Apple Launches Self-Serve Portal for Initiating Activation Lock Removal Requests

Apple has released a new "Turn off Activation Lock" page to its website that provides steps that users can take to turn off the security feature on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Customers will no longer have to contact an Apple support representative by phone, email, or online chat to initiate this process. To submit a request you still must be the owner of the device, and the device must not be in Lost Mode or managed by a business or educational institution.

After entering a valid email address and the device's serial number, customers are instructed to fill out a form to prove ownership of the device, providing details such as the device's original purchase date, purchase location, and a photo or screenshot of the original sales receipt if available.

In the event that Apple unlocks Activation Lock on your device, all data stored on your device will be permanently erased. Apple says it is the customer's responsibility to back up their device prior to submitting an Activation Lock request.

If you have a device with Activation Lock visit Apple's website at https://al-support.apple.com/#/getsupport to initiate turning off the Activation Lock.