iCloud lock and Google lock explained

How to make sure a used phone isn't locked to the seller · Updated October 2026

Phones have built-in theft protection that ties them to the owner's account. That's great for owners, but it's the number one trap for used phone buyers. If the seller doesn't remove their account, the phone can lock itself after a reset, and only the original owner can unlock it.

iPhone: Activation Lock (iCloud lock)

When Find My is on, the iPhone is linked to the owner's Apple ID. After it's erased, it asks for that Apple ID and password before it can be used again. Without them, you can't get past the setup screen.

How to check in person

1. Open Settings. If someone's name appears at the top, the phone is still signed in.
2. Ask the seller to tap their name → Sign Out and enter their Apple ID password. This turns off Find My.
3. Then have them go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
4. When it restarts on the "Hello" screen, start setting it up. If it shows "iPhone Locked to Owner" or asks for someone else's Apple ID, stop. Don't buy it.

Android: Factory Reset Protection (Google lock)

Android phones signed in to a Google account turn on Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After a reset, the phone asks for the previous Google account before it can be used. Samsung phones can also have a Samsung account lock.

How to check in person

1. Ask the seller to open Settings → Accounts (or "Passwords & accounts") and remove their Google account, and their Samsung account on a Samsung.
2. Then do a factory reset from Settings → General management (Samsung) or System → Reset options.
3. When it restarts, go through setup. If it asks you to "verify the Google account that was previously synced," stop. It's still locked.

Common excuses to walk away from

• "I forgot my password, but you can just reset it." You can't.
• "It's my cousin's account, he'll remove it later." He usually won't.
• "Any repair shop can bypass it." Legitimate shops won't, and Apple only removes Activation Lock for the original owner with proof of purchase.