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Unlock iPhoneUnlock a Locked Second-Hand/Old iPhone

How to Unlock a Locked Second-Hand/Old iPhone

By Hally | Last Updated

Q: "I purchased a used iPhone on the FB and the original owner says it's an old phone in a corner so he can't provide any unlocking information. How do I unlock this used iPhone without a passcode?

When you get a used or refurbished iPhone, you may encounter some unlocking issues such as screen lock, activation lock, and MDM lock. If you are unable to remove these security locks, then they will prevent you from accessing or setting up the iPhone. How to unlock a locked second hand or old iPhone? In this article, we will provide four solutions.

How to Unlock Second-Hand iPhone

How to Unlock a Second-Hand/Old iPhone without Passcode

When checking a recently purchased used iOS device, if the screen shows "iPhone Unavailable", "iPhone Locked to Owner", or "Remote Management" and so on, it indicates that the device was not completely wiped of the previous owner or organization's info before it was sold. In this case, the easiest way to unlock your iPhone is to contact the seller to get the device's passcode or request that the lock be removed remotely.

If the seller is unable to provide this information, and does not accept returns, then you can opt for an iPhone unlocker to get into a locked used device without a passcode.

iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius is a versatile iOS unlocker specifically designed to handle a variety of different types of locks, including screen passcode, Apple ID, screen time passcode, MDM, and iTunes encryption.

Step 1: Download and install iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius on your computer. After installation, run the software.

iPhone Passcode Genius boxshot

iSunshare Reliable iPhone Unlocker

  • Bypass screen lock without a passcode
  • Unlock Apple ID on activated iOS devices
  • Bypass MDM supervision in one click
  • Get rid of screen time restriction without passcode
  • Export all saved passwords on your iOS devices

Step 2: There are six function options on its main interface, you can choose the corresponding option according to the passcode problem you encounter. For example, click "Unlock Lock Screen" to bypass iPhone Passcode.

click on unlock lock screen

Make sure your iPhone is connected to the computer, click "Next" button.

Connect iPhone to PC

Step 3: iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius will automatically recognize your iPhone and match the right firmware version according to the device information. Simply click "Download" to start downloading.

The firmware file is the key to unlock your iPhone, wait patiently for it to finish downloading.

download the firmware package

Step 4: Finally, click the "Unlock" button to start the process of unlocking iPhone.

click unlock button

Wait for the prompt that the software has successfully unlocked your iPhone, and then you can access your used/old iPhone without entering the passcode.

unlock second hand iphone successfully

Unlock a Locked Second-Hand/Old iPhone with Apple ID

If the previous owner has forgotten the screen passcode but still remembers the Apple ID information logged in on the device, you can instruct the person to use the following scenario to unlock your locked used iPhone.

Option 1: Erase iPhone on Find My App

All Apple mobile devices come with a built-in "Find My" app, whose main function is to help users locate and track lost devices, as well as share their location with others. Also, when users forget their iPhone passcode, they can use "Find My" feature to remotely erase the device.

Step 1: Sign in to the Apple ID associated with the locked iPhone on another available iDevice.

Step 2: Open the Find My App, click on the "Devices" tab, and select the iPhone you want to remotely wipe data from the list.

Step 3: Click the "Erase iPhone" option, then it will automatically start the process of resetting the device, and the screen of your iPhone will show an Apple logo and a progress bar. After that, you can re-set this "brand new" device.

erase iphone via find my app

Option 2: Unlock iPhone on iCloud.com

If the previous owner doesn't use any Apple device anymore, then he can turn to iCloud.com to complete the operation of remotely wiping your used iPhone, and the whole process doesn't require any other additional tools or apps.

Step 1: Type "https://icloud.com/find" into your browser to go to the iCloud website, then enter your Apple ID and password to sign in.

Step 2: Select the used iPhone you need to unlock from the "All Devices" list and click "Erase This Device" > "Next" > "Erase".

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID password as required to confirm, and then all data and settings on your iPhone will be removed, including all kinds of security locks (except MDM lock).

erase iphone via icloud

Finally, click "Remove This Device" to completely disconnect your iPhone from its previous Apple ID.

remove iphone

Unlock a Locked Second-Hand/Old iPhone with iTunes

If your used iPhone is not logged into the previous owner's Apple ID or its "Find My" feature has been disabled, then you can unlock the device without a passcode via iTunes.

Step 1: Run iTunes. Then put your iPhone in recovery mode and connect it to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Once iTunes detects your device, it will ask you whether you want to "Update" or "Restore" your iPhone. Click "Restore" and confirm your selection.

reset iphone via itunes

Step 3: iTunes will automatically download and install the latest iOS firmware on your device. After the factory reset process is complete, you can access your iPhone and reset it.

Conclusion

Buying a used iPhone is an option that saves both money and the environment. However, there are some sellers who do not thoroughly clean the data and settings of the device before selling it.

This article summarizes several solutions to unlock a locked iPhone without a passcode. If the seller is unable to provide any relevant passcode information, then using iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius is the wisest choice. With its help, you can take full control of your iPhone within just a few steps.