I recently purchased an iPhone from a seller on eBay. Initially, everything seemed fine, so I set up a new iCloud account, downloaded some apps, and even added my Apple Wallet. However, about an hour later, it prompted me to sign back into my iCloud account, but I kept getting an error. After trying to reset my password, I ended up having to submit a request to Apple for access to my account. The next day, Apple denied my request, claiming my new iCloud account violated their terms of service. Apple support advised me to submit an activation lock removal request, along with the sales receipt from the seller that includes the serial number. Unfortunately, despite submitting the receipt multiple times, Apple keeps insisting that it's not enough information to approve my request. I'm stuck here without being able to reset the phone because both Find My iPhone and the activation lock are enabled. Is there any way for me to get this phone working again?
2 Answers
It sounds like Apple really wants the original sales receipt from when the phone was purchased new, not just the one from eBay. That’s likely why they keep denying your requests. You might want to ask the seller if they can provide any proof of purchase directly from an authorized retailer.
That’s strange they didn’t explain which part of the TOS you violated. I’d suggest reaching out for clarification on that, as it might help you in your appeal. Maybe try explaining your situation more clearly to a different support representative.
But how does that work for used phones? It seems unfair to expect that when people sell them.