PurposeThis study describes the applicability of the a priori estimate method on a nonlocal nonlinear fractional differential equation for which the weak solution's existence and uniqueness are proved. The authors divide the proof into two sections for the linear associated problem; the authors derive the a priori bound and demonstrate the operator range density that is generated. The authors solve the nonlinear problem by introducing an iterative process depending on the preceding results.Design/methodology/approachThe functional analysis method is the a priori estimate method or energy inequality method.FindingsThe results show the efficiency of a priori estimate method in the case of time-fractional order differential equations with nonlocal conditions. Our results also illustrate the existence and uniqueness of the continuous dependence of solutions on fractional order differential equations with nonlocal conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ work can be considered a contribution to the development of the functional analysis method that is used to prove well-positioned problems with fractional order.Originality/valueThe authors confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.