User level: Level 1 (4 points)I recently purchased a second-hand iPhone 17 Pro and paid for it in full. However, the previous owner is currently in Australia and the phone is still locked to their account. I am unable to activate it. Could anyone please advise on how I can get this resolved?
[Edited by Moderator]
Original Title: iPhone 17 pro activation
Posted on Oct 14, 2026 2:46 PM
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)Oct 14, 2026 2:54 PM in response to Lovechahal22
Without the original owner’s assistance, the iPhone will remain useless forever.
How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
You may well have purchased a previously stolen iPhone.
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Oct 14, 2026 2:55 PM in response to Lovechahal22
You will not be able to resolve it at all unless you can get the original owner to remove their account. They can do that remotely, so they don't need the phone, but you will need to be able to contact them. If they have now ghosted you, then they probably scammed you and it may not even be their device.
Read the pitfalls that can happen here about purchasing a used device.
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376307