If you forget to do that, Apple's website tool can at least determine the status of Activation Lock. In that case, Activation Lock needs to be turned off so the other party can activate the phone. Let's say you're selling your phone to another person or an online service such as Gazelle. "Before you purchase an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from somebody else, make sure that Find My iPhone Activation Lock is turned off and the device is ready for you to use," Apple explains on the tool's webpage. As such, checking the status of the Activation Lock via the new website tool is a good way to make sure a used iPhone or iPad that you're considering buying isn't stolen. Law enforcement officials had long been urging Apple and other device makers to implement and turn on such a to help crack down on the use of stolen phones.
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In return, the page will tell you if Activation Lock is on or off. Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Part of Apple's iCloud Find My Phone feature, a new webpage tool called Check Activation Lock Status lets you remotely check the status of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch by plugging in the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number or serial number. A brand new tool from Apple can help you do just that. Looking to buy a used iPhone? You'll certainly want to make sure that the Activation Lock is turned off so that you can activate it yourself.