Short answer
A refurbished iPhone can't get locked to its previous owner if it was properly cleared, and every phone we sell is free of iCloud and Activation Lock. The other way a phone gets blocked is if its IMEI is reported lost or stolen or has an unpaid balance. Every phone's IMEI is checked clean, with no outstanding finance or carrier balance, before we list it. In the unlikely event a phone we sold is ever blacklisted, we give a full refund.
The three kinds of lock
| Lock | What it is | Our phones |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Lock (iCloud) | Ties the iPhone to an Apple Account when Find My is on. Only that account can unlock it. | Free of iCloud and Activation Lock; you set it up with your own Apple Account. |
| Carrier lock | Limits the phone to one carrier. | Unlocked: works on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and the networks that run on them. |
| Blacklist (IMEI) | Carriers can block a phone whose IMEI is reported lost or stolen, or that has an unpaid finance or carrier balance. | Every phone's IMEI is checked clean, with no outstanding finance or carrier balance, before we list it. In the unlikely event a phone we sold is ever blacklisted, we give a full refund. |
After you set it up
Once you sign in with your Apple Account and turn on Find My, Activation Lock protects the phone with your account, so nobody else can use it if it's lost. Before you ever sell or trade it in, sign out and erase it.
How to check a phone yourself
- It starts at the Hello screen and asks for your Apple Account, not someone else's.
- Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock says "No SIM restrictions".
- The same screen shows the IMEI, which your carrier can check for you.
Questions? Text or call us on 650-394-7310.
Common questions
Can a refurbished iPhone get locked later?
Not to the previous owner if it was properly cleared. Every phone we sell is free of iCloud and Activation Lock. Every phone's IMEI is checked clean, with no outstanding finance or carrier balance, before we list it. In the unlikely event a phone we sold is ever blacklisted, we give a full refund.
Can the previous owner lock my iPhone?
Not once it's been erased and removed from their Apple Account. Every phone we sell is free of Activation Lock.
What is a blacklisted iPhone?
One whose IMEI has been reported lost or stolen, or that has an unpaid finance or carrier balance, so carriers can block it.
Do you check the IMEI?
Yes. Every phone's IMEI is checked clean, with no outstanding finance or carrier balance, before we list it. In the unlikely event a phone we sold is ever blacklisted, we give a full refund.
Is it carrier locked?
No. Every phone we sell is unlocked.
How do I check for Activation Lock?
The phone should start at the Hello screen. If it says "iPhone Locked to Owner" or asks for someone else's password, it's still linked to them.
Apple source: Activation Lock for iPhone