How to Quickly Check iCloud Activation Lock Status
(2025 Edition)

Part 1: How To Check Activation Lock Status Before You Buy a Used Device

Understanding the iCloud Activation Lock is essential when purchasing a used Apple device. This security feature, designed by Apple, is activated when ‘Find My iPhone’ is enabled. It links the device to the owner’s Apple ID, preventing others from activating it without the owner’s permission. This lock is crucial for preventing unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices.

Before buying a used iPhone or iPad, checking the iCloud Activation Lock status is important. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Power on the device and unlock it. This step will confirm whether the device has been properly erased.

Note: If you’re greeted with the passcode Lock Screen or the Home Screen, it indicates that the device still needs to be fully erased. In this case, ask the seller to completely erase the device before proceeding. It’s important to only take ownership of any used Apple device once it has been erased.

• Step 2: Start setting up the device as if it were new. This step is crucial in identifying if the device is still tied to the previous owner’s account.
• Step 3: During the setup, if the device prompts you for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, it’s a clear sign that the device is still linked to the account. Hand the device back to the seller and request them to enter their password.

If the previous owner is absent, ask them to remove their iCloud account from the phone through a web browser. This step is vital. Remember, always perform an activation lock check when buying second-hand phones.

Part 2: How To Check the iCloud Activation Lock Status of Your Devices

If you’re planning to sell your iPhone or are curious about the status of a lost phone, you should also perform an iCloud lock check. This feature, crucial for security, can prevent a new user from accessing the phone without your permission. Here’s how you can check the status:

Method 1: Check Within the Phone

The first way to check your devices’ iCloud activation lock status is through the devices themselves. There are two ways to do this, as presented in this section.

Method 1.1: Navigating to the Settings App

First, open Settings on your iDevice. At the top of its menu, tap on your profile name.

If you see an iCloud account listed here and you’re signed in, your device is still linked to that iCloud account. Thus, it will still be under the iCloud Activation Lock. If there is no iCloud activation lock, it should look like this:

Method 1.2: Check During Phone Activation

If you are setting up the phone afresh or after a factory reset, proceed with the initial setup steps. Suppose the device asks for an Apple ID and password previously associated with the device at any point during the setup. In that case, it indicates that the iCloud Activation Lock is still active. This occurs if the device was not correctly erased before the reset.

Method 2: Using IMEI Number

Every iPhone or iPad has its own IMEI number. It can be used to check details about the device remotely, including checking the iCloud Activation Lock. Here are the steps to use your IMEI number to check the iCloud Activation Lock status of your phone using third-party apps:

• Step 1: Open your Settings app on the iDevice.
• Step 2: Go to General, then choose About.
• Step 3: Find the IMEI number by scrolling down. It’s a 15-digit number that’s unique to your device.

• Step 4: Several third-party websites offer services to check iCloud Activation Lock status using the IMEI number. Some of these services are free, while others might charge a small fee. Make sure to use a reputable service to avoid scams.
• Step 5: On the chosen service’s website, enter your device’s IMEI number.
• Step 6: The service will provide details regarding the iCloud activation lock status.

Remember, if selling, always erase your device and sign out of iCloud to remove the activation lock. For buyers, always ensure your device is free from previous iCloud accounts.

Part 3: How To Remove iCloud Activation Lock With or Without Password

If you find that an iPhone or iPad is still locked with an iCloud Activation Lock, you must remove it before selling, transferring ownership, or reusing the device. Depending on whether you have the Apple ID password, you can remove the lock through Apple’s official method or use a professional unlock tool when the password is unavailable.

Method 1: Removing Apple ID Through Apple’s Means [With Password]

If the device owner remembers the Apple ID password, removing the Activation Lock is straightforward.

Method 1.1 When You Have the Device on Hand

When you have the iDevice with you, it’s easy to remove the Apple ID. Just follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your device.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile at the top of the app.
• Step 3: Tap on iCloud.
• Step 4: Find the Sign Out button. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password. After which, turn off your Find My by following the on-screen instructions.

Method 1.2 When You Don’t Have the Device

If the owner is not physically present, they can remove the device remotely:

• Step 1: Go to www.iCloud.com/find.

• Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID, email address, phone number, and password.
• Step 3: Choose the one you want to remove from the list of devices.
• Step 4: Follow the prompts to remove the device from your iCloud account.

Once the device is removed from the iCloud account, you can set it up normally.

Method 2: Instantly Bypass iCloud Activation Lock Without Password (Using Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock iOS)

If you don't know the previous Apple ID or the password, a professional tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)can bypass the Activation Lock in just a few minutes — no Apple ID credentials required.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is an all-in-one mobile solution that offers a range of features, including data recovery, system repair, and more. One of its key features is the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock tool of the Screen Unlock (iOS) feature, which can assist in removing iCloud Activation Lock.

Dr.Fone - iCloud Activation Unlocker

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock in 5 Minutes

• Instant Unlock — Access your device right away
• Supports iPhone 5S–17 Pro Max & iPad (2013–2025 versions)
• Beginner-friendly interface & step-by-step guidance
• Local unlock technology — secure and privacy-protected
• Compatible with the newest iPhone 17 series & iOS 26

Available on: Windows Mac

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How the Bypass Works (4 Easy Steps)

Here’s how you can remove the iCloud Activation Lock with Dr.Fone:

• Step 1: Download and open the latest version of Wondershare Dr.Fone. Go to Toolbox → Screen Unlock → iOS, then choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal. 

• Step 2: Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer. After auto-diagnosis, confirm the device information and click Unlock Now. 

• Step 3: Read the on-screen notes, check the agreement box, and continue. The tool will automatically download and install the required driver for your device. 

• Step 4: The bypass will begin automatically. Keep the device connected and avoid using it during the process. After several automatic reboots, you’ll see a success message — and you can enter the device normally. 

safe & secure

Conclusion

In this 2025 guide, you’ve explored various methods to check the iCloud Activation Lock status, an essential feature for iOS device security. Understanding how to verify this status, especially when buying or selling devices online. You’ve also learned how to remove them, so you know how to dispose of your devices properly. Managing your device’s iCloud Activation Lock status is key to ensuring its security and usability.

For those facing challenges with forgotten Apple ID credentials or needing to unlock their devices, Dr.Fone stands out as a reliable solution. It also has capabilities that extend beyond iCloud issues. Overall, it’s a valuable tool for a range of phone-related needs, so we recommend you to put it to use.