How to Unlock iCloud Account on a Second-Hand iPhone 13 Pro Max

Lisa OuUpdated by Lisa Ou / June 16, 2021 16:30

When you just get a second-hand iPhone 13 Pro Max from an individual seller or an online shop, the device has a chance to be locked by the iCloud account of the previous owner. So you cannot manage to get through the re-setting up process with the iCloud account there. You are asked to provide the correct iCloud account name and password to go on. But you don’t need to be too worried, for we will provide you with 2 proven methods to unlock the iCloud account.

How to Unlock iCloud Account on a Second-Hand iPhone 13 Pro Max
Guide

Guide List

Part 1. How do You Know If You Need to Unlock the iCloud Account

iCloud Activation Lock is a system designed by Apple to protect iOS devices when they are in wrong hands. Once an iPhone turned on the Find My iPhone, resetting it will automatically activate the iCloud Activation Lock. One person must unlock the iCloud account to go on with the device setting up process.

This can happen to you if the previous owner of the iPhone 13 Pro Max did not remove the device from his or her iCloud account, or did not log out his or her Apple ID. The Apple device screen will look like this if you need to unlock the iCloud account for it:

ios 13 actication lock

Part 2. Unlock iCloud Account by Contacting the Previous Owner

When we talk about unlocking an iCloud account, the first thing you want to try is to contact the previous owner of the device for help. If it was an individual seller who sent you the iPhone and you can directly call or message him or her, the thing is not too complicated.

However, if you bought it from a shop that deals with second-hand smartphones, it will not be easy work to contact the owner of the iCloud account on the iPhone. You can consider returning the iPhone and getting your money back in case the shop refuses to provide you with sufficient support. Moreover, it is not impossible that the iPhone was stolen.

If you managed to contact the previous owner of the device and he or she is glad to help you unlock the iCloud account, he/she needs to do the following:

Step 1Visit https://www.icloud.com/find in a web browser and log in to his or her iCloud account.

Step 2Click the All Devices button at the top of the webpage to drop down the devices list.

find my iphone webpage

Step 3Select the iPhone on which you need to unlock the iCloud account.

Step 4Click the Remove from Account button at the bottom.

If the previous owner would like to provide the Apple ID and password, things can be even easier. Just enter them to unlock the iCloud account, set up the device, turn off the Find My iPhone, and log out of the iCloud account.

However, what should you do if the previous owner is not found? Read on to learn how to unlock iPhone without the previous owner by yourself.

Part 3. Unlock iCloud Account with a Professional iOS Unlocker Program

To unlock the iCloud account on a second-hand iPhone without the previous owner, you need the assistance of FoneLab iOS Unlocker which can help you out in various iOS locked-out scenarios. The whole process is linear and intuitive, so you don’t have to be an iPhone expert to finish the work. Here are several key features of FoneLab iOS Unlocker:

  1. Work on iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max, iPhone 13/12 Pro Max/12 Pro/12 mini/12 and other popular iPhone and iPad models.
  2. Compatible with all iOS versions and already updated for the latest iOS 14.6
  3. Wipe passcodes and remove Apple ID for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Steps to unlock the iCloud account on a second iPhone 13 Pro Max

Step 1Free download, install and launch FoneLab iOS Unlocker on your Windows or Mac. When you see the main interface, choose Remove Apple ID.

unlocker interface

Step 2Connect the iPhone 13 Pro Max to your computer via a suitable cable. After that, FoneLab iOS Unlocker will show Device connected successfully.

Then you will see a notification pops up on the iPhone screen asking if you want to trust the computer. Just tap Trust.

remove apple id interface

Step 3Now the program will move to the Remove Apple ID interface. Just click the Start button in the center. Avoid disconnecting the iPhone 13 Pro Max from the computer from now on.

start to remove apple id

Step 4Then your iPhone will restart, during which the program will unlock the iCloud account automatically. When you see the program shows You have unlocked your device successfully, your iPhone is free from the previous iCloud account.

remove apple id and icloud account

Part 4. FAQs about Unlocking iCloud Account

What should I do if my iPhone is lost?

Immediately mark the lost iPhone as lost in Find My [Device]. Use the web iCloud in https://www.icloud.com/find or the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Click or tap the Devices for the devices list and choose the lost device on the list. Then activate the Mart As Lost.

What do I need to do before giving away my iPhone?

Sign out of your iCloud account and erase all content and settings before you give away your iPhone. Find them by respectively going to Settings - [your name] - Sign Out and Settings – General – Reset - Erase All Content and Settings.

What is the account name and password of my iCloud ID?

When your Apple device asks you to enter your iCloud ID and password to log in for iCloud service, actually you just need to enter your Apple ID and password.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Conclusion

When an iOS device with Find My feature enabled gets reset without logging out the iCloud account, Activation Lock will appear to prevent its resetting up process. This may happen on your newly bought second-hand iPhone. Then you need to unlock the iCloud account with the assistance of the previous owner.

Leave your comment and join our discussion