OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida reader is stuck with a used iPhone that displays the dreaded message “Locked to Owner,” and It’s Geek to Me columnist Jeff Werner explains why that happens and what to do next.
QUESTION:
I recently purchased an Apple iPhone 12 Model a2172. I have not been able to obtain any help from Apple, AT&T, Walmart, where I purchased the phone, and CenturyLink. The phone says, “Locked to owner.” Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 850-603-[redacted]which does not work?
– French W.
Crestview, Florida
ANSWER:
Wow, French, I will admit to being a little confused right out of the starting blocks. First of all, I believe CenturyLink got out of the cellular business quite a while back. When they were on the fringes, they were an authorized agent for Verizon Wireless, so if there is a connection there (which I doubt) it would be through Verizon and not CenturyLink.
The phone hardware you mentioned isn’t exactly new. The iPhone 12 was first released back in 2020, and Apple is now up to the iPhone 16.
I’m wondering if you bought the phone used? Perhaps you bought it from the Internet?
So, I’m at a loss to know exactly from whom you purchased this phone. In addition to the above-mentioned cellular carrier, you mentioned companies Apple, AT&T, and Walmart. I’m not quite certain who you talked to at any of these companies, but with the issue you’re having, it seems like everybody is in the business of saying “this isn’t my problem,” and I’m not sure they’re wrong.
I say that because the message “Locked to Owner” is a security measure.
It refers to the Activation Lock feature, which is part of Apple’s Find My iPhone service, which is designed to prevent unauthorized use of an iPhone if it is ever lost or stolen. It offers great security for the device’s owner, but it can be a real headache if you purchase an iPhone that’s still linked to the Apple ID of the previous owner.
Because the security lockout involves the phone’s previous owner, the most straightforward solution is to contact that person and request that they remove the Activation Lock.
They do this by signing into their Apple ID account through iCloud. Then they click on “Find iPhone,” click on the device in question, and then click “Remove from Account.”
This will clear the Activation Lock and the message “Locked to Owner” will go away and allow you to take full ownership of the phone.
If contacting the previous owner is not an option (and if that phone number you provided is programmed into the phone but doesn’t work, that would seem to be the case), your next option is to try again with Apple.
Specifically, you must contact Apple Support.
They can potentially help you unlock the phone, but you need to prove to them that you are the legitimate and rightful owner of the device, because – let’s face it – your situation is exactly where someone might find themselves if they bought a hot iPhone.
So, before you call, gather any receipts or other documentation that proves your legitimate purchase of the device. When you call, explain the situation in detail, including the information about where and when you made the purchase. If they need any of your paperwork, the Apple representative will tell you how to provide it electronically.
If your carrier is AT&T, visit your local AT&T store (the actual store, not the kiosk at Walmart) and explain the lockout to them. The carrier had channels into Apple support that you don’t have access to and may have greater sway with them than you do. They may also have their own solutions to offer, like upgrades or even replacement options.
I wish you luck in getting your device unlocked, French.
For all my other readers, please take French’s situation as a cautionary tale. Before purchasing second-hand tech, always be sure the device works and is free from any locks or account restrictions from the previous owner. Check for existing damage, and whenever possible, see the device for yourself before handing over your cash in exchange.
To view additional content, comment on articles, or submit a question, visit my website at ItsGeekToMe.co (not .com!)
Jeff Werner, a software engineer based in Niceville, Florida, has been writing his popular “It’s Geek to Me” tech column since 2007. He shares his expertise to help readers solve everyday tech challenges. To view additional content, comment on articles, or submit a question, visit ItsGeekToMe.co (not .com!).
