Activation Lockappeared in 2013 in iOS 7 as a way of life to discourage iPhone larceny . With Find My enabled in iCloud options , a gadget ca n’t be reused just by being rub out – someone with the gimmick also has to have the parole for the Apple ID used to enable Find My to unlock it . Apple started with the iPhone , iPad , and iPod touch , and afterward added Activation Lock to watchOS and to Intel Macs with a T2 Security Chip and all M - serial publication Apple silicon Macs .
But there ’s another activation lock Apple employs that get less attention . When you pair anAirTagto your iPhone or iPad , or any third - company twist that use Apple ’s Find My electronic internet , Apple engages what it now calls the “ Find My ignition lock . ” ( The company previously term it “ Pair Lock . ” )
Find My Lock can only be removed when the AirTag or rule My item is in Bluetooth proximity to the original iPhone or iPad with which it was paired .
How to unpair an AirTag
It ’s easy enough to remove the AirTag in those cases :
Except for this method , there ’s no other way to turn off the Find My whorl . If you purchase a Find My item , straight off check that it ’s quick for geminate — if not , you need to return it to the owner for unlocking .
If you sell one or give one away , ensure you have disabled pairing before doing so . Otherwise , these item are just so much ornamentation .
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