iPhone Locked to Owner? 4 Simple Ways to Unlock It [2024]

One of the most common issues encountered by iPhone users after resetting their device is "iPhone Locked to Owner". But what does this message mean, and how can you resolve this frustrating issue to activate your device as usual?

Continue reading as we delve into these questions in detail in this guide. Without further ado, let's begin.

What Does "iPhone Locked to Owner" Mean?

"iPhone Locked to Owner" means that your iPhone is secured for safety reasons, and you need to input the correct Apple ID and password to activate it.

This feature, also referred to as Activation Lock, is part of the Find My service. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding your iPhone from unauthorized access in case it's lost or stolen.

Can A Locked to Owner iPhone Be Unlocked?

Yes. If you're the owner of the locked iPhone, use the correct Apple ID and password to quickly unlock it. If you're not, you may seek help from the previous owner.

How to Unlock/Bypass the "iPhone Locked to Owner" Screen

If your iPhone becomes stuck on the "iPhone Locked to User" screen, follow the instructions below to unlock your device.

Method 1. Unlock Apple Owner Lock Using the Correct Apple ID and Password

The most effective way to unlock the "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen is by entering the correct Apple ID and password.

If you can't recall your Apple ID, try signing in with an email address or phone number that you commonly use for Apple services. Alternatively, you can check for the email addresses associated with your other trusted Apple devices.

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, attempt to reset it on your other Apple devices or visit iforgot.apple.com to initiate a reset.

Method 2. Unlock Apple Owner Lock Using Your iPhone Passcode

If you know your iPhone passcode, you can utilize it to bypass the "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen.

Here's how:

1. Tap the Unlock with Passcode option on the iPhone Locked to Owner screen. (If you don't see it, return to the previous step and try again to check if it appears.)
2. Enter your iPhone passcode and follow the instructions to bypass the activation lock.

Method 3. Unlock Apple Owner Lock by Contacting the Previous Owner

For second-hand iPhones locked by the previous owner, you can contact them to remotely remove the device from their Apple ID account.

Here's how:

1. Visit icloud.com/find.
2. Sign in with the previous owner's Apple ID and password.
3. Choose the device you want to remove from the iCloud account.
4. Click Remove This Device.

After completing these steps, you can proceed to set up your iPhone as usual.

Method 4. Unlock Apple Owner Lock Using an iCloud Activation Lock Tool

The last method, but certainly not the least, involves using a third-party iCloud activation lock tool. These tools may assist you in bypassing the activation lock through jailbreaking. Here is a list of the best iCloud activation lock tools. Simply select the one that suits your needs and give it a try.

It's important to note that Apple has significantly improved the security of iOS, and jailbreaking your iPhone is a tough task. If you are not well-versed in iOS skills, it is not recommended to use this method to get rid of the annoying "iPhone Locked to Owner" message.

Bonus Tip: How to Unlock an iPhone without Passcode

If you haven't used your iPhone for a long time, it's likely that you've forgotten its passcode. When this happens, you may wonder how you should unlock your iPhone in order to regain access to your device.

BuhoUnlock is an ideal solution. It's an iPhone unlocker designed to unlock various types of locks on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. From screen passcodes and screen time passcodes to MDM restrictions and Apple ID passwords, BuhoUnlocker handles them all. With just a few clicks, you can unlock your device and set it up as new. Click the button below to have a try now.

Conclusion

You have finished reading this post. You should now have a better understanding of "iPhone Locked Owner" and know what to do when you encounter this problem.

While the iPhone Activation Lock protects your device in case it is lost or stolen, when you are planning to sell or give away your iPhone, it is highly recommended that you remove the iPhone from your iCloud account so that someone else can easily activate it.