Apple removes its iCloud Activation Lock checker off of iCloud.com
- by Nick Cohen
- in Industry
- — Jan 31, 2017
One such measure was imparting knowledge to buyers about potential purchases, including the "Check Activation Lock Status", which has disappeared all of a sudden. The news has ignited negative sentiments among the users across the globe since Activation Code is used to help buyers avoid purchasing iOS devices that are previously locked by a another user.
The process is demonstrated in the video below. The tool used to exist on iCloud.com/activationlock but now redirects to a 404 page.
The new change is likely meant to discourage customers from buying used iOS devices from the other persons and third-party sellers, devices that are not completely knew.
In what can only be perceived as an unusual move, it was recently reported that the Apple Inc.
For now, we can not recommend buying a used iPhone, iPad or iPod touch until the Activation Lock status page returns or is replaced. It's not worth buying a device blindly, until or unless the seller is a close friend of yours or a family member. Also, the company did not reveal anything about if it is working on another service or tools as a replacement.
We're not sure at this point why Apple might even think to do this because Activation Lock is an invaluable security feature of iDevices.
Activation Lock works by cross-referencing the serial number of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches with a database of devices reported stolen. If the passcode lock screen or the Homescreen appears, the device hasn't been erased. This could even be unsafe for those who already brought cash with them due to the risk of getting robbed, as it would be easier for people to use the Apple device as bait. "The best way to do this is to sign out of iCloud and then erase all content and settings from your device before handing it over".
