Ask the previous owner to remove the iPhone from their Apple Account before you use it. If setup still asks for their account details, the phone remains linked and is not ready for you. For an iPhone bought online that displays “iPhone Locked to Owner,” Apple advises returning it. If you have proof of purchase, you can also submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple, though approval is not guaranteed.
How to tell whether the iPhone is still linked
Activation Lock ties the iPhone to the previous owner’s account. During setup, a request for that person’s Apple Account information indicates that the association remains. On a protected iPhone running iOS 15 or later, Apple says the “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen appears when the device is turned on or woken.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $586.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $408.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $380.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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A passcode Lock Screen or Home Screen means the phone has not been erased. Ask the seller to erase it, then start setup yourself. The Hello screen is the sign Apple identifies that the device is ready for a new owner; continue setup far enough to confirm it does not ask for the previous owner’s credentials.
Choose the next step for your situation
The seller is with you
Give the iPhone back and ask the seller to enter their account password to turn off Activation Lock. Apple advises buyers not to take ownership until the phone has been removed from the previous owner’s account. Do not treat it as ready to use until it can proceed through setup without their credentials.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
The previous owner is remote
Contact them and ask them to remove the iPhone from their account, either through a browser or Find My. Apple’s web instructions use iCloud.com/find: the owner signs in, selects the device, and chooses “Remove This Device.” In the web flow Apple describes, the device may need to be offline before that option is available. The previous owner can also erase and remove a device through Find My so another person can activate it.
You bought it online and it is locked
Apple’s advice is to return an online purchase that shows “iPhone Locked to Owner.” Contact the seller or marketplace promptly and follow its return process. Return deadlines and refund rules depend on the seller and marketplace, so check the terms that apply to your transaction.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
You have proof of purchase
You can submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple. This is a route to ask Apple for help, not a promise that it will unlock the iPhone; the guidance does not specify an outcome or turnaround time.
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The iPhone belongs to a business or school
Contact the organization’s IT department or manager and ask them to remove the device’s association through the appropriate account or device-management process.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
What to check before accepting the phone
- Ask the seller to erase the iPhone and remove it from their account.
- Start setup from the Hello screen and make sure it does not request the previous owner’s Apple Account details.
- If the owner cannot or will not remove the lock, do not accept the iPhone as ready for use; if it was an online purchase, pursue a return.
Apple’s buyer guidance puts the rule plainly: “Don’t take ownership of any used iPhone or iPad until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
