The iCloud Activation Lock is a security feature designed by Apple to prevent unauthorized access to your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen. While it protects your device, the lock can become a barrier if you purchase a used iPhone or forget your Apple ID credentials. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to bypass the iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone, including free methods.
Part 1: What is Activation Lock on iPhone?
Activation Lock is a security feature linked to your Apple ID and the Find My function. When Find My is enabled on your device, Activation Lock is activated automatically. Its main purpose is to prevent unauthorized reconfiguration of the device. If someone attempts to access your iPhone by restoring it to factory settings, the system will require the Apple ID credentials or unlock code associated with the device. Without these information, the device cannot be used.
Part 2: How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPhone without Previous Owner
If you can’t retrieve your Apple ID credentials, or can’t contact the previous owner, you may still be able to bypass the activation lock on your iPhone without a passcode. We’ve listed two of the most popular and simple methods below.
Option 1: Bypass iPhone Activation Lock with iBypass Genius
Developed by the iSunshare team, iBypass Genius is one of the most effective tools available on the market for bypassing the activation lock, which is easy to use and has a high success rate. The software is ideal for unlocking the activation lock on your iPhone for users who don’t have the help of the previous owner or Apple ID information.
Here is the detailed procedure on how to use iSunshare iBypass Genius to bypass iCloud activation lock on your iPhone without previous owner.
Step 1: First of all, download and install iSunshare iBypass Genius on your computer. After the installation is complete, launch the software and select the “Bypass ID” option.
Step 2: Carefully read the warning message and user agreement. If you agree to the terms, click the “Start” button to proceed.
Step 3: The software will guide you to put your iPhone in DFU mode and create a FakeFS (uncheck this option if the activation lock reappears after the device reboots).
Step 4: Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, the software will automatically initiate the jailbreaking process and remove the Activation Lock without an Apple ID and password.
After the activation lock is successfully removed, you are free to set up your iPhone.
Option 2: Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone with DNS
For iPhones running older versions of OS, you can try to bypass Activation Lock by modifying the DNS settings without relying on a third-party tool. However, this method doesn’t work on all devices; it only temporarily bypasses the Activation Lock screen, and some of the device’s features will be limited. Therefore, this is not a true unlock, but only a temporary solution.
Step 1: Restart your iPhone and when prompted to select a WiFi network, tap the “i” button next to the name of your network to enter WiFi settings.
Step 2: Locate the “DNS” section and manually enter the appropriate DNS address for your region:
North America: 104.154.51.7
South America: 35.199.88.219
Europe: 104.155.28.90
Asia: 104.155.220.58
Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23
Rest of the World: 78.109.17.60
Step 3: Tap the “Back” button to return to the WiFi network list. Enter the network password and connect. If successful, you will temporarily bypass the iCloud Activation Lock screen and unlock your iPhone.
Part 3: Free Methods to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone
Stuck with an iCloud activation lock? Here are some free methods to remove it from your iPhone—whether you remember your Apple ID password or not.
Tip: If you’ve simply forgotten your Apple ID password or your account is disabled, you can first try unlocking your Apple ID at iforgot.apple.com.
Method 1: Remove iPhone Activation Lock with Unlock Passcode
If you can’t provide Apple ID details but still remember the unlock code for your device, removing the Activation Lock on your iPhone becomes straightforward. This is the simplest official method to regain access to your device without needing an Apple ID or extra tools.
Step 1: On the iPhone Activation Lock screen, select “Unlock with Passcode” and then choose “Use Device Passcode“.
Step 2: Enter the correct passcode you previously used to unlock your device, and the system will verify it.
Step 3: After successful verification, you can proceed to set up your iPhone as usual.
Method 2: Remove Activation Lock on iPhone with iCloud
If you purchased a used iPhone that was locked to the previous owner’s Apple ID, don’t worry. You can ask the previous owner to remotely remove the Activation Lock via iCloud. Once the device is removed from their iCloud account, the iPhone’s functionality will be fully restored.
Step 1: Open a browser and visit Apple’s official iCloud website at www.icloud.com/find. Sign in using the Apple ID and password associated with the locked iPhone.
Step 2: Locate and select the locked iPhone from the list of devices, then click “Remove This Device” and confirm the action.
Step 3: Wait a few moments for iCloud to unlink the iPhone from the Apple ID. This will disable the Activation Lock, and allow you full access to the device.
Method 3: Contact Apple Support to Remove iPhone Activation Lock
When the activation lock can’t be removed via passcode or iCloud, contacting Apple Support is a reliable option. Apple’s team can help unlock your device if you provide valid proof of purchase and necessary details.
Step 1: Gather essential documents and information, including the device’s serial number, proof of purchase (e.g., invoice), and the original box if available.
Step 2: Reach out to Apple Customer Service through the official Apple website or the Apple Support app. Explain your issue, and they will guide you through the authentication process.
Step 3: Answer questions about your iPhone as instructed, and wait for Apple to review and verify the information. If all the details are accurate, Apple will unlock your device and remove the Activation Lock.
Conclusion
The Activation Lock is a robust security feature, but it can be challenging to bypass if you lack the required Apple ID credentials. Fortunately, solutions like DNS bypass or official methods via Apple support can help in certain cases. For a more reliable and permanent solution, consider using trusted tools like iSunshare iBypass Genius. Hopefully, with these methods, you’ll be able to get back to using your iPhone and enjoying its capabilities to the fullest.