If you do not unlink the iPhone from the previous owner's iCloud account, then one day the iPhone may be locked and you will no longer be able to use it. This can happen after an iOS update, for example. After installing a new version of the operating system, you can see the message “ Activate iPhone. This iPhone is currently linked to an Apple ID ( [email protected]). Sign in with the Apple ID you used to set up this iPhone " or Activation lock. ICloud blocking happens on the Apple server. Therefore, neither factory reset nor flashing will unlock the iPhone.

The main thing that you must understand in this matter is that if the iPhone is tied to iCloud and you do not know the username and password for the account, then you will not be able to use it for a long time. The way out is to untie the iPhone from the Apple ID of the current owner when buying from hands before payment.

The methods for deleting the previous user account described in this manual are legal. They don't exploit any iCloud or iOS vulnerabilities and don't hack anything. Naturally, you should not expect miracles from them. If you have an iPhone of unknown origin in your hands without a box and a receipt that requires you to enter the Apple ID with which it was originally activated, you will fail. For this, in fact, there is a binding - so that if the device is stolen or lost, it would be impossible to use it.

Lost iPhones and Unscrupulous Sellers

There are also many cases when an unscrupulous owner sells an iPhone, deliberately leaving his Apple ID on it, and after receiving the money, after a while, blocks it and requires you to pay additional money to unlock it. Then you will see the message "This iPhone is Lost" or "The Missing iPhone"... You cannot unlock such a phone in any way. Therefore, if you bought such an iPhone, demand a refund from the seller and warn that you will write a statement to the police about the fact of fraud. (Well, if you find a really lost device, be sure to return the phone to the owner).

There are many ads posted on the Internet where you are promised to unlock any iPhone for money. Don't mess with things like that. In the worst case, you will simply be deceived and will not unblock anything, but in the best case, they will ask for a copy of the receipt, a photo of the box, the serial number and other information for a request to Apple, but you can do this procedure yourself - it is described below in the article. The main thing is that you have all these things in stock.

How to check if iPhone is linked to iCloud account using Apple ID or not

Step 1. Pick up your iPhone and press the Home key. If he asks for an Apple ID and password or sign in with Touch ID, then he is not unlinked from the iCloud account and you cannot buy a device in this state:

If on the Internet you come across instructions on checking activation on the website icloud.com/activationlock, then you should know that Apple has closed this service and it doesn't work anymore:

Step 2. Clean your iPhone. Go to Settings> General> Reset> Erase Content and Settings> Erase> Enter passcode, tap Erase iPhone (twice)> Enter iCloud passcode.

Naturally, you must first obtain the seller's consent to this (and at the same time look at his reaction). After cleaning, go to iPhone settings. Instead of the owner's name, you should see a prompt to sign in to iCloud.

How to unlink iPhone from previous owner's iCloud account

After you have checked the phone, you are satisfied with its condition and you want to buy it hand-held, ask the owner to unlink the device from the current account using any of the methods described below.

Method 1: untie iPhone from Apple ID using a computer.

If at the moment the iPhone is not connected and the system cannot detect it, you can also click All devices and on the cross in front of the iPhone that you want to unlink from your Apple ID, and then confirm the deletion in the pop-up window:

As you can see, the warning says exactly what we need at the moment - deleting means unbinding the gadget from the current Apple ID so that this iPhone can be activated and used by another user with his iCloud account.

Method 2: remove the device from iCloud on the iPhone itself.

If everything went well, it means that you have successfully unlinked your iPhone from your old iCloud account.

How to Remove the Old Owner's Apple ID - Submitting an Unlock Request to Apple

This method allows you to unlock your iPhone if you have forgotten your username (email) and password from iCloud, or you have purchased a device that requires you to enter someone else's Apple ID, but you can confirm the right to legally own the phone. This way you can unlock iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple TV. You will need:

1. Photo copy of the purchase receipt. It should contain the address of the store where the iPhone was purchased and the serial number of the device. If the serial is not printed on the check, write it with your hands at the bottom S / N: 123456789XYZ and take a photo. The check is the most important argument when contacting Apple.
2. Photo of the back wall of the iPhone (naturally, without a cover).
3. Photo of the tray with the serial number and IMEI.
4. Zip all photos.
5. Try to remember the last name, first name, and security questions you entered when you created your iCloud account. If it's real, that would be a big plus. In case the account is not yours, skip this point.
6. If you don't have an Apple ID, then create one.

It is better to create all these things in advance, before contacting support, so that everything goes faster and easier. Otherwise, you will have to call back and each time explain to the new employee what you are trying to do and where you are now.

Now you need to contact Apple support directly. There you will be asked for everything that I described above: a photo of a receipt with a serial number, a photo of a box. You will dictate your email, which you have access to in this memment, and you will be sent a link to download files with photos of the receipt and other proof of iPhone ownership. In this case, you will need to log in with your Apple ID. That's what you created it for - so you don't get stuck in this step. In Russia, the support number for iPhone unlocking is: 88005556734

What happens in this case

If the information you provide suits Apple and they believe that you are the rightful owner of the iPhone, rather than the other way around, they contact the store listed on your check and verify the purchase. If the store confirms that the iPhone with the specified serial number was actually purchased from them, Apple will most likely unlock your device and you will be able to sign in with your new iCloud account. The name of the seller matters here. The more reliable and respectable the organization that once sold this iPhone, the more chances that Apple will receive a response in time. And this affects the positive outcome of the issue. For example, it would be better if the phone was bought in the DNS retail network than from the IP Vasya Pupkin.

Important! After you delete your iCloud account, be sure to check again if your iPhone is unlinked. Once cleared, it shouldn't ask for a passcode, Touch ID fingerprint, or ask for the old owner's Apple ID.

Once upon a time, one of the main drawbacks of the iPad (and the iPhone) was the need to connect it to the computer with a cable and make a backup via the iTunes application. Starting with iOS 5, this need began to disappear. After all, now you can make a backup directly to the cloud. At the same time, the ability to make a backup copy through a computer in the old fashioned way remains.

I'm sure many users don't realize the difference between an iTunes backup and an iCloud backup. In this article I will explain in a popular way what it consists of.

ICloud backup

Apple provides each user with 5 gigabytes of cloud storage for free. To create backups to iCloud, you need to enable them through the settings:

Settings-> iCloud-> Backup-> iCloud Backup

In the future, to create a copy, you must:

• or immediately click the "Create a backup" button
• or connect the iPad to a power source (Wi-Fi must be connected and iPad is locked). Backups will be created automatically.

What is saved in an iCloud backup?

• Purchase history (music, movies, apps, books) from iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store
• Photos and videos. If you have iCloud Music Library turned on, then photos and videos will not be uploaded to the cloud again
• Settings
• Application data
• Screen layout and app layout
• IMessage, SMS
• Ringtones
• Health data from the HomeKit app Health and configuration (smart home)

And now I explain the nuances in simple language. You need to know and understand:

a) When restoring from an iCloud backup, all of the above data will roll over automatically. But purchased (downloaded officially) media content will be re-downloaded from the respective stores: apps from the App Store, music and videos from the iTunes Store, books from the iBooks Store.

That is, if the backup in iCloud takes 3 gigabytes, this does not mean that the restoration will take you 3 gigabytes of traffic. No, in essence, you are downloading the same amount of information that you had on your iPad.

b) 5 gigabytes of free space in the cloud will only be enough for the first time and with one device tied to an Apple ID. If there are several such devices, then you will have to buy additional space in iCloud.

c) Backups in iCloud are subject to mandatory encryption. That is, it is assumed that no one other than you (not even Apple) can access the backup data.

d) You can restore a copy from anywhere if you have Wi-Fi. This does not require a computer.

e) Other data like Notes, Contacts, etc. are also saved in iCloud (not in a backup), only this is set separately in the iOS settings.

Also, the following are not saved in the backup:

• data stored in other cloud services. For example, Gmail.
• Apple Pay information and settings
• Touch ID settings
• content and data about it that you downloaded from outside the official stores. For example, pirated mp3 files.

ITunes backup

To create a backup in iTunes, it is advisable (not necessary, but I recommend) to connect your iPad / iPhone to your computer via a wire. Turn on iTunes-> Find device-> Go to Overview-> In the Backups section, poke “This computer”. Then click “Create a copy now”.

Unlike iCloud copy, computer iTunes backup encryption is not set by default. To set a password for a backup, you must select the "Encrypt local copy" checkbox before creating a copy. This should be done if you are not sure whether the data on your computer is sufficiently secure.

For example, several people use a computer. If not encrypted, then theoretically anyone can read, for example, your SMS or application data using special programs.

The iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch is backed up to the main drive on the system by default. Changing the default drive and even writing a backup to an external drive is possible.

ITunes can only be backed up on OS X and Windows operating systems. Owners of alternatives like Linux seem to be forced to make copies in iCloud.

The backup includes almost all data and settings iOS devices excluding:

• photos and videos in your iCloud library or Photo Stream
• Apple Pay information and settings
• Touch ID settings

The following data types are backed up, if you are using encryption, which I wrote about just above:

• Wi-Fi settings
• Stored passwords in keychain
• Medical data
• Website history in Safari

Apps from the App Store, Music & Movies & iTunes Store, Books from the iBooks Store do not fall to a backup and in case of using iTunes. But unlike iCloud, here you can essentially backup them by making a sync.

What to choose?

What is the preferred backup method? For my taste, the best option is to use both types of backups whenever possible.

A copy to iCloud allows you to be calm about the safety of the current settings. If everything works fine, then every time you charge your iPad / iPhone / iPod will self-save. No PC connection required.

On the other hand, iCloud backup is critical to internet usage. If you have a slow internet connection (and in small cities or towns this is the norm), then I would recommend making backups via iTunes. And even with a fast Internet connection, restoring from a backup can take hours.

Also, a local backup is not limited by anything - only free space on the computer's disk, and the iCloud copy requires a monthly subscription. For 5 gigabytes for backup, iTunes library, etc. - this is not serious. Especially when there are two or more devices.

Another advantage of a backup in iTunes, coupled with synchronization, is that it allows you to save different versions of applications. An unsuccessful application update has been released in the App Store, and you have a previous version on your computer. They took it and rolled away. Or you accidentally deleted some important Contacts - they were already synced with iCloud. You can dig in and restore an iTunes backup.

We are starting a series of articles about Apple services. And the very first we will look at services such as Apple ID and iCloud.

What is it?! Apple ID is a personal user account. Using one account you will have access to all all services on all your devices. To create an Apple ID, you need a valid gmail.com email address and a strong password of at least one uppercase, uppercase, and number. There must be at least eight characters. You will also need three answers to security questions, which are needed to verify your identity and reset your password. You can also create it when you set up a new Apple device or when you first sign in to iCloud or iTunes.

Do not forget to add a backup email address and confirm it after registration, it will simplify data recovery if you suddenly forget it. When creating an Apple ID, you will be asked to enter a bank card, which you can use to pay for applications in the App Store or to use Apple Music, as well as to buy additional space in iCloud. If you don't want to bind a card, there is one trick. Before creating an Apple ID, you need to select any free application in the AppStore and click download it, then click the Create Apple ID button. Only in this sequence will Apple give the opportunity not to enter your bank card. If, nevertheless, you decide to take full advantage of the Apple ID and are going to link your bank card, then you should know that it must be personalized and issued in the country in which you register your Apple ID.

Let's get to the heart of the matter.

1. If you do not have gmail.com mail, then create it using the link.

2. Go to the App Store. If you decide not to bind a bank card, then select any FREE application and click Get. Then create an Apple ID.

And if you want to make purchases and enjoy all the benefits of Apple services, then you can immediately (without choosing a free application) click Create Apple ID.

3. Then you need to enter your mail, a strong password (the password must contain at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase, numbers and at least 8 characters)

It is advisable to enter an additional email, it will help with Apple ID recovery.

4. If you have chosen the method of creating without linking a card, then such a menu will appear in front of you.

Everything is simple here, fill in and click Crete Apple ID.

For those who decided to link the card, you will need to select the type of payment system (the card must be personalized and of the country you specify). You will need to enter the card details in the appropriate field.

6. Now go to iCloud and enter your data.

What is iCloud? It's a way to combine all the files from your devices in one place. Access to photos, videos, contacts and other files can be obtained from anywhere and from any gadget. And for example, if your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can easily track your phone, block or display any message. And purchases made in iTunes will be available on all devices. Files can be shared by up to six people. That will be very convenient for family use. You will always know about the location of your children.

In subsequent reviews, we will tell you in more detail about the functions and capabilities of Apple services.

If you haven't used Apple's branded cloud storage yet, you've lost a lot. In addition to the fact that content is automatically distributed to all devices connected to one Apple ID via iCloud (Russian icloud), it can store iPhone and iPad backups, photos, phone book, notes, calendars, etc. It is also great that the changes that are made to iCloud from any device are automatically applied to everyone at once.

You can sing the praises of Apple and iCloud, in particular, for a long time, but let's go to the point: “under the cut” information about what iCloud is, what it is for, how to connect iCloud on iPhone and iPad, Mac and Windows.

• enables the user to access their music, photos, documents and other files from any device;
• saves, helps the owner find lost devices and allows you to share photos with other people. (Apple) But that's not all.

What is iCloud for?

If you have any device (or several at once) at your disposal: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac computer, iCloud is simply irreplaceable for you. Why, you ask?

• Purchases
  Through iCloud, all purchases in the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store are automatically made available on all connected devices.
• iCloud Drive
  Work with any documents on a convenient device. Documents (text files, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, images, and more) created in apps that support iCloud sync are available on any device.
• Family access
  One purchase from the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store is free for the entire family. Shopping at Apple's online stores is available free of charge to all family members (up to six people). Read how to turn on family sharing.
• Photo
  Photos taken with the iPhone or iPad camera are automatically available on all connected devices.
• Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Reminders
  Through iCloud, contacts, calendar events, notes and reminders are automatically synced across all your devices. Changes are applied simultaneously to all devices.
• Find iPhone, iPad or Mac
  If you, or somewhere put your Mac computer, through iCloud they are easy to find, or.
• ICloud & Safari Keychain
  Reliable cloud storage of logins, passwords and credit card numbers. The username and password for the website or application saved in the keychain is available for authorization on this site or in the application on all devices connected to iCloud.
• Backup
  Automatic or manual backup of iPhone and iPad to iCloud, allows full after or.
• Apps from the App Store
  that support syncing with iCloud automatically upload their data (settings, backups, saves, etc.) to the cloud storage, from where it is transferred to all devices connected to iCloud.
• Accessing my Mac
  A Mac connected to iCloud can be remotely controlled from another Mac over the Internet. You can copy files and transfer them from a remote Mac to a local one and vice versa.

System requirements for iCloud

To take full advantage of Apple's cloud technologies, the company recommends using the latest versions of iOS, OS X and software (iTunes, iPhoto, Safari, iWork).

To use iCloud on Windows, you must have installed on your computer:

• Microsoft Windows 7 or later;
• iCloud for Windows 4.0 (free download);
• or later;
• Outlook 2007 or later
• Internet Explorer 10 or later, Firefox 22 or later, or Google Chrome 28 or later (desktop mode only).

The minimum system requirements for each individual iCloud feature are available on the Apple official website, following the link.

Every user gets 5 GB for free in iCloud. You can use this amount to store iCloud mail, application data from the App Store, iPhone and iPad backups, notes, calendar, etc.

There are no restrictions on their size for photographs, but there is a “ceiling” in terms of quantity. iCloud will keep 1,000 of your photos safe from the last 30 days. Older images, if the total number of photos in the “cloud” exceeds 1000, will be deleted.

5 GB for each iCloud user is provided free of charge, this does not mean at all that the space in the cloud storage cannot be increased, as they say: "Any whim for your money!"

There are only 4 paid tariff plans in iCloud: 20, 200, 500, 1000 GB for 39, 149, 379 and 749 rubles per month, respectively. Apple recently slashed its iCloud rates and now they are more than nice.

You can choose or change a tariff plan at any time directly on your iPhone or iPad, as well as on Mac or Windows in the corresponding menu. The money to pay for the cloud storage is debited from the credit or debit card connected to. If it's yours, you won't be able to switch to a paid plan, you can always go to your account settings.

Sign up to iCloud

There is no need for a separate iCloud registration, a single Apple ID (ID and password) is used to authorize and manage iCloud content.

How do I access iCloud?

ICloud content can be accessed from any computer, smartphone or tablet via the Internet from a web browser, just go to http://icloud.com/ and log in with your Apple ID.

Apple devices: iPhone, iPad and Mac computers have deeper integration with iCloud, all data in them is loaded from the “cloud” automatically.

How to connect iCloud on iPhone and iPad?

ICloud cloud storage is an integral part of the Apple ecosystem and, as a result, it is managed in the iOS and OS X system settings.

If you forgot your password for your account, you can. To do this, follow the active link “Forgot your Apple ID or password?”.

To connect to iCloud, your Windows computer must have iCloud for Windows 4.0 (free download) and iTunes 12 or later.

How to turn off iCloud without Apple ID password?

Unlinking iPhones, iPads and Macs with Find My iPhone, iPad or Mac disabled from iCloud is easy, just a few simple steps. If your device was “tied” in iCloud to your Apple ID and the “Find iPhone”, “Find iPad” or “Find Mac” functions are enabled, in order to log out of the “cloud”, you must enter your account password, but and it's not difficult.

Problems arise when you have safely forgotten the password to the Apple ID or iCloud on the device is connected not from your Apple ID, but from the account of its previous owner. In such cases, there are only 2 outputs:

Let me remind you: blocking the activation of iPhone and iPad with installed iOS 8.0 and higher. Its condition can be checked.

!Advice
If your iPhone or iPad has an Apple ID connected to which you do not have access to in “Settings -> iCloud,” restoring and updating the firmware is contraindicated for you. After flashing such a device, the activation lock will turn it into “”.

How to turn off iCloud on iPhone and iPad?

If, for some reason, you have a need or desire to “untie” your iPhone or iPad from iCloud, for example, to restore your device (it is enough to disable only the “Find iPhone” function, not iCloud in general) or update iOS, do it very simply.

How to turn off iCloud on Mac and Windows?

On OS X and Windows, turning off iCloud is as easy as on iPhone. Again, if Find My Mac is enabled on your Mac, you will need to enter your password to turn off iCloud, but not your Apple ID, but your administrator password.

And here there is one “BUT”, the same password as in iCloud can be used as administrator password and password for unlocking Mac, ie. from Apple ID. You can set a single password in "System Preferences -> Users and Groups ->" Change Password "button ->" Use iCloud Password "button. Thus, there is no need to remember 2 passwords, one for Mac, the other for Apple ID.

To sign out of your iCloud account on Mac:

On Windows, the procedure is the same, just start iCloud for Windows and click on the "Exit" button.

As you can see, iCloud offers tremendous possibilities for syncing, recovering data and finding your lost or stolen iPhone, iPad or Mac. With its functions, Apple's cloud service has gone far ahead of competitors and allows you to very flexibly combine all iOS and OS X devices into one system, which opens up wide horizons of possibilities for their owners. If you haven't managed to connect iCloud on iPhone or Mac yet, do it, I'm sure cloud storage and its functions will not disappoint you.

If you have any difficulties or additional questions while connecting / disconnecting iCloud, welcome to the comments. If the information provided was useful to you, we will be very grateful for the link to the source on your page on social networks.