About two years ago, Apple introduced a tool called Activation Lock that lets you check if a used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch was stolen. However, it looks like the Cupertino company has decided to quietly remove the tool.
Activation Lock was first introduced shortly after the launch of iOS 7 back in late 2014. The tool, previously available at icloud.com/activationlock, allowed users to key in the IMEI of an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to check the states of the device. This is a great tool because it prevents people from selling stolen devices, and if you were selling your old iPhone, you can also use it to check the status of your device and make sure you perform all the necessary procedures before selling.
Sadly, when you visit the Activation Lock page now, you will be greeted with a message that says “iCloud can’t find that page”. Apple did not provide any information as to why it removed the tool. Of course, Activation Lock does not completely prevent stolen iOS devices from being sold. According to the video shown below, the tool can be used maliciously.
