iPhone 18 Pro asks for unknown email password for iCloud sign-in

Hello,

I have just purchased a new iPhone 18 Pro, and when I try to sign in to iCloud, the phone asks me for a password associated with an @icloud.com email address that does not belong to me.

However, my correct email addresses appear properly on my MacBook Pro.

How can I remove or unlink this email address that does not belong to me? Every time I try to sign in to iCloud on my new iPhone, I am automatically redirected to this unknown email address, and the system asks me for a verification code that I do not have.

Could you please explain the steps I need to follow to resolve this issue and connect my new iPhone to my own iCloud account?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,

Clarify who the recipient isAdd my Apple account email

Posted on Oct 21, 2026 10:49 AM

1 reply

sberman

Level 10 (280,982 points)

Oct 21, 2026 1:26 PM in response to aaron laurent levy

Did you purchase this iPhone brand new, in a factory sealed box, directly from Apple or an Authorized Apple retailer? If so, seek their assistance.

If not, was your iPhone previously owned? It may be Activation Locked if that’s the case. Contact the original owner for assistance.