounter a deadlock in the form Apple request ID of the previous owner.
Checking the Activation Lock status in the iCloud menu
Until recently - namely until January 2017, the Apple website worked special service, which allows you to determine whether the lock on the gadget is enabled or not. However, hackers figured out how to use this portal for dishonest purposes and it had to be closed. However, there is a way to check. To find out if the blocking is active:
If you see “On” next to “Find iPhone,” ask the seller to deactivate the option.
Important! OhIt is impossible to disable the option yourself- To authorize shutdown, you will need your Apple ID password.
Checking blocking: an alternative method
At all specified method should work 100%, however, on thematic methods you can find messages in which users tell how they bought a device with Find My iPhone disabled, but still encountered a block.
So we recommend that you also perform an alternative check, which was invented by cunning users after the official verification service was closed. To implement this, you will need to contact Apple technical support, but you should not work with the Russian support portal, because its capabilities are limited. So let's get started:
Under no circumstances should you buy an iOS device with the lock enabled, no matter what the seller says!
Let's summarize
When purchasing a supported iOS device, be sure to check whether activation lock is enabled. However, even if you see that the option is not active, just in case, along with your purchase, pick up the receipt from the seller for the initial purchase and the box from the device. In this case, if the device malfunctions and you still encounter a lock screen, despite the fact that the option has been disabled, you can call Apple support and, as proof that the device belongs to you, provide a receipt and box - in this In this case, they will help you remove the blocking.