Activation Lock Help for Apple Device Owners

Find out which restriction is present

An Apple Account lock, a Mac login password, FileVault, a device passcode and business device management are different controls. Record the exact screen message without sharing passwords. The appropriate route depends on which restriction is active.

Use the owner's Apple Account

Follow the current Apple instructions to remove the device from Find My where authorised. An erase alone is not a reason to assume the device has been released for a new owner. Confirm readiness before buying or transferring a used device.

If the device came from another owner

Ask the previous owner to complete the supported removal process. Do not purchase an assurance that someone can bypass the lock. If an organisation manages the device, its authorised administrator must handle the applicable release.

If account access has been lost

Use Apple's official password reset or account recovery route. Recovery may require a waiting period. Where Apple offers an ownership-support process, its requirements and decision apply. A repair shop cannot guarantee that Apple will approve a request.

What ZA Support can do

Assess the restriction, explain the official options and help prepare a legitimate ownership or account-support request. We do not bypass Activation Lock, defeat encryption or promise access to another person's account.

Further reading

• Apple: account recovery and security
• Apple: prepare a device for transfer