If you're buying a second-hand iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, there is one check you should never skip: iCloud Activation Lock status. A device with active Activation Lock is essentially unusable unless the original owner removes it. This guide explains how to check, what the results mean, and what to do if the lock is on.
What is iCloud Activation Lock?
iCloud Activation Lock is a security feature Apple introduced in iOS 7, baked into every iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple Watch that has "Find My" enabled. It works by linking the device to a specific Apple ID at the server level.
When Activation Lock is ON:
- The device cannot be erased and set up by a new user without the original Apple ID credentials
- The lock remains even after a factory reset
- The device shows an "Activation Lock" screen on setup that requires an Apple ID and password
When Activation Lock is OFF:
- The device can be freely set up with any Apple ID
- Safe to purchase — no residual lock risk
How to check iCloud Activation Lock status
Method 1: Use our free online tool (before purchase)
The safest way to check before you buy is to run the IMEI or serial number through an independent status check. Ask the seller for the IMEI (they can find it by dialling *#06#) and then:
- Visit our iCloud Activation Lock Check tool
- Enter the IMEI or serial number
- Get an instant status result — ON, OFF, or Lost Mode
This check is free for guest users (one check per day) and works before you physically have the device in your hands.
Method 2: Check on the device itself
If you can inspect the device before purchase:
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Try to set it up: Power on the device. If it's been factory reset and shows the Activation Lock screen (grey padlock icon, asking for Apple ID and password), the lock is active.
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In Settings (if the device is set up): If the device is currently signed in to someone's Apple ID, go to Settings > [Owner's Name] at the top. You'll see their Apple ID. Ask the seller to sign out before the transaction completes — go to Settings > [Name] > Sign Out.
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Apple's official check page: Apple does not offer a public-facing Activation Lock check, but you can check iCloud.com — if you can sign in and see a device listed in Find My, it means the device is linked to that account.
Method 3: Check during the sale meeting
Ask the seller to demonstrate these things in front of you:
- Power the device on
- Navigate to Settings > [Name] to confirm Find My status
- If possible, sign out of iCloud (Settings > [Name] > Sign Out) in front of you before exchange
If the seller refuses to sign out of iCloud, or cannot access the Apple ID in front of you, treat this as a serious warning sign.
What do the results mean?
Activation Lock: OFF (Clean)
The device has no iCloud lock. Find My is either disabled or was properly removed by the previous owner. Safe to purchase from a lock perspective — though you should still run a blacklist check.
Activation Lock: ON (Locked)
The device is linked to an Apple ID. If you proceed with the purchase without the lock being removed, you will not be able to use the device. Your options:
- Ask the seller to remove it remotely — they can do this from iCloud.com without the device
- Walk away from the sale — if the seller can't or won't remove it, don't buy
- Use a professional unlock service — if you've already purchased the device and can't reach the seller, DeviceDecoded's iCloud Unlock Service can remove the lock permanently
Lost Mode
The device has been flagged as lost by the original owner. This is a step beyond standard Activation Lock. The owner has actively marked the device as lost, which may mean it's stolen. Exercise particular caution with devices in Lost Mode — verify the source of the device carefully before proceeding.
What to do if the iCloud check shows Activation Lock is ON
If you're checking before purchase:
- Do not complete the purchase without the seller removing the lock
- Ask the seller to demonstrate removal via iCloud.com
- If they can't, walk away
If you've already purchased the device:
- Contact the seller immediately and explain the situation
- If they're unresponsive, raise a dispute through the selling platform (eBay, PayPal, etc.)
- If platform protection isn't available, use a professional iCloud Unlock Service — this is the technical resolution for devices where the original owner is unavailable
Pre-purchase Apple device checklist
Before buying any used iPhone or iPad:
- Run an iCloud Activation Lock check (IMEI or serial)
- Run a blacklist / lost-stolen check
- Check Find My status on the device in person
- Have the seller sign out of iCloud before payment
- Pay with buyer-protected payment method (credit card, PayPal)
- Get a receipt or message confirmation of the sale
A few minutes of due diligence can save you significant money and frustration. The iCloud Activation Lock Check is free — run it before every Apple device purchase.