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Nikitakiselev
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iPhone XS still linked to permanently deleted Apple Account — official support options?

I own an iPhone XS running iOS 18.7.10. The Apple Account still signed in on this iPhone was permanently deleted, but Find My remains enabled. When I try to sign out, the phone asks for the password for that deleted account.


The iPhone is still fully functional and currently has no device passcode. I no longer have the original purchase receipt. I have not erased or restored the device and want to preserve its data and current functionality. I am posting from a different, active Apple Account.


I contacted Apple Support by phone in Russia and was advised to try the support website or Apple Support Community. The Activation Lock support route I tried asks me to sign in, while the standard removal request requires proof of purchase.


Has anyone resolved this specific situation through an official Apple process? How can I ask Apple to escalate my existing support case to a Senior Advisor for review of a device still associated with a permanently deleted account? Is there an official way to remove that association and resolve Activation Lock without erasing the iPhone, and can Apple consider any alternative proof of ownership?


I am seeking an official support procedure, not a workaround or password recovery for the deleted account. Please do not suggest erasing or restoring the phone as a troubleshooting step.

Posted on Oct 13, 2026 4:51 AM

2 replies

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 13, 2026 5:10 AM in response to Nikitakiselev

There is no escalating an activation lock service request of which I have ever heard.


Carefully and thoroughly read this support article about what happens and how to delete an Apple Account—> How to delete your Apple Account - Apple Support

and what happens when you delete an Apple Account. For example:

"Make sure that you sign out of all your devices to avoid issues with apps that use your Apple Account or iCloud. After your account is deleted, you can’t sign out of iCloud or turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock on your devices. If you forget to sign out, you might not be able to use your device when your account is deleted."


You could try to get the account working again, as outlined in: How to delete your Apple Account - Apple Support

"What happens if I change my mind after I have requested that my account be deleted?

While your request is being processed, you can contact Apple Support [call them at a telephone number for your country --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support ] with the unique alphanumeric access code you received, and we’ll help you cancel your request. After your account is deleted, Apple can't cancel the request, reopen your account, or restore your data."


Alternatively, Apple can reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership (usually the original receipt from Apple or an authorized retailer —> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support ). Try this online here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Yes, apparently this does work in this situation too: How to remove previously deleted apple id… - Apple Community


There are no successful alternatives I have ever seen anybody mention (and I am a bit surprised that official Apple support did not know that and sent you here). Apple is very strict about device unlocking and you either have to have the account information for a functioning account that was signed into the device, or you have to have a proof of purchase that Apple will accept (I have only ever heard of Apple accepting one of their own Apple receipts or one from an officially approved retailer).

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 13, 2026 5:08 AM in response to Nikitakiselev

I'll add that losing use of an iPhone XS may not be a great loss since it is old enough that it will start losing app support pretty soon (some apps require that you use one of the latest two iOS version) and may need a replacement battery, etc.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375365