iCloud Lock (Activation Lock) — What It Is and How to Avoid It
1 min read
Updated: 2026-09-03
Activation Lock (iCloud lock) is an Apple security feature: if "Find My" is turned on and the device is linked to someone else's Apple ID, a new owner cannot use it without the password.
Why It Matters
An iCloud-locked phone is completely unusable—you won't be able to activate it. When buying a used device, this is the very first thing you should check.
How to Check
- Ask the seller to completely erase the device: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content.
- If it asks for a password during reset, it's still linked to someone's account. Do not buy it.
- If the "Activation Lock" screen appears during setup, the phone is locked.
At US MOBI, every iPhone is guaranteed iCloud-free—you can set it up on your own Apple ID with complete peace of mind.
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