How to Check if an iPhone Is iCloud Locked (Activation Lock)

You can reset a stolen iPhone, but you cannot use it — that is the point of Activation Lock. Tied to the owner's Apple ID through Find My, it survives factory resets and makes a locked device a brick. Checking it before you buy is just as important as a blacklist check.

What Activation Lock actually does

When Find My is on, the device is linked to an Apple account. After any reset, it demands that account's password to activate. Without it, the phone is useless — and the original owner can track or remote-lock it at any time.

Why it matters when buying used

• A locked iPhone cannot be activated under your account.
• Sellers often hide it behind "just sign in with my ID."
• Apple will not remove it for you without the original owner.

How to check iCloud lock status

• iCloud Activation Lock Check — the focused lookup for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
• iPhone Activation Lock Check — quick lock status for iPhone and iPad.
• Mac Activation Lock Check — for used MacBooks.

Bottom line

Never buy an iPhone you cannot activate yourself. Confirm the lock status with the iCloud Activation Lock Check before any payment changes hands.