What To Do If You Find A Locked IPhone?

Finding an iPhone can be exciting, but before you try to unlock and use it, there are important legal and technical things to know. Keeping or unlocking someone else's iPhone without permission may be illegal, so the best thing to do is return it to the owner.

Here's what you need to know:

 

1. If the iPhone is Locked (Passcode or Face/Touch ID)

You can't unlock it without the owner's passcode or biometrics.

If you try too many wrong passcodes, the phone may lock permanently.

Don't try hacking it-Apple's security is very strong, and most methods online don't work.

 

2. If "Find My iPhone" is ON (Most Important!)

The iPhone is still linked to the owner's Apple ID.

Even if you reset (erase) the phone, it will still ask for the original Apple ID password (this is called Activation Lock).

Only the owner can remove this lock by entering their password or through Apple Support with proof of purchase.

Beware of scams! Some websites claim they can bypass Activation Lock, but most are fake or illegal.

 

3. If "Find My iPhone" is OFF (Rare)

You might be able to reset the iPhone by putting it in Recovery Mode and restoring it via iTunes/Finder.

Steps:

Connect to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on Mac).

Force restart the iPhone (steps vary by model).

Select "Restore" (not "Update") to erase the iPhone.

If no Apple ID lock appears, you can set it up as new.

 

4. If the iPhone is in "Lost Mode"

The screen may show a message like "This iPhone is lost. Please call [owner's number]."

Do the right thing-contact the owner!

Even if you reset it, Lost Mode will still block the phone.

 

5. Legal Risks of Unlocking a Found iPhone

In many countries, keeping or unlocking a lost phone is illegal.

Selling or using someone else's iPhone could be considered theft or fraud.

Apple can blacklist stolen iPhanes, making them unusable.

 

What Should You Do Instead?

✅ Try to return it:

Check for emergency contact info on the lock screen.

If the phone has a SIM card, contact the carrier (they may help find the owner).

Take it to the police or an Apple Store-they might locate the owner.

❌ Don't try illegal methods:

Fake "unlock services" often steal money or personal data.

Hardware modifications (like "chip replacement") are expensive and risky.

 

Final Advice

If you can't find the owner, the safest and most ethical choice is to hand it over to authorities. Unlocking a found iPhone is difficult, risky, and often illegal-so it's better to do the right thing!

Have you ever lost or found a phone? Share your experience in the comments!