What is an iCloud-locked iPhone? Should I buy one? Can it be fixed?

Many people online are selling iCloud-locked iPhones at very low prices. What is an iCloud-locked iPhone, and why are they so cheap?

1. What is iCloud?

iCloud is Apple’s cloud computing service used to synchronize data such as contacts, messages, emails, etc., between Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, MacBooks, Macs, and iMacs.

iCloud is Apple’s cloud computing service

2. What is an iCloud-locked iPhone?

An iCloud-locked iPhone displays an activation lock screen upon startup, requiring the previously logged-in iCloud account credentials for access. An iCloud-locked iPhone is unusable, stuck on the activation screen, preventing access to apps or any other features.

An iCloud-locked iPhone displays the Activation Lock screen and cannot be logged into.

Starting with iOS 7 and most recently iOS 16 on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 14 Pro, Apple offers the Activation Lock security feature integrated with Find My iPhone in iCloud. Resetting the phone (Restore), disabling Find My iPhone, or activating the device requires the Apple ID password for use. This feature is designed to deter theft and unauthorized data access.

3. How does an iCloud-locked iPhone differ from one with a hidden iCloud account?

iCloud-locked iPhones and iPhones with hidden iCloud accounts are often confused. Here’s how to differentiate them:

– An iCloud-locked iPhone is stuck on the iCloud login/activation screen, requiring the ID and password for use.

– An iPhone with a hidden iCloud account functions normally. However, a different iCloud account is hidden within the device. Restoring or resetting the device will lock it with this hidden iCloud account, making it iCloud-locked unless you can access the activating iCloud account.

Essentially, if you purchase an iPhone with a hidden iCloud account and accidentally erase all data, it will become iCloud-locked.

Differentiating iPhones with hidden iCloud accounts

4. Can an iCloud-locked iPhone be fixed?

For the iCloud account owner

If you have a hidden iCloud account that belongs to you, simply log in with your Apple ID email and password.

Multiple ways to recover your iCloud password

For buyers of used iCloud-locked phones

Essentially, an iCloud-locked iPhone cannot be completely fixed without knowing the iCloud account. However, you can unlock it, also known as bypassing the iCloud lock, turning it into a bypassed iPhone.

– Unlocking by replacing the IC: This involves replacing the IC on the iPhone’s mainboard to remove the iCloud information from the old IC and use a new IMEI to bypass iCloud. However, this method requires hardware modification and does not guarantee long-term device durability.

– Unlocking with software: Some software can bypass iCloud; however, the phone will not function smoothly afterward, usually losing calling, 3G, and 4G capabilities.

Unlocking by replacing the IC

4. Should I buy an iCloud-locked iPhone?

No. As mentioned above, without the iCloud account, the phone is unusable. Even if the iPhone has been bypassed, it’s not recommended due to potential instability and the inability to use Apple services or easily update the software.

Therefore, avoid iCloud-locked iPhones. Consider other phones in the same price range that offer reliable and long-lasting performance.

Do not buy an iCloud-locked phone

This article provided information about iCloud-locked iPhones. Thank you for reading! See you in future articles!