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iCloud Guides

All our iCloud guides include how to set up and use iCloud properly,  unlock iCloud, and reset an iCloud password if you forgot it. Also detailed information on the iCloud infrastructure.

Of course, iCloud is managed by your Apple account so we explain how it works. In addition, we say what to do to unlock the Activation Lock from your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Apple Watch.

Our guides help explain the link between iCloud, Find My, the Activation Lock, and your Apple ID.

For more help with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod Touch, or Mac, see Apple troubleshooting & how-to guides.

iPhone showing lost message

iPhone iCloud Activation Lock removal guide (7 verified methods)

In this in-depth article, I give 7 tried and tested methods that 6,246 clients have used to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on their iPhones. You will learn: DOWNLOAD: A free copy of this guide that shows the 7 techniques that can bypass the iPhone Activation Lock easily. No signup is required. We don’t even ask …

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activation lock message on Apple device screens

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, Mac and more

If you buy a used Apple device and it: the device has been activation locked and you need to bypass Activation Lock on the device before you can use it. The obvious solution is to ask the last owner to supply their Apple account details so you can get rid of the Activation Lock. But …

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iPhone showing the locked to owner warning

How to bypass iPhone Locked to Owner message

As an experienced Apple iOS product professional, I wrote this in-depth guide packed with tried and tested techniques that explains how to remove iPhone Locked to Owner screen on your device. Although the Activation Lock is crucial for protecting data and preventing theft, the ‘iPhone Locked to Owner’ message introduces specific challenges, especially for those …

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iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8

How To Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone 8 / 8 Plus

As an experienced professional in Apple device security, I’ve closely examined the Activation Lock feature introduced with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in 2017. My extensive testing and research has enabled me to compile this guide, offering multiple techniques for bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models. My …

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Activate iPhone message on an Apple phone

How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPhone, iPad and Mac

Struggling with iCloud Activation Lock on an Apple device without access to the previous owner’s information? Drawing from my vast experience, I have tested and successfully implemented various strategies to unlock iPhones, iPads, and Macs burdened by this issue. My journey has equipped me with firsthand knowledge in assisting clients who have inadvertently purchased devices locked …

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icloud bypass

How to bypass Activation Lock without knowing the Apple ID

Members of the iChimp community often get in touch asking me how to bypass Activation Lock when they don’t have the Apple ID for their iOS device. If you find yourself in the situation you have come to the correct place. This short, easy-to-read guide explains everything you need to know. Many years ago I …

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iPhone XR

iPhone XR iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

This reliable and simple guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone XR models. The iPhone XR range of phones was released by Apple in 2018 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system named Find My. The topics covered include …

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iPad Air in different colors

iPad Air iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPad Air (5th generation) was released in 2022 and like the previous models in the range such as iPad Air 2, it included the iCloud Activation Lock. The iCloud lock is part of the tablet’s security system which Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock on any …

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iPad mini 6 and iPad mini 5

iPad mini iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The latest iPad mini was released in 2021 and, like all the previous incarnations, had a feature called iCloud Activation Lock. The lock is part of the tablet’s security system which Apple calls Find My. While bypassing iCloud Activation Lock is awkward, it is possible. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, …

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iPad Pro 11-inch

iPad Pro iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock on any model of iPad Pro. The 5th generation iPad Pro was released in 2021 which included a 12.9-inch display. And like the previous models in the range, it included the iCloud Activation Lock. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system called Find …

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iPad Activation Lock fix

iPad iCloud Activation Lock removal guide

It is almost impossible to bypass an iPad’s Activation Lock without the correct Apple ID and password to disable it. This means that you won’t be easily able to erase, reset, and reuse your iPad without knowing the previous owners’ Apple sign-in details. Knowing these details allows you to turn off Find My, which controls …

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Mac mini 5 (2022)

Mac mini iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iCloud Activation Lock is available on Mac mini computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of Mac mini released in 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system administered via Find My and is now found on all new …

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Apple MacBook

MacBook iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iCloud Activation Lock is available on the following models of MacBook: MacBook Pro computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of MacBook Pro released in late 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. 3rd generation MacBook Air computers with the Apple T2 Security Chip and …

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iPhone 4 in black and white finish

iPhone 4 / 4S iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

If you have bought, been given, or have inherited an iPhone 4 that has Activation Lock enabled then you won’t be able to use it until the lock has been removed or bypassed. As an Apple Certified Independent Technician with over a decade of experience, I have helped many iPhone 4 and 4S owners to …

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MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iCloud Activation Lock is available on MacBook Pro computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of MacBook Pro released in late 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. The Activation Lock, also known as the iCloud lock, is part of Apple’s security system and is …

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Gold iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

This in-depth guide shows all the ways you can bypass the Activation Lock (also known as the iCloud Lock) on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were released in 2016 by Apple, and both models included the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple …

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iPhone 15 in different finishes

iPhone 15 / 15 Pro iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models were announced by Apple in September 2023 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system called Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone …

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iPhone 5 in white

iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 5 was released by Apple in 2012 with iOS 6, which didn’t have the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Instead, it relied on the owner paying for MobileMe which had basic device tracking functionality. However, in 2013 iOS 7 was delivered which included a free version of Find My iPhone and introduced the Activation …

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iPhone XS

iPhone XS / XS Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

This reliable and simple guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max models. The iPhone XS range of phones was released by Apple in 2018 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system named Find My. …

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iPhone SE 2022 in red, starlight, and midnight color schemes

iPhone SE iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

Apple released the iPhone SE 3rd generation (sometimes called the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone SE 2022) with the iCloud Activation Lock feature. The Activation Lock is part of the phone’s security system which is managed using the Find My app. This article describes several techniques you can use to bypass the Activation Lock (also known …

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iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in white and rose gold finish

iPhone 6 / 6 Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus include the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple as part of the phone’s security system. The lock was originally managed using the Find My iPhone app, but this was replaced by Find My in 2019. This in-depth guide shows all the ways you can bypass …

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iPhone 6S in different finishes

iPhone 6S / 6S Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, released in 2015, both include the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple as part of the phone’s security system. The lock was originally managed using the Find My iPhone app, but this was replaced by Find My in 2019. This in-depth guide shows all the …

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iphone 14 activation lock bypass

iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models were announced by Apple in September 2022 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system called Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone …

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iPhone 11

iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 11 range of phones was released in 2019 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system that Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro …

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iPhone 12 activation lock bypass

iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPhone 12 models were released in 2020 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system that Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 …

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failures in the Activation Lock removal process

Overcoming failures in the Activation Lock removal process

Understanding the intricacies of Apple’s Activation Lock can be a daunting task. This feature is a powerful tool for device protection but poses a challenge when you need to remove it – maybe you’ve bought a pre-owned device, or you’ve simply forgotten your credentials. If you’ve experienced the frustration of failed attempts at removing Activation …

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Can jailbreaking bypass iCloud Activation Lock

Can jailbreaking bypass iCloud Activation Lock?

Jailbreaking an iPhone or iPad can provide users with a lot of freedom to customize their device and access features not normally available through Apple. But did you know that jailbreaking is the first step in being able to bypass iCloud Activation Lock? In this article, we’ll take a look at how jailbreaking can be …

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Find My For iPhone iPad Mac iPod And Apple Watch

Everything you need to know about Apple’s Find My tool

Find My is a tool from Apple that helps you find your Apple devices, items, and friends. It’s like a GPS for your Apple products. It is available on most Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods and items tagged with AirTags. Find My can be used to play a sound on a lost …

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iCloud bypass tools

6 iCloud bypass tools that remove Activation Lock

You can unlock the Activation Lock on an Apple device using an iCloud bypass tool. Dozens of iCloud bypass companies advertised on the web. But which of them should you use? To answer this question we reviewed as many bypass tools as possible to find out which worked, which were scams, and which was best. …

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Delete A Device From My iCloud

What Will Happen If I Delete A Device From My iCloud Account?

When you remove your Apple device from your iCloud account, your data will no longer be backed up or shared to iCloud. Also, Find My will no longer protect your device or allow you to track it if it is lost or stolen. In addition, Activation Lock will be bypassed. The following data will no …

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MacBook Air with M1 chip

How To Bypass Activation Lock On MacBook Air (unlock M1, M2 or T2 chip)

The iCloud Activation Lock is available on 3rd generation MacBook Air computers with the Apple T2 Chip and Apple silicon MacBook Air laptops with the M1 or M2 Chip. This means all MacBook Air laptops released since 2018 have this security feature. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system administered via Find My …

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Locked iCloud account

How to unlock iCloud account that’s locked or disabled

Your iCloud account is disabled or locked if you (or someone else) enter the wrong Apple ID password too many times. This guide explains how to unlock your iCloud account and gain access when it has been disabled, including: Free unlocking technique Unlocking your account without your phone Unlock your account without your password Unlocking …

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iPhone 13 in different finishes

iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max models. The topics covered include bypassing: A pre-owned phone. Your own phone. For free. Online. With tools or hacks. The techniques provided in this guide also …

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Bypass Activation Lock On The Mac Studio

How to bypass Activation Lock on the Mac Studio

The iCloud Activation Lock is available on Mac Studio computers running on Apple silicon, including those with the M1 Max or M1 Ultra system on a chip. The Activation Lock, also known as the iCloud lock, is part of Apple’s security system and is administered via Find My Mac. The lock is found on all new Mac computers. The …

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iPod Touch Activation Lock Bypass

iPod Touch iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide

The iPod Touch, which can be used as a music player, a handheld gaming device, a digital camera, a web browser, and for messaging was introduced by Apple in 2007 with a security feature called iCloud Activation Lock. The lock is controlled by the Find My app. This in-depth guide will explain the latest ways …

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iCloud and iMessage accounts do not match

Fix iCloud And iMessage Accounts Are Different And Do Not Match Error

The iCloud and iMessage accounts do not match error can appear on your device if you use multiple Apple IDs on it. Also, the Apple developer forum has multiple users saying they got an iMessage account issue when using beta versions of iOS or iPadOS. Network and WiFi issues can also cause iCloud and iMessage …

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Turn Off Activation Lock

How to turn off Activation Lock (on any Apple device)

This guide will help you remove the Activation Lock warning message using the official method endorsed by Apple. These methods work on any Apple device, including: I have been helping readers to successfully unlock the Activation Lock screen using the methods in this guide for many years. It is a simple process that only takes …

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iPod Touch

Apple iPod Touch Activation Lock

Apple has a security system on their devices, including the iPod Touch, called Find My. It includes a feature called Activation Lock that prevents anyone else from using your device if it is lost and stolen. Activation Lock is automatically enabled when you set up and turn on Find My on iPod Touch.  You can …

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activation lock for mac and macbook

Activation Lock on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, and other Mac computers

Activation Lock for Mac computers is part of Find My – a feature created by Apple to stop anyone else from using your MacBook, iMac, or other Mac computer if it is ever stolen or lost. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you configure Find My on your computer. Or when you sign in to …

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iPad showing Activation Lock message

Activation Lock on iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini

iPad Activation Lock is part of Find My – a feature created by Apple to stop anyone else from using your iPad if it is ever stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you configure Find My on your device. Or when you sign in to your iCloud account from your iPad. Find My works …

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iPhone Activation Lock

Activation Lock on iPhone

The iPhone Activation Lock is a security feature of Apple’s iOS operating system. Activation lock is designed to protect your iPhone, and its data if it is stolen or lost. It works by preventing your iPhone from being reset and reused until the owner’s Apple ID and password are typed into the device. The iPhone Activation …

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Apple Watch

Activation Lock on Apple Watch

Apple says, “Find My includes a feature called Activation Lock that’s designed to prevent anyone else from using your Apple Watch if it’s ever lost or stolen”. This feature is actually a complex security system that protects your Apple Watch and helps stop thieves from using or selling it. Activation Lock is enabled on your …

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Factory reset iPhone

Can You Factory Reset An iCloud Locked iPhone?

It is possible to factory reset an iCloud locked iPhone. The factory reset will wipe and remove all the data and settings on the Apple device. It is worth noting that the factory reset will not remove the iCloud Activation Lock. After restoring factory settings on your iPhone you will need to run the iOS …

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Does Factory Reset Remove Activation Lock?

Does factory reset remove Activation Lock?

A factory reset will erase all of the data and settings from your device but it won’t remove Activation Lock. This is true for all Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac computers. The official method to bypass Activation Lock security is to enter the correct Apple ID and password on the Lock …

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Can iCloud Activation Lock Be Removed?

Can iCloud Activation Lock be unlocked on a locked device?

Yes, you can unlock iCloud Activation Lock from all Apple devices including: The quickest and easiest way to remove the iCloud Activation Lock is by entering the Apple ID and password into the device when prompted. If you have forgotten your Apple ID you can reset it. However, this won’t work if you don’t know …

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Apple ID locked

How To Unlock An Apple ID Locked For Security Reasons And Regain Access

If Apple suspects your Apple ID or Apple account has been hacked it will suspend it If you receive an email or see an on-screen prompt on your Apple device which says: “This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons” “You can’t sign in because your account has been disabled due to security reasons” …

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iPad showing Activation Lock message

How to fix “This iPad is linked to an Apple ID” iCloud Activation Lock message

This simple guide shows several ways to get rid of the annoying “This iPad is linked to an Apple ID” Message. Follow the steps to get your iPad unlocked and working properly… This guide is written for the iPad, but the information also applies to iPod Touch and iPhone devices. Advertisement What causes this issue? …

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check activation lock status

How To Check Activation Lock Status Of Your Device For Free

The iCloud Activation Lock status tells you if a device has Apple’s security system enabled on it. This is important when buying or selling a secondhand iOS device as the security system will stop you from setting up or using it. The security system is called the iCloud Activation Lock. It is controlled from the …

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remove apple watch activation lock

How To Remove Activation Lock From Apple Watch

Apple has built a number of tools, such as the Activation Lock, to dissuade thieves from stealing your Apple Watch. These software tools keep your Watch and the data on it safe. Unfortunately, these tools can be too secure and prevent innocent buyers of used Apple products from setting up their gadgets properly. So how …

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apple id password recovery

How To Reset A Forgotten Apple ID Or iCloud Password (9 Easy Methods)

Being able to reset your Apple ID password is crucial for making sure you have complete control over all your iCloud account, Apple products, and your data. If you forget your Apple ID or password you will no longer be able to sign in or sign out of iCloud on any Apple device you own. …

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What is iCloud?

What Is iCloud And How To Use It (A Handy Guide)

In this in-depth guide, you will find out: This easy-to-read article is broken down into bite-sized sections packed with useful information. It’s written by an Apple Certified Independent Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience. So if you want to find out more about how the iCloud service works on Apple devices you have …

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is iCloud safe?

Is iCloud Safe? All You Need To Know About iCloud Security

Like all computing environments iCloud has its flaws, but it is regarded as highly secure making it very safe to use. iCloud is secured with 2-step verification and an Apple ID so secure even Apple claims it can’t hack it. However, there have been leaks of personal information taken from iCloud that was claimed to …

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how to sign in to iCloud

How To Sign In To iCloud

Over the last decade, I have been asked about Apple’s iCloud and iCloud+ online storage service numerous times. Even now many people are confused about the basics of iCloud, such as how to sign in. This article will provide some simple tools to help you to login and to logout of iCloud. Specifically, this guide …

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setup guide

iCloud Setup Guide: How to Activate And Use It On All Your Apple Devices

iCloud is a completely free software tool that is pre-installed on all Apple devices – from Mac computers through to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. There are a number of things iCloud allows you to do such as backup your device’s data and secure it if lost or stolen. Best of all it does these …

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