Level 1 (4 points)

Cannot activate Apple ID on iPhone SE (2020) after reset

I’m having trouble with my older Apple iPhone SE (2020).

I use it for work purposes, and the phone has been fully reset.

Multiple Apple accounts had been created on it previously. I eventually created an account on the Apple website (found on Google), but I can't activate it. I tried doing it through the App Store as well, but unfortunately, that didn't work either. When I went to Apple, the employee—who didn't even look at the phone—told me there was no way to fix it and didn't know when a new account could be activated. Where else is one supposed to find out what's wrong with the phone if even they can't help?

If anyone has any ideas on what might help, I’d appreciate a reply.

Posted on Sep 20, 2026 10:08 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 20, 2026 1:01 PM in response to Jorgiiii

If you see “The maximum number of free accounts have been activated on this [device]”, it means that you have exceeded the number of accounts that you can set up with iCloud on a single device in one year.

What should you do?

If you have another iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can try setting up iCloud with your Apple Account on that device. Sign in with your Apple Account, then follow the onscreen steps to start using iCloud. If you still see the same error, get suggestions on what to try next.

Jorgiiii Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 20, 2026 2:44 PM in response to WheelieNick

Yes, that might work, but I can't use my own account because it's a company phone.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361334