[2026 Guide] I Bought a Locked iPhone How Do I Unlock It?

You just bought a used iPhone and were excited to set it up. But then you saw a screen that says "iPhone Locked to Owner."

This is a common problem. Many people share this story on social media like Reddit and Facebook Marketplace. You might try to factory reset the iPhone or to remove the old owner's Apple ID. But the screen stays the same.

Don't panic. If i bought a locked iphone how do i unlock it is the question, this guide will provide detailed tutorial to unlock a used locked iPhone.

When you saw the screen showing “iPhone Locked to Owner”, it usually means the iPhone’s Activation Lock is still on.

Apple made this feature to protect data. Especially, when an iPhone gets lost or stolen, no one else can use it. Apple explains it clearly on their support page. Activation Lock works with the "Find My" feature. When Find My feature is on, the Apple ID is linked to the phone. To turn it off, you need the password of Apple ID. This is why you see that lock screen.

Activation Lock vs. Carrier Lock

When people say "i bought a locked iphone," they might mean two different things, iCloud Activation Lock and carrier lock. A carrier lock can be unlocked through contacting the original carrier of the used iPhone. Below is a simple table to help you understand and distinguish them.

So, you bought used iphone but it's locked. Below are a few options. Some are free. Some cost money. We’ve list them from easiest to most technical.

1 Contact the Previous iPhone Owner

In fact, this is the best and free way to unlock a bought iPhone. Try to message the seller and ask them to remove the iPhone from their iCloud account. The whole locked iPhone erasing process can be done remotely.

Here’s what they need to do:

Learn the procedure for Erasing an iPhone.

If you’re unable to reach to the seller, or they just don’t reply your message, you can try the second solution.

2 Contact Apple to Initiate an Activation Lock Support Request

Some people on Reddit have successfully unlocked bought iPhone through this method. Whether you purchased a used iPhone on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, if you possess proof of purchase (which must include the iPhone's serial number or IMEI), you can contact Apple to initiate an Activation Lock support request and receive assistance in unlocking the locked iphone.

To improve the possibility of Apple solving your case, you need to provide Proof of Purchase. Below are some important items that Apple may ask for:

If Apple agrees, they will remove the activation lock. The who process may take from 7 to 30 days. Also note that this will also erase all data on the iPhone.

3 Use iMyFone LockWiper to Remove Apple ID Lock

If you can’t reach to the seller and didn’t keep the receipt, there’s still hope, to try iMyFone LockWiper, which has 12 years of unlocking various locks on iPhone, such as bought iPhone with Apple ID locks, unlock bought iphone with passcode, remove iPhone screen time lock and more.

It enables users to unlock bought iPhone Apple ID lock in easy 3 steps, the whole process will be in 5 minutes.

Apple ID Remover Function Points

• Bypass screen lock without password, including Face ID, Touch ID.
• Delete iCloud account and Apple ID without password. It also supports iOS 26/18/17.
• Unlock disabled iPhone/iPad, disabled iPod without iTunes and iCloud.
• It is a reliable source of removing 4/6 digit passcodes on iOS devices.
• Screen Time passcode, MDM profile, and all iPhone locks are removable within seconds.

Try It Free Buy Now

Video about how to unlock a bought locked iphone.

If you bought an iPhone that is locked to the activation lock, here's how to unlock is using iMyFone LockWiper.

Step 1. Download and launch LockWiper. On the load-up screen, choose Unlock Apple ID. Connect your device and click Start to Unlock.

Step 2. If your Find My is disabled on iPhone, LockWiper will start to remove Apple ID soon. Follow the instructions to turn off the Find My if the FMI is turned on.

Step 3. Your iPhone Apple ID will be removed soon. After resetting your iPhone, your bought iPhone's lock will be removed.

With LockWiper, just follow the above 3 steps, and you can enjoy the smooth process of removing old Apple ID and logging into yours in easy clicks with up to 99% success rate.

Try It Free Buy Now

When you bought a locked iphone, the iPhone also has possibility been locked by carrier or by the screen lock. If you’ve encountered those situations, belows are guide for you.

1 iPhone Network Carrier Lock

If you put your SIM card to the iPhone you bought, and the phone shows “SIM Not Supported" or "SIM Not Valid.” This also means that you unfortunately bought an iphone that is locked.

A carrier lock means the phone only works with one mobile company. For example, a phone from AT&T might not work on T-Mobile. As the previous owner had a contract, the phone is "tied" to that network. Only contacting the original carrier can unlock this lock. Besides, there’re also some iphone unlock service online providing iPhone unlocking service.

Tips

Always check the "Carrier Lock" status ( Settings [>] General [>] About.) before buying a used phone. If it says "No SIM restrictions," you are safe.

2 iPhone Screen Passcode Lock

Another scenario is that after turning on your newly bought iPhone, and find that you need to enter a 4-digit/6-digit screen passcode; otherwise, you won't be able to use the second-hand iPhone.

That is, you bought an iPhone with a passcode.

In this case, you can also use iMyFone LockWiper to remove the iPhone's screen lock.

Besides removing Apple ID lock, iMyFone LockWiper can also used to remove different types of iPhone screen locks, including 4/6 digit, Touch ID, and Face ID passcode without any credentials.

The steps is similar to using iMyFone LockWiper to remove Apple ID. Learn the step-by-step guide to unlock iPhone screen passcode lock.  

Below are tips for buying a used iPhone next time.

Tips

Check a GSX report: a GSX report often contain information that tells you if the phone is stolen, has a fake serial number, or has been repaired. It is a paid service, cost about $5-$10.

Make sure it removes Apple ID account: ask the seller to record the process of removing his Apple ID account. Do not buy it if they say "I will do it later."

Make sure it turns off Find My iPhone: This is part of signing out. If Find My is still on, the Activation Lock is still on, which will take you time and money to remove.

Ask for the original receipt: Even if they bought it from a store like Best Buy or Walmart, ask for the receipt. This helps you with Apple Support when needed.

Check the IMEI number: Dial #06# on the phone. Write the number down. Use a free online checker to see if the phone is reported lost or stolen.

When bought an iphone that is locked. You feel stuck, but there’re still solutions to unlock it.

Ready to fix your iPhone? Download LockWiper now and try the free trial. See how easy it is to remove that lock and finally use the phone you paid for.

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Article by

Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper has over 10 years of experience in the technology industry and is an expert at providing tips and handy solutions to Apple and Android users. Dedicated to helping millions of users improve their experience with mobile devices, he has maintained an impressive record of solving problems.