Chosen Solution

Hi, In need of some guidance. Trying to remove the icloud account from a iPhone 5s. I’ve tried last known passwords and none work so I go to reset the password on the iCloud account and its telling me the email is not an Apple ID but its the one locked onto the phone. HELP?

I’m not sure how to go about that but I can at least say apple can get the apple id removed if you have proof of purchase for example receipt for the phone.