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Buying a new iPhone or iPad can be expensive, thus some people resort to buying second-hand devices at a cheaper price. However, not all second-hand devices are legitimate, and it’s important to check if it has been stolen to avoid any legal and security risks.
Here are some steps you can follow to check if an iPhone or iPad has been stolen:
Look for Red Flags
Watch out for suspiciously cheap prices and make sure you know the person or company selling the device by researching them online. Check if the device is locked or unlocked, as not being able to unlock it is a possible red flag.
Check if it Has been Erased and Ready for Installation
Find My iPhone Activation Lock is a feature introduced by Apple in 2013 that activates when someone switches on Find My iPhone. Activation Lock, in summary, requires the password for the previously connected Apple ID account to be turned off.
To check if it has been deactivated, turn on the device, and if it has been erased, it should lead to a “Set up your iPhone” screen. If it leads to a password entry screen or home screen, the device has not been erased, or it has been reset, which is not what you want. You can erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After erasing, start the installation process to check if the previous owner’s Apple ID still exists.
Stolen Phone Checker
If you are in the US, you can use the Stolen Phone Checker to check if the device has been reported as stolen. Enter the IMEI, MEID or ESN of the device, and it will give you a result if it has been reported as stolen.
By following these steps, you can avoid purchasing a stolen iPhone or iPad that could put you at legal and security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an iPhone be unlocked if it’s blacklisted?
No, a blacklisted iPhone cannot be unlocked as it has been reported stolen, lost, or unpaid bill.
What should I do if I unknowingly bought a stolen iPhone or iPad?
If you unknowingly bought a stolen iPhone or iPad, return it to the seller if possible. If returning is not possible, contact the authorities to report the seller and give them the device for proper handling.