Unlock your devices in 3 steps
Recover data in 3 steps
Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
Are you getting this message, “The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPhone?” It happens when your iPhone is linked with another Apple ID, and you try resetting it.
In this article, we will explain five different methods to fix this issue and show you a stepwise guide so you can apply them easily. Try out all the methods, and you’ll regain access to your device.
We'll also provide some preventive measures for the future.
So, let's get started and unlock your iPhone!
People perform factory reset on their iPhones many times. However, sometimes, you perform a factory reset and enter an Apple ID that is not linked to the device. In this case, you’ll get the notification, “The Apple ID Cannot be Used to Unlock This iPhone.”
It's because of the iCloud Activation Lock on your iOS device. This lock is a safety feature that protects your iPhone if it's lost or stolen. If it's turned on, you'll need the original Apple ID & password to unlock the phone.
But don't worry! It's easy to forget which email address you used to set up your iPhone, especially if you have a few. It also happens if you bought your iPhone second-hand. The previous owner might have forgotten to remove their Apple ID from the device.
The good news is that we have solutions to your problem! Let's examine them in detail.
There are many ways to fix the “Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this phone” issue. You can remove the ID from your iPhone. You can also try to find the original Apple ID credentials. Even third-party tools like Dr.Fone can remove Apple ID from any iOS device.
Let's look at all these methods with a brief description and a step-by-step guide.
If you're confident you have the correct Apple ID but can't remember the password, reset it. You’ll need another trusted device linked to the same Apple ID. This simple process can be done using any computer or mobile phone.
Here are the steps to reset your Apple ID password:
Step 1: Open a browser on a computer & go to the iCloud forgot passcode page.
Step 2: Enter the email associated with your iCloud account. Type the characters shown in the box and click “Continue.”
Step 3: Enter your phone number associated with the iCloud account for confirmation.
Step 4: You’ll get a notification on all the Apple devices connected to your iCloud ID. Click on “Allow” to continue.
Step 5: Apple will guide you through the rest of the process. Then, you can enter a new password for your Apple account.
If you still see the message "Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this Apple Watch," remove the Apple ID from that device.
Apple provides an official method for remotely removing an iCloud Account from any device. However, this process requires correct Apple ID credentials. If you're absolutely sure you have the correct Apple ID, you can try this method.
You just need a computer to follow these steps.
Step 1: Sign in to the official iCloud website with the Apple ID currently linked to your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and open Find My iPhone from different options.
Step 3: You'll see a list of all the devices linked to their Apple ID. Click on the iPhone that you want to remove from the Apple ID.
Step 4: You’ll see three options. Choose "Erase iPhone" to completely erase the iPhone.
Step 5: Now, the option will appear to remove your iPhone from the Apple IS. Click on the “Remove from account” option.
Step 6: Enter your Apple ID password again for confirmation.
Once they've completed these steps, you can activate the iPhone without any Apple ID.
If you're still stuck with the message "The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this watch," it’s time to consider a more advanced solution.
Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a password unlocker designed to remove iOS device passcodes. It lets you remove iCloud ID from your iPhone without requiring the ID password. The process is so simple that anyone can perform it.
Check out the key features of Dr.Fone!
Remove Apple ID Lock Without Hassle.
However, using Dr.Fone to remove an Apple ID will remove all the data on your iPhone. So, if you have important information on your phone, create a backup before proceeding. Also, remember that this method should only be used to remove your own Apple ID from a device you own. Using it to remove someone else's Apple ID from their device without their permission is illegal & unethical.
Now, let's move on to the steps to fix the “The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPad” issue.
Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone on your computer. Go to "Toolbox" > "Screen Unlock" & select "iOS".
Step 2: Now select the "Remove Apple ID" option on your screen.
Step 3: Connect your iOS to your computer. First, Dr.Fone will ask you about screen passcode & then Two-Factor Authentication. Clear these notifications.
Step 4: Now, put your iPhone in Recovery Mode by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: When Dr.Fone detects your iOS device, confirm the device details. Then, select the system version you need and click “Start.”
Step 6: Dr.Fone will download the necessary firmware for your iPhone. When it's complete, click the “Unlock Now” button and enter “00000000000” for confirmation.
Step 7: Wait until Dr.Fone removes the Apple ID from your iPhone. When the process completes, click on the “Done” button.
You can now start your iOS device just like a new one.
If even this method fails, then…
If you purchased your iPhone second-hand, the best solution is to contact the original owner. You can ask for the Apple ID credentials and get rid of the "The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this watch" message.
This may seem awkward, but it's often the easiest way to regain access to your iPhone. Most people are happy to help if they realize they accidentally left their account linked to the device.
Here's what you can do:
Step 1: If you bought the iPhone from someone you know, simply contact them directly. If you purchased it from a marketplace, check your purchase history for their contact information.
Step 2: Politely explain that you can't use the iPhone because it's still linked to their Apple ID. Let them know you simply want to remove their account from the device.
Step 3: Ask them to remove the device from their account. They can do it by following the steps of Method 2 in this article.
What? Can’t find the original owner? Then try contacting the Apple support.
Apple Support is a team of trained professionals who can help you find a solution. They have access to specialized tools & resources that can resolve complex problems.
Moreover, they're available 24/7 through various channels. You can reach them whenever you need help.
Here's how to contact Apple Support:
Step 1: Visit the official Apple Support website on any device.
Step 2: Scroll down until you see the Get Support section. Click on the “Start Now” button.
Step 3: Choose a support option that you are comfortable with. You can select from Chat, Email, or schedule a call.
Step 4: Briefly explain the “The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this phone” issue.
Step 5: Provide your iPhone's serial number and other relevant details to help the Apple Support representative.
Then, you have to follow the guidelines of the Apple representative to unlock your device.
That's all about the fixes for “Incorrect Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPhone.” Now, let's look at some preventive measures for this issue.
It's always better to be safe than sorry! So next time, take some preventive measures. Then, you’ll never see the notification "The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPhone" again.
Here are some preventive tips for you.
If you get the message "The Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPhone," try all the above methods. First, try the common methods. If they don't work, use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS).
It's a specialized iOS tool that can remove all the locks of an iPhone. You can easily remove Apple ID from your iPhone with it. However, ensure you have a data backup before using any method.
staff Editor
