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This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID Issue - How to Bypass

Charlotte Bayley
Charlotte Bayley

Updated:

Users may come across the "This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID" issue when restoring the device, following the purchase of a second-hand iPhone. This message prompts users to provide the complete Apple ID and its password for verification. Resolving this matter is typically straightforward if you possess the necessary credentials; however, frustration may arise when you cannot reach the previous owner for assistance.

In such circumstances, navigating through the Activation Lock process proves to be challenging. To unlock the iPhone linked to an Apple ID, this article shows you four solutions to bypass the verification page.


Part 1: Why Does My iPhone Says This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID?

For one thing, your iPhone may display the message "This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID" for various reasons, such as Activation Lock being enabled if the previous owner did not sign out of their Apple ID before selling the device, requiring the Apple ID and password for activation.

In the second place, this message may also appear when setting up a new iPhone or restoring from an iCloud backup if the device is still linked to the previous owner's Apple ID.

Additionally, enabling the Find My iPhone feature without disabling it before resetting the device can trigger this message, as well as if the device is reported lost or stolen and placed under the iCloud Activation Lock, requiring the associated credentials for activation.

Part 2: How to Fix This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID?

Whether you're dealing with a second-hand iPhone that's locked to owner or you've simply forgotten your Apple ID, this section will guide you through various solutions to resolve the issue. We'll cover everything from using your iPhone passcode to utilizing third-party tools, ensuring you can regain access to your device.

Fix 1: Contact the Previous Owner for Apple ID Credential

If you purchased your iPhone from a third-party platform and encountered the Activation Lock, it's crucial to contact the merchant or seller for assistance. First, locate the seller's contact information, which is usually available in your purchase confirmation email, the platform's messaging system, or the seller's profile. Compose a clear and polite message to the seller, explaining the situation and requesting their assistance in removing the Activation Lock by logging into iCloud.com, navigating to Find My iPhone, selecting your device, and choosing Remove from Account.

Remove from Account

If the seller remains unresponsive, contact the platform's customer service team for support, providing all relevant information. Keep a record of all communications and familiarize yourself with the platform's refund or return policy in case the issue cannot be resolved.

Fix 2: Bypass This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID with iSumsoft iLock Refixer

This solution utilizes a third-party tool, iSumsoft iLock Refixer, to unlock the linked Apple ID. This method is considered perfect for users who cannot recall their Apple ID and password. Regardless of the activation error or iPhone Locked to Owner, all these issues can be fixed by iLock Refixer.

iSumsoft iLock Refixer

iSumsoft iLock Refixer

iCloud Activation Lock Removal Tool

  • Bypass iCloud activation lock without Apple ID and password
  • Turn off Find My [Device] without Apple ID password
  • Completely remove Apple ID from iOS device without password
  • Help you quickly create an iOS jailbreak disk
  • Compatible with the latest iOS 17/iPadOS 17 and iPhone 15 models.

Follow these steps to remove the “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” error:

Step 1After installing the software on your computer, connect the locked iPhone to the PC. Then launch the program and select Bypass ID.

Select Bypass ID

Step 2Check Have read and agreed on the agreement before clicking on the Start button.

Click on Start

Step 3The following steps vary with two scenarios:
If your iPhone has not been jailbroken, you must first follow the onscreen instructions to jailbreak it, then click Start to remove the Apple ID; If your iPhone has already been jailbroken, you can directly click Start to begin bypassing the “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” issue.

The Activation Lock Is Being Bypassed

Step 4Once the task is completed, you will see “Successfully Bypassed” on the interface, indicating that you can now set up your new iPhone. However, please note that the unlocked iPhone cannot be restarted, restored, or upgraded, and you cannot sign in with a new Apple ID or set any screen lock on it.

Bypass This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID Successfully

Fix 3: Reset the Apple ID Password

If you find that your iPhone is linked to an old Apple ID because the password has been forgotten, you can attempt to reset the Apple ID password through the Apple account page. This reset process typically involves verifying your identity through security questions, email verification, phone number, or other authentication methods to ensure the security of your account. Once the password reset is completed, you can use the updated credentials to unlock your iPhone and gain access to your device without the restrictions associated with the old Apple ID.

Locate the site and click Forgot Passcode.

Click Forgot Password

Then follow the onscreen instructions to recreate your Apple ID password.

Follow the onscreen instructions to recreate your Apple ID password

Fix 4: Unlock This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID with Passcode

On the iCloud Activation Lock page, you will be provided with Unlock with Passcode option if you have turned on Teo-factor Authentication for the Apple ID, which allows you to bypass remove the previous Apple ID with your Screen Lock passcode. Tap Unlock with Passcode > Use Device Passcode, then follow the onscreen prompts to bypass the linked Apple ID.

Bypass This iPhone Linked to an Apple ID with passcode

FAQs on This iPhone Is Linked to An Apple ID


Q1. Why Sometimes the page says "iPhone Locked to Owner" instead of Activation Lock?

Introduced in iOS 15.2 and later, the "iPhone Locked to Owner" message is a clearer, more user-friendly way to indicate that the device is still linked to the previous owner's Apple ID.


Q2: Can I reset Apple ID password without phone number?

Certainly! When initiating the password reset process through the Apple ID account page or the "Forgot Apple ID or password" option on your device, you will be prompted to verify your identity using alternative methods, including answering security questions, using a trusted device linked to your Apple ID, or receiving account recovery instructions via email. By completing the identity verification steps, you can reset your Apple ID password and regain access to your account without relying on the phone number previously associated with it.