Home Apple Now Lets You Check If That Used iPhone Is Stolen

Apple Now Lets You Check If That Used iPhone Is Stolen

Buying a used iPhone on eBay or Craigslist has become a little less scary now, thanks to a new Apple tool that can help budget shoppers spot stolen devices before they buy.

The iCloud webpage, “Check Activation Lock Status,” does exactly what it says: It checks whether the registered owner has turned on Activation Lock, a Find My iPhone security tool introduced in iOS 7 that requires the registered owner’s Apple ID before it can erase or reactivate an Apple device. Presumably, iPhone owners would shut off this feature before selling to another party.

Stolen Apple gadgets, however, are more likely to have Activation Lock still on. And now, it’s easy to check on that status. 

The Check Activation Lock Status is extremely simple to use: Just go to the page and type in the unique IMEI or serial number used to identify the device. Although it’s available in Settings > General > About on the device, or in iTunes when the iPhone is connected, a shopper may not be able access those areas.

Fortunately, Apple includes that information on the box, which is helpful if you’re transacting in person. If not, at least ask the seller for one or both of the numbers, and perhaps some photographic proof that they’re legitimate. 

Apple’s Activation Lock Status checker

See also: A Thief Snatched My iPhone—And I Learned A Lot About Smartphone Crime

Buyers Beware, And Be Savvy

All iPhones for sale—new or used—should sell with Activation Lock turned off. If it’s on, a new owner would not be able to set up the phone with a new Apple ID.

But, thanks to some hacks that have surfaced, it’s not always that easy to tell the difference.

In May, Apple blog iClarified reported the news of some rough third-party workarounds. One, called doulCi, claimed that it’s intended for legitimate purposes (say, if you forgot your login, or changed your password and can’t remember the new one). The hack involved adding a line to the “hosts” file, a fairly simple procedure that would let you (or anyone else) bypass the activation lock screen. 

It’s not a perfect hack, though. Some folks discovered that it hobbled cellular service. Still, it should have been good enough to fool unwitting buyers. If not, apparently renowned iPhone hacker “iH8sn0w” apparently also found another Activation Lock loophole. 

See also: How To Get Smart About Smartphone Theft

For now, doulCi’s iOS 7 support works for all iPhones prior to the new 6 models, going all the way back to the 3GS, as well as all iPads. The team also has iOS 8 support in the works. 

This is likely what prompted Apple to push the “Check Activation Lock Status” tool out to the public. With this, even if the lock’s busted on the iPhone itself, Apple’s server can still step in and rat out the crook. 

Police photo by Scott Davidson. Screenshots by Adriana Lee for ReadWrite. 

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.