How to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone 14 Pro Max?

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which effectively prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID (email address, or possibly a telephone number in some countries) and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple Account information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.

Get the owner of the account to remove the lock, or return the device to that person for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you.

Here are additional resources for the account owner:

● How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

● Help with a missing Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple Account primary email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple Account password, click here --> If you forgot your password and can’t sign in to your Apple Account - Apple Support

• If the previous owner is deceased, read —> Request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support

Reset device if one of you has the Apple accepted proof or purchase:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online* at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt** issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account. In addition, Apple will not reset if Lost Mode is set on a device.

* There is a special link for this service. To save time you should use it instead of https://getsupport.apple.com/

**Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

If anybody tells you that you have to be the “original” owner, they are incorrect. As long as one of you have the original Apple receipt (which may well not have any personally identifying information on it) you are okay.

Zayarmin10 wrote:

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is stuck on Activation Lock. I bought it from someone else, but the previous owner doesn't remember the details anymore. What can I do about this? I am from myanmar

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Activation lock

Based on the details of your post the answer is simple. No need to read anymore links. If the previous owner does not know the information or is unwilling to cooperate you will NEVER be able to use the phone, period, end of story. You should try returning it and get and get your money back. Otherwise you should just properly recycle the phone to avoid eWaste because that’s what your phone is now... a useless brick.

Unless the previous owner can remove that lock, you will not be able to use that iPhone. It may have been stolen.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Thank you for reaching out. 🤗

If you are not the original owner, then Activation Lock is a security feature to protect the owner from theft. In that case, only the original owner can unlock it. 🔓

↓ If you are the original owner: ↓

According to Apple:

Remove Activation Lock on the device

Follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple Account and password you used to set up your device or your device passcode. If you don't remember your Apple Account, try to sign in with an email address or phone number that you regularly use for Apple services.

Learn how to find your Apple Account or reset your Apple Account password.

If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. 

Remove Activation Lock on the web if a device is offline

For iPhone, you might be able to remove Activation Lock on the web even if your device isn't offline.

1. Go to www.iCloud.com/find.
2. Sign in to your Apple Account.
3. Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.
4. Click Remove This Device.

Start a support request

If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

Thanks again for reaching out. 👍🏼

Take care! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

lkrupp wrote:

Based on the details of your post the answer is simple. No need to read anymore links. If the previous owner does not know the information or is unwilling to cooperate

Yes there could still be reason to read additional links.

The first post didn't say anything about the previous owner not cooperating, just that they said they didn't know the information. One approach Zayarmin10 could take would be to help the previous owner to recover the missing account information. The resources I provide are useful in attempting this.

Zayarmin10 also didn't say that they are not in possession of the sales receipt from Apple. While this is likely frequently missing when it comes to secondhand devices, until we see a definite statement it is not available then it is still an option and the information I provided is valid.