Kimputer's Weblog

What isn’t really clear to most people, is that Apple actually doesn’t want people who are new to Apple to buy a second hand iPhone.
Probably nowhere to be found on the Apple website, is that an iOS device can only create 3 free iCloud accounts.
If you buy a second hand iOS device (iPhone/iPad), and you never had an Apple product before where you created an AppleID, along with the free iCloud account, you will run into this unsolvable issue.
Even if you follow other helpful websites on second hand buying of iPhone/iPads, this little fact isn’t taken into account.
So here’s a more complete guide:

Check pricing (sometimes too good to be true is really too good to be true).
Check serial number/IMEI (if the owner doesn’t give it to you, it’s already a sign it’s too good to be true): https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do (you will also see if the owner is truthful about the age of the device, as the end date of the warranty is displayed)
Check the Activation Lock here https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
See if it’s locked or not. If not, you have to ask the owner to unlock it (or a full reset is enough). If the owner can’t, it’s probably a stolen device.
Check availability of original invoices/receipts (owner must be willing to give it to you, also double check if the real serial number/IMEI of the phone matches the invoice/receipt)

And here’s the part where it goes wrong because no one has it in their guide (please note, if you already use iCloud, this part can be skipped):
You have to immediately activate the device before paying!
It means, have a working nano simcard already!
It means, have power available (if device not charged).
It means, have dataplan with the sim OR have wifi available.
Walk through the WHOLE activation process.
Only after the full activation, should you pay the money. Discuss this with the owner before even setting up an appointment, so the owner knows you’ll have to sit down comfortably for 30 minutes or so, instead of the expected 30 second exchange of device/money.

Also know that since you successfully activated the device, you probably have less chance to sell it off again (there are people who value Apple because they seem more worth and keeping their worth over time, which actually doesn’t always apply as you can see)

As you can see, a lot of troubles, where Apple will be of any help to you (they can’t “reset” anything, actually they can, they just don’t want to).

What are the other ways?

Get an Android device!

Or, as lucky as I was, the owner I bought it from was willing to give up his AppleID (and hence the iCloud account) and I could change all things necessary (change email, change security questions etc). You need the owner not to only give up his accounts, he has to unlock it to with the security questions!
Obviously, this doesn’t happen often (most people use their account actively which includes backup of files, storing calendar and contacts etc). I’m betting you won’t be so lucky!

In short, Apple wants you to buy a NEW device, not a second hand. Still feel proud to associate yourself with this company?