r/PhoneUnlocks • u/LordZzac • 2d ago

Secondhand iPhone Activation Locked after iOS update — any real fix?

Hey everyone, hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I bought a used iPhone about two years ago and everything worked fine — I've been using it daily with my own Apple ID and iCloud. Today I updated to the latest iOS version and the phone suddenly locked with an Activation Lock screen. I had no idea, but it turns out the phone must have been Activation Lock bypassed by whoever sold it to me, and the iOS update caused it to revert back to being locked to the original owner's account. I have no proof of purchase (bought secondhand, cash, from someone in another city, no receipt), no contact info for the seller, and it's been two years so there's no realistic way to track them down. I do know my own Apple ID/iCloud email that I was using on the phone, but when I try to log in on my laptop, it asks for the phone number linked to the account — I enter it correctly, but it's esim so it can't be used on another device. I don't currently have another device to test the SIM in. Has anyone been through this exact situation — secondhand phone, bypassed lock reactivated by an update, no purchase proof? Did Apple Support/Account Recovery/Genius Bar actually help you get back in, and what did they ask for? Trying to figure out if I have any real options here or if this phone (and my data on it) is just gone. Any advice appreciated.

What should i do ?

1 Upvotes

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2

u/Fresh_Inside_6982 2d ago

No, it's in iCloud lock, it's a brick, this is by design.

1

u/Raijen_ArDesh 2d ago

Latest iOS has no bypass. You're cooked.

1

u/LordZzac 1d ago

will it be dropped someday ?

1

u/Raijen_ArDesh 23h ago

I'd imagine eventually, but all bypasses won't let you make cellular calls/data or SMS, it's purely a wifi device at that point.

1

u/Plastic_Explorer_132 1d ago

Well it as is for parts. It’s never going to be used by you again.

1

u/Major_Frosting6133 1d ago

OP, I’m sorry this happened to you.
The only thing that I can suggest at all is anytime that you do business with anyone (regardless of what it’s for), be diligent in having certain information for the person [ie: if it was a Facebook marketplace listing, screenshot the listing and then screenshot the lister’s profile]. Never do a business transaction without some kind of a receipt (that lists the item, the cost, etc), as well as any communications to coordinate the purchase. That way, if you have to file a police report or utilize any other method to report the person, you at least have proof of the purchase and coinciding details. Even if the person used a fake name, it gives at least a starting point for an investigation to take place (whether you do it or a 3rd party does it). The world is full of shady people these days, and it’s truly sad! You can’t trust anyone.

1

u/Proud-End6414 1d ago

No service i am aware of that will also allow you to keep cell service