Have you purchased a pre-owned iPhone only to find that it’s still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID? This can be a really frustrating experience, preventing you from accessing essential features like the App Store, iCloud, and FaceTime.
But don’t worry, there’s a solution!
In this article, we’ll walk you through 4 proven methods, complete with step-by-step instructions, on how to bypass the “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” issue so that you can enjoy your new device.
But first…
What Does “This iPhone Is Linked to Another Apple ID” Mean?
When you see the message “This iPhone is linked to another Apple ID,” it means that the iPhone you’re currently using is associated with a different Apple account than the one you’re trying to sign in with.
This usually happens when the iPhone is under Apple’s Activation Lock, a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to a device after it has been wiped or reset.
Why Did This iPhone Linked to an Apple ID?
Here are some reasons why you might be getting the “This iPhone is linked to another Apple ID” message:
- The iPhone might have been previously owned by someone who didn’t sign out of their Apple account before selling or giving it away.
- If the iPhone was used in a corporate or educational setting, it might be linked to an institutional Apple ID.
- If the iPhone was lost or stolen, the previous owner might have remotely locked or erased it, leaving it linked to their Apple ID.
- If the iPhone was part of a Family Sharing setup, it might still be linked to the family organizer’s Apple ID.
How to Fix This iPhone Is Linked to an Apple ID?
In this section, we will discuss 4 ways for “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” bypass:
Method 1: Remove This iPhone is Linked to Another Apple ID via iCloud
The first method on our list to bypass the “This iPhone is linked to another Apple ID” is by contacting the previous owner of your device and asking them to use iCloud’s Find My feature to remove the device from their iCloud account.
Here are the steps for it:
Step 1
Go to iCloud and sign in using your Apple ID.
Alt Text: sign in to icloud using your apple id
Step 2
Click on “Find Devices” and select your previous device, which is still associated with your account.
Alt Text: click on linked device
Step 3
Click on “Remove this Device” to log out your Apple ID from it.
Alt Text: click on remove this device to log out
This will remove the Apple ID linked with the device, and you can log in using your own account.
Method 2: Remove This iPad is Linked to an Apple ID by Resetting Apple ID Password
If you are trying to use an old iPhone which is linked to your Apple ID, and you have forgotten its password, you can resolve this issue by resetting the account password.
Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1
Go to the iforgot website, enter your Apple ID, and code in the provided space.
Alt Text: enter apple id
Step 2
If you don’t remember your Apple ID, click on “Look it Up,” and enter the relevant details to confirm that you’re the owner.
Step 3
Next, enter your phone number associated with your Apple ID and click “Continue.”
Alt Text: enter phone number
Step 4
You will receive a notification on your phone to reset your Apple ID. Tap “Allow.”
Alt Text: allow resetting password
Step 5
You will be asked to enter your lock screen passcode. Tap “Forgot the Passcode > Continue.”
Alt Text: tap forgot passcode
Step 6
Next, confirm your phone number and enter the passcode again. Tap “Don’t Know iPhone Password > Start Account Recovery.”
Alt Text: start account recovery
Step 7
Apple will send a verification code to the recovery email address that you provided. After verifying the code you will be able reset your Apple ID and password.
Alt Text: enter verification code to reset apple id
Method 3: Remove This iPhone is Linked to an Apple ID via iTunes
Another method for “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” bypass is to restore your iOS device via iTunes. This method is one of the most viable methods, as it restores your iPhone to its factory settings, erasing all data, settings, and accounts from it.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1
Using a lightning cable, connect your iPhone to your PC.
Step 2
Launch iTunes, and click on your device name > Summary > Restore iPhone.
Alt Text: click on restore iphone
This will factory reset your iPhone, and you can set it up as new, using a different Apple ID.
Method 4: Remove This iPhone is Linked to an Apple ID via Third-Party App
If you are getting the “This iPhone is Linked to an Apple ID” message on your device, you can use a third-party app like iMobie AnyUnlock to bypass it.
AnyUnlock is an iPhone password unlocker tool that can unlock iPhones locked to previous owner accounts without needing any information, Apple ID and password.
This versatile tool has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use, even for beginners. It enables you to unlock locked iPhones in just three simple steps.
Moreover, AnyUnlock is not just limited to bypassing iCloud activation locks; it also supports:
- Removing screen locks
- Bypassing MDM locks
- Removing Apple IDs
- Unlocking screen time passcode
- Removing SIM locks
- Managing iOS passwords
Steps to Remove This iPhone is Linked to an Apple ID via AnyUnlock
Step 1
Download and launch AnyUnlock on your PC, and choose the “Bypass iCloud Activation Lock” feature from the interface.
Alt text: choose bypass icloud activation lock mode
Step 2
Connect your iPhone to your PC using a lightning cable, and once detected, click “Start Now.”
Alt text: click start now
Step 3
Click “Jailbreak Now” to start jailbreaking your device.
Alt text: jailbreak your device
Step 4
Once jailbroken, click “Next” to move on to the bypass process.
Alt text: click next to proceed
Step 5
Click on “Bypass Now” to start removing the Activation Lock from your device.
Alt text: select bypass now
Step 6
AnyUnlock will now start bypassing the iCloud activation lock; therefore, keep both devices connected during it
Alt text: bypassing iCloud activation lock
Step 7
Once the Activation Lock is removed, you can easily access your iPhone.
Alt text: activation lock removed
Essential Tips on Removing “This iPhone/iPad is linked to an Apple ID” from Your iPhone
If you’re facing the “This iPhone/iPad is Linked to an Apple ID” message, here are some tips to help you resolve it without any hassle:
- Contact the Previous Owner
If you know who the previous owner is, ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID account.
- Reset to Factory Settings
This can often resolve the issue, but it’s a drastic step.
They can provide specific guidance and may be able to help.
Also note:
Before resetting your iPhone, ensure your data is backed up to avoid loss.
- Avoid Unreliable Unlocker Tools
Unknown tools can be risky and may compromise your device’s security; therefore, only go for reliable tools, like AnyUnlocker.
Conclusion
If you’re using a pre-loved iPhone, there’s a possibility that the previous owner’s Apple ID is still intact. This triggers the iCloud Activation Lock and you get the “This iPhone is Linked to an Apple ID” message.
In this guide, we have discussed 4 tried and tested ways to resolve this issue. From contacting the previous owner to resetting your Apple ID password, restoring via iTunes, and using AnyUnlock to bypass the iCloud Activation Lock, we hope one of them will work for you.
So, the next time you face this issue, you know how to resolve it and have your iPhone working to its full potential.