Check the iPhone's set up lock status before you buy or accept it
The fastest way to know if an iPhone is stolen is to check whether it is locked to someone else's Apple ID. Every iPhone has set up Lock, a security feature that ties the device to the person who set it up. If the phone is locked to a previous owner's account, you cannot use it — and that lock exists specifically to make stolen phones worthless to thieves.
You can check this yourself in about two minutes using Apple's free online tool, or by trying to set up the phone. If the phone asks for the previous owner's Apple ID password during setup, it is locked. If it does not ask, the phone is either unlocked or the previous owner removed it before handing it over.
This check works whether you are buying from a stranger, accepting a used phone from a friend, or checking a device you already own. The result tells you whether the phone can be used at all, and whether the seller has been honest about where it came from.
Key Takeaways
- set up Lock is the main security feature that makes stolen iPhones unusable, and you can check its status using Apple's Find My tool or by attempting setup.
- A phone locked to someone else's Apple ID cannot be used for calls, messages, or apps, even if you know the device passcode.
- The Find My website (iCloud.com/find) shows whether a phone is locked and who it belongs to, but only if the previous owner added it to their account.
- If a seller cannot unlock the phone or provide proof they own it, the phone may be stolen or purchased with a fraudulent payment method.
- Buying a locked phone is a financial loss — the device has no resale value and cannot be repaired at Apple without proof of ownership.
Use Apple's Find My website to check the lock status
Go to iCloud.com/find in any web browser and sign in with your own Apple ID. This tool shows all devices linked to your account. If you are checking a phone that belongs to someone else, ask them to sign into their own Apple ID on the Find My website instead — they can see whether the phone is still registered to them.
If the phone shows up in the Find My list, it is locked to that Apple ID. The owner can remove it from the account before handing it to you, which will unlock it. If the phone does not appear in the Find My list, it may have already been removed — or it may never have been added to an account in the first place.
This method works only if the previous owner still has access to their Apple ID account. If they have forgotten the password or no longer use the account, they may not be able to unlock the phone even if they want to. In that case, Apple can unlock it, but only with proof of purchase and a valid ID.
Try to set up the phone and watch for the set up Lock prompt
Power on the iPhone and follow the setup steps. When you reach the "Hello" screen, you will see options to set up as new or restore from a backup. Choose "Set Up as New iPhone." The phone will then ask you to sign in with an Apple ID.
If the phone asks for the previous owner's Apple ID password before letting you proceed, the phone is locked. You cannot bypass this screen without that password. This is the set up Lock working as intended — it stops anyone but the owner from using the device.
If the phone lets you create a new Apple ID and proceed with setup without asking for a previous password, the phone is unlocked and ready to use. This means either the previous owner removed it from their account, or it was never registered to begin with.
Ask the seller for proof they own the phone
Before you hand over money, ask the seller to show you a receipt, invoice, or original packaging with their name on it. This proves they purchased the phone legally. If they cannot produce any proof, that is a red flag — the phone may have been stolen, bought with a stolen credit card, or obtained through fraud.
A legitimate seller will have no problem showing you proof. They may have the original box, a receipt from the carrier or Apple, or a credit card statement. If they say the proof is "lost" or "at home," ask them to send it to you before the sale. Do not buy a phone without some way to verify the seller's claim of ownership.
If you are buying from a carrier store or a major retailer, they handle this verification for you — they will not sell you a locked phone. The risk is highest when buying from private sellers online or in person.
Know what happens if you buy a locked phone
A phone locked to someone else's Apple ID cannot be used. You cannot make calls, send messages, use apps, or access the internet. The lock persists even if you know the device passcode — the two are separate security layers. You also cannot sell it, trade it in, or have it repaired at an Apple Store without the original owner's permission.
If you have already bought a locked phone, contact the seller when ready and ask them to unlock it. If they refuse or are unreachable, you have lost your money. Apple will not unlock a phone for you unless you can prove you purchased it and provide the original receipt with your name on it.
Some carriers offer a grace period during which you can return a phone if you discover it is locked. Check your receipt for the return window — it is usually 14 to 30 days. If you are outside that window, your only option is to contact the previous owner or pursue a refund through your payment method.
Check the phone's IMEI number if you suspect it was reported stolen
Every iPhone has a unique IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). You can find it by dialing *#06# on the phone, or by going to Settings > General > About and scrolling to IMEI. Write down this number.
Some carriers and law enforcement agencies maintain lists of stolen phone IMEI numbers. You can contact your carrier and ask them to check whether the IMEI is flagged as stolen. This is not a public tool — you cannot look it up yourself — but the carrier can do it for you. If the phone is on a stolen list, the carrier may block it from their network, making it unusable even if it is unlocked.
This check is most useful if you are buying from a private seller and want extra assurance. If the IMEI comes back clean, that does not may provide the phone is not stolen — it only means it has not been reported to that particular carrier. But if it is flagged, you know not to buy it.
Understand the difference between a locked phone and a carrier-locked phone
Do not confuse set up Lock (tied to an Apple ID) with carrier lock (tied to a phone company like Verizon or AT&T). A carrier-locked phone works fine — it just cannot be used on a different carrier's network. You can still make calls, send messages, and use apps on the original carrier.
set up Lock is different. A phone locked by set up Lock cannot be used at all, on any carrier, by anyone except the owner. This is the security feature you are checking for when you look for signs of theft.
When you buy a used phone, ask the seller whether it is unlocked from both the carrier and set up Lock. Most carriers unlock phones for free after you pay them off, so a used phone from a legitimate seller should be unlocked from both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock an iPhone if I know the passcode but not the Apple ID password?
No. The device passcode and the Apple ID password are separate. Knowing the passcode lets you use the phone if it is already unlocked, but it does not bypass set up Lock. You need the Apple ID password or the original owner's permission to remove the lock.
What should I do if I bought a locked phone and cannot reach the seller?
Contact your payment method — credit card company, PayPal, or the platform you used to buy it — and report that the item is not as described. You may be able to dispute the charge and get your money back. Keep the phone and any messages from the seller as proof of the transaction.
Does a factory reset remove set up Lock?
No. set up Lock persists through a factory reset. This is intentional — it prevents thieves from erasing the phone and selling it. The only way to remove set up Lock is with the original owner's Apple ID password or by contacting Apple with proof of purchase.
Can I check if a phone is stolen without turning it on?
You can check the IMEI number on the box or the phone's back, and ask a carrier to look it up. You can also ask the seller to show you the Find My website with the phone listed on their account. But the most reliable check requires powering on the phone and attempting setup.
Is it safe to buy an iPhone from an online marketplace if I check set up Lock first?
Checking set up Lock tells you whether the phone is locked, but not whether the seller obtained it legally. Always ask for proof of purchase and check the IMEI if possible. Use a payment method with buyer protection, and meet in person if you can so you can test the phone before handing over money.