Important note for all users
To ensure smooth device retrieval and storage, Activation Lock must be disabled or bypassed before
sending devices to allwhere. We cannot remove Activation Lock for you. Below is detailed information on
Activation Lock and how to manage it.
ALK
What is Activation Lock?
Activation Lock is an Apple security feature that prevents unauthorized use or sale of devices such as
iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches. When it's enabled, the device is tied to the owner's Apple ID,
so their credentials are required to unlock or erase it. Apple notes that managing Activation Lock
through an MDM solution lets an organization keep the theft-deterrent benefit while still being able to
turn off the lock on devices it owns.
Note: You may hear Activation Lock referred to as an "Apple
ID" or "iCloud" lock — these terms relate to the Apple ID credentials required to disable it.
Activation Lock is separate from MDM locks, which your organization can remove using a PIN code
provided to allwhere for wiping. For more detail, see
Apple's Support page on Activation Lock.
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How can my organization bypass Activation Lock?
If the device is supervised and enrolled in your organization's Mobile Device Management (MDM) system,
you can provide allwhere with an Activation Lock bypass code to disable the lock and allow our wiping
procedures. Here's how:
1
Check your MDM documentation for instructions on generating or retrieving bypass codes.
2
Place a Process order through the inventory dashboard of the allwhere portal.
If your organization doesn't use MDM or doesn't have a bypass code, follow
Apple's guide
on working with the previous owner to remove Activation Lock. If the device still can't be unlocked, we
can return it to your organization or recycle it and provide a Certificate of Destruction (COD).
PRV
Can allwhere contact the previous user for the password?
To protect data privacy and due to the sensitive nature of Apple ID credentials, allwhere can't contact
previous users or collect passwords to remove Activation Lock on your behalf.
APL
Can Apple remove Activation Lock?
Yes — Apple can help remove Activation Lock for the original purchaser, but it requires verification.
You'll need:
| • | Proof of purchase (for example, a receipt with the device's serial number) |
| • | A support request submitted to Apple |
If allwhere was involved in the original procurement, we can provide relevant documentation. To start
the process, visit
Apple's Activation Lock Support Request.
Apple's verification process can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, so we recommend
starting as soon as possible.
PVT
How can my organization prevent Activation Lock issues?
To avoid running into this down the line:
1
Enroll all organization-owned devices in an MDM solution to manage and bypass Activation Lock.
2
Maintain records of bypass codes for organization-owned devices.
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Additional resources
| • | Apple Support: Activation Lock |
| • | Apple Support: Initial Steps to Remove Activation Lock |
| • | Apple Activation Lock Support Request |
| • | Contact allwhere Support: hello@allwhere.co |
Questions about Activation Lock?
Reach out to the allwhere Support Team at
hello@allwhere.co.