How do I unlock an iPhone that says Locked to Owner and asks for email and password?
Answer
That screen is Apple Activation Lock. Only the Apple Account that was previously signed in on the phone can unlock it. Enter that account’s email and password, or have the owner remove the device from their Apple Account at iCloud.com. A reset without that account will not bypass the lock.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop if a site or person asks you to pay to unlock the iPhone or install unknown software.
Follow these steps
Read the lock screen carefully
Note whether the phone says Locked to Owner, Activation Lock, or asks for Apple Account credentials. That confirms this is an Apple Account lock, not a forgotten email-app password.
You should see: You can tell Activation Lock is what is blocking the phone.
Try the owner’s Apple Account email
Enter the Apple Account email the owner used when the phone was set up, even if they never used Mail. Then enter that account’s password. Start with the most likely address they use for iCloud or the App Store.
You should see: Apple accepts the credentials and the phone continues setup, or it shows a clear wrong-password message.
Remove the device from iCloud if the owner can sign in elsewhere
On another phone or computer, have the owner sign in at iCloud.com or account.apple.com, open device list, select this iPhone, and choose Remove or Erase and remove so Activation Lock turns off.
You should see: The iPhone is removed from the account and can be set up as new or restored from backup.
Use official Apple account recovery if the password is forgotten
If the owner owns the account but forgot the password, use Forgot password on the lock screen or account.apple.com recovery only. Do not use third-party unlock services.
You should see: Apple starts account recovery or password reset for the rightful owner.
Stop if you cannot prove ownership
If nobody can access the Apple Account and Apple Support cannot verify ownership, the device cannot be unlocked by passcode tricks or a factory reset alone. Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase if you believe you are the rightful owner.
You should see: You either regain access through Apple or accept that the lock remains until the original account holder removes it.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Messages such as iPhone Locked to Owner, Activation Lock, or a sign-in prompt for Apple Account email and password after restart or erase.
Before you change anything: Confirm who previously used the iPhone and which Apple Account they used. Try the owner’s Apple Account email even if they never opened the Mail app. Do not pay a third party who claims they can bypass Activation Lock. Never share the Apple Account password with unexpected callers.