How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID Without Password [4 Ways]
I bought a used iPhone from an online marketplace, but when it arrived, I realized the previous owner's Apple ID was still logged in. I don't know who the original owner is, and I have no way to remove their Apple ID from the device. What should I do?"
It's common to buy a second iPhone and find the previous owner's Apple ID still linked. Normally, sellers remove their account before selling, but that doesn't always happen. If you're stuck with someone else's Apple ID, removing it can be tough due to Apple's security features. Don't worry — this guide will show you how to remove previous owner Apple ID without password. Keep reading.
Part 1. How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID Without Password
In this part, I'll show you 4 methods to remove previous owner's Apple ID without password. Just 100% working solutions — both official and unofficial — so you can actually use your iPhone.
| Method | Success Rate | Works Without Password? | Ease of Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Contact previous owner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Ease | Free |
| 2️⃣ TunesKit iPhone Unlocker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Very ease | $30–$60 |
| 3️⃣ iTunes Reset (Find My off) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Ease | Free |
| 4️⃣ Apple Support | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Complicated | Free |
Method 1: Contact the Previous Owner (Legit Way)
This is by far the easiest and safest method if it's at all possible. It might sound obvious, but many people overlook it.
Step 1. If you bought the device from someone directly (e.g., on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or from a friend), contact them. Explain your situation politely. They may not even realize the device is still linked to their account.
Step 2. The previous owner can remove the device from their Apple ID account remotely through iCloud.com. They don't even need the device in their hands. Here's how they do it:
1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with their Apple ID.
2. Click "Find My iPhone".
3. Select "All Devices" and choose the target device.
4. Click "Erase iPhone" (if the device is online) and then, crucially, "Remove from Account". Done!
Now the iPhone is Activation Lock–free and you can set up the device as new. No password needed from your end!
Why this is the best method:- It's official, risk-free.
- It ensures the device is properly disconnected from their account.
Weakness:- It relies entirely on the cooperation and availability of the previous owner.
- If you bought it from a reseller, or the previous owner is unreachable, this method won't work.
Method 2: Use a Professional iPhone Unlock Tool (Fastest Way)
Using a third-party Apple ID removal tool will be the fastest and simplest choice to remove previous owner Apple ID without password. A professional Apple ID removal like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is strongly recommended here.
With various almighty features, TunesKit can help users remove Apple Account without password, remove iCloud Activation Lock without password, unlock iPhone passcode, bypass MDM restriction and Screen Time passcode, etc. In cases like Apple ID password is forgotten, Apple ID won't log in, or Apple ID is not valid or supported, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will always be the best solution. With the concise interface, users can make their job done with several simple clicks.
Step 1 First, please connect your secondhand iPhone to the computer. Download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. When your iPhone is detected, select the Unlock Apple ID option, and hit the Start button.
Step 2 After your iOS version is checked, you can click the Download button. Here, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will download the firmware package to remove the previous owner's Apple ID from your iOS device. Before downloading, please ensure that the onscreen information is nothing wrong.
Step 3 After the firmware package is downloaded, click the Unlock button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove previous owner's Apple ID on the used iPhone.
Note:If your device shows the messages that "iPhone Locked to Owner", you can then choose the Remove iCloud Activation Lock option to remove the Activation Lock with TunesKit.
Strength:- Remove previous owner Apple ID without password with 3 simple steps.
- It can remove iCloud Activation Lock as well.
- 100% Working & effective.
Weakness:- It's a paid tool.
Method 3: Reset the iPhone via iTunes (Only Works if Find My is Off)
Got lucky and Find My iPhone is already turned off? You can simply factory reset the iPhone using iTunes or Finder. You can go to Settings > Apple ID > Find My to have a check first. If it's off, you can follow the steps below to fully remove the Apple ID and Activation Lock.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a PC/Mac via a USB cable.
Step 2. Launch iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+) on your computer.
Step 3. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode manually or use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to enter iPhone recovery mode in one click for free.
Step 4. Click your device icon and then click Summary > Restore iPhone.
Step 5. Let the reset complete and your iPhone is now ready to set up.
Strength:- Remove Apple ID from iPhone without previous owner easily.
Weakness:- This method only works if your Find My feature is off. When the Find My is disabled, the Activation Lock will not be turned on, either.
Method 4: Contact Apple Support (If You Have Proof of Purchase)
If you bought the iPhone legally (e.g., from a store or previous owner), and can prove it, Apple can help.
Step 1. Gather your proof of purchase. This is critical. What you'll need is as follows:
- The original sales receipt from an Apple Store, authorized reseller, or carrier.
- The receipt must show the device's serial number or IMEI.
- It should clearly indicate the date of purchase and the seller.
Note:If you bought it second-hand, you generally need the receipt from the original purchase, not just your transaction with the previous owner. This is often the biggest hurdle.
Step 2. Contact Apple Support online, over the phone, or by visiting an Apple Store (make an appointment first).
Step 3. Now wait for Apple's decision. They will review your documentation. If it's deemed valid, they will remove the Activation Lock for you. This process can take some time.
Strength:- It's the official, 100% legitimate way to bypass Activation Lock without the previous owner's password.
Weakness:- The stringent proof of purchase requirement. Most people buying second-hand devices don't have the original sales receipt. If you don't have it, Apple will not help you.
Pro Tip:Don't Photoshop a receipt. Apple checks serials against their database. Fraud attempts = banned account.
Video Guide: How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID without Password
Watch the following video tutorial and you'll learn how to remove Apple ID from iPhone without previous owner in different ways.
Part 2. How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID If You Know the Password
If you know the passcode of the Apple ID, things will be much simpler. You can just sign out of Apple ID from iPhone via Settings directly. It means the previous owner's Apple account is removed. Just follow the following steps:
Step 1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2. On the top of the Settings, you will see your name and profile. Click on it.
Step 3. Scroll down and you will see a Sign Out button. Click on it and enter the Apple ID password to remove previous owner's Apple ID from your iPhone. After that, you can creat a new one or sign in your own Apple Account.
Part 3. Hot Questions About How to Remove Previous Owner's Apple ID
You've got questions, I've got answers. Let's tackle some common concerns about removing a previous owner's Apple ID.
-
Q1. Why you need to remove previous owner Apple ID?
Apple designed Activation Lock to stop iPhone theft. When Find My iPhone is turned on, Apple ID locks the device. That's great — unless you got stuck with a second-hand iPhone that wasn't signed out properly. Without the previous owner's credentials, you can't set up the iPhone, access iCloud, use the App Store or FaceTime, or even reset or erase it. That's why removing the previous owner Apple ID is essential.
-
Q2. How can I check Apple ID activation lock before buying used iPhones?
Before you buy a secondhand iPhone, do this:
1. Ask the seller to go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
2. During the reset, if Activation Lock appears, it means the Apple ID is still linked.
3. Ask them to enter their credentials and fully remove the device from iCloud before paying.
-
Q3. Will jailbreaking remove previous owner Apple ID?
Not by itself. Jailbreak is often used with bypass tools, but doesn't remove Apple ID lock directly.
-
Q4. Is it legal to bypass Apple ID with third-party software?
If you own the device and it's not stolen, yes. Using the tool on a phone you don't own? That's a crime in most countries.
-
Q5. How to remove Apple ID from iPad without previous owner?
To remove a previous owner's Apple ID from an iPad, you can ask the previous owner to remove it via iCloud, use a third-party Apple ID bypass tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, factory reset your iPad via iTunes or contact Apple Support for help.
Part 4. Conclusion
Removing a previous owner's Apple ID without their password can feel like you're locked out of your own phone. But if you follow these methods in the post, you've got a good shot at solving it. Try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker if you want an easy and quick fix. Still having other questions? Leave us a comment below.
