In a rather surprising move, Apple has removed theiCloud Activation Lock status checker tool from its iCloud.com website.

Apple Takes Down its Online iCloud Activation Lock Status Checker Tool Without Any Explanation

Buying a usediPhone or iPad online can be a risky thing to do. There have beeninstances where users were scammed into buying stolen devices, and those devices were completely uselessthanks to Apple's iCloud Activation Lock put in place.

Thankfully though, Apple had an online tool to check the Activation Lock status, and nothing more than the device's IMEI or serial number was required to know it all. But oddly enough, Apple has taken down its tool completely, with its trace nowhere to be found on iCloud.com.

If you visit the site right now, you'll come face to face with the following message:

Apple has not commented on why it took down the tool. But we are certain we will hear a word or two from the Cupertino giant in the days to come regarding it.

With the tool no longer available, it's highly recommended that everyone shouldexercise caution while buying a used Apple iOS device online. It's not worth buying a device blindly, until or unless the seller is a close friend of yours or a family member. In that case, it's easy to take down the iCloud Activation Lock with a simple case of entering the associated Apple ID password.

By default, iCloud Activation Lock is enabled on every iPhone, iPad, iPod touch out there as soon as you sign in with your Apple ID. This is a very handy little safety measure put in place by Apple which everyone should resort to in case your device gets stolen or lost. But, if you are selling your device, make sure you disable Find My iPhone (Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone) or remove your device from iCloud using the Find My iPhone app on your device or the Web.

We will keep our readers updated if there is more news regarding the removal of iCloud Activation Lock tool. Till then, make sure you are extremely vigilant while buying an iOS device.