Apple has released a new iCloud tool that can check to see if an iPhone has been stolen, which could be useful if you are looking to buy a used iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
The new tool is called Activation Lock, and it will allow you to check the device’s IMEI number or serial number. The tool then checks Find My iPhone and also the status of the device.
How Activation Lock Works
Activation Lock is a feature that was introduced with iOS 7 as part of the Find My iPhone service. When Find My iPhone is enabled on a device, the Apple ID and password used to set it up are required before anyone can turn off Find My iPhone, erase the device, or reactivate and use the device. This means that even if a thief manages to wipe the device, they won’t be able to use it without the original owner’s credentials.
The new iCloud tool takes this a step further by allowing potential buyers to check the status of a device before purchasing it. By entering the IMEI or serial number into the tool, users can see if the device is still linked to the previous owner’s account. This can prevent the frustration of buying a device that appears to work fine but is actually locked and unusable.
Benefits for Buyers and Sellers
This tool is not only beneficial for buyers but also for sellers. If you are looking to sell your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you can use the Activation Lock tool to ensure that your device is not locked to your account. This can make the selling process smoother and more transparent, as potential buyers will have confidence that the device is not stolen and can be activated without issues.
For example, imagine you are buying a used iPhone from an online marketplace. You can ask the seller for the IMEI or serial number and check it using the Activation Lock tool. If the device is reported as locked, you can avoid the purchase and save yourself from potential headaches. On the other hand, if the device is clear, you can proceed with the transaction knowing that you are buying a legitimate product.
This could be useful, as some stolen iPhones appear to work fine, but when you connect the device to iTunes to activate it, the device may not work. The Activation Lock tool helps to identify such issues beforehand, ensuring that you do not end up with a non-functional device.
The tool can also be used by someone who wants to sell their iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, and it will help the seller disable any activation locks on the device, assuming they are the rightful owner of the device. This can be particularly useful for people who have forgotten to disable Find My iPhone before selling their device. By using the tool, they can ensure that the device is ready for the new owner.
You can find out more details about the new iCloud feature over at Apple at the link below.
This certainly sounds like a useful tool, and it could stop people from being sold stolen and lost iPhones which won’t actually work. By providing a simple and effective way to check the status of a device, Apple is helping to reduce the market for stolen goods and protect both buyers and sellers.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
