Apple has introduced a new way for users in the United States to more easily disable Activation Lock on their device.
As spotted by users on Reddit, there is now a dedicated webpage on Apple's homepage for managing Activation Lock requests. As a reminder, Apple explains the feature as follows:
Find My includes Activation Lock, a feature designed to prevent someone else from using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's lost or stolen. Activation Lock turns on automatically when you turn on Find My.
Activation Lock helps you protect your device even if it falls into the wrong hands and can improve your chances of recovering it. Even if you remotely wipe your device, Activation Lock can still prevent anyone from reactivating your device without your permission.
Activation Lock: New website provides better overview
There are a variety of reasons why users may need to disable Activation Lock on a device, such as when they want to sell it or give it away, and Apple hopes to make this process easier and more straightforward for users. On this new website, Apple explains to users that they can disable Activation Lock by logging into their iCloud account or resetting their Apple ID. The website offers quick links to do both of these things. But that's not all. From now on, users can easily start a support request for Activation Lock on the website.
Activation Lock: Users must meet certain conditions
Here, users can submit a request to disable Activation Lock on a device without contacting Apple Support directly. The following conditions apply:
- You must be the owner of the device - proof of ownership is required. Proof of ownership must include the device's serial number, IMEI or MEID.
- Your data on the device will be erased - If Apple removes the Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently deleted. Please note that restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable the Activation Lock.
- We cannot unlock a managed device - If your device is owned by a company or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. We also do not accept bulk requests.
- Your device must not be in lost mode.
After users have confirmed these conditions, Apple asks for their email address and the serial number, IMEI or MEID of the device. Users can then submit the request and have to wait for a response from Apple. It is currently not known when the new self-service tool will be introduced in this country. (Photo by Kaspars Grinvalds / Bigstockphoto)
