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Which device do you have?

Are you getting any error messages?

Are you the original owner of this device?

If not, did the previous owner remove the Activation Lock, which can also be done online?

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

In case you can not reach the previous owner, and you have proof of purchase, as explained in this article, contact the official Apple Support, to start the Additional Support for the Activation Lock.

There are a few requirements before your contact them:

...

You must be the owner of the device.

Apple may require proof of purchase. Proof of ownership must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.

Your data on the device will be erased.

If Apple unlocks Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently erased. Please note, restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable Activation Lock.

We can’t unlock a managed device.

If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. We also do not accept bulk requests.

Your device must not be in Lost Mode.

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copied from: Additional Support - Activation Lock

Thank you for reaching out. 🤗

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 | Community Volunteer

Restart your equipment and/or sign in out and back in again, and try again. On a computer you can also try Safe Mode Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Choose your macOS version at the top.

If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud or your account, Apple has a list of things you can try in the support article: If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud - Apple Support

Is the appropriate Apple server working? --> https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus

If your device is managed by a school or organization you may need to sign in to the device with a school or work Apple Account. More in this article —> If you can't sign in to your device with your personal Apple Account - Apple Support

If you are using a VPN try removing it completely (don't just turn it off) and see if you can then use the service. E.g., AppStore - Apple Community

If using cellular data (even if it is seemingly good), try using WiFi instead. —> Connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support