How to Verify If a Used iPhone Is Activation Locked

Determine if a used iPhone is locked to a previous owner using the official Apple Activation Lock status tool. Avoid purchasing restricted devices.

1. Find the device identifier. Locate the Serial Number or IMEI of the iPhone. Navigate to Settings, tap General, and select About to view these identifiers, or check the SIM tray if the device is not currently activated.
2. Access the Apple support page. Open a web browser on any device and navigate to the official Apple Check Activation Lock status page. Ensure you are on the verified apple.com domain to avoid phishing attempts.
3. Enter device credentials. Input the Serial Number or IMEI found in Step 1 into the designated text field. Complete the CAPTCHA image challenge to prove you are a human user.
4. Interpret the lock status. Review the result. If the screen displays 'Activation Lock: On', the device is linked to a previous owner's Apple ID and cannot be used without their credentials. If it displays 'Off', the device is unlocked and safe to pair with your own Apple ID.
5. Perform a physical check. Power on the device to confirm it proceeds to the standard Setup Assistant rather than a custom management screen. If the device asks for a 'Remote Management' login, it is enrolled in an organization’s MDM profile.