If you buy a used Apple product and it asks for the previous owner’s iCloud account details when you try to use it, your device is activation locked. Show
You need to bypass Activation Lock on the device before you can use it. The obvious solution is to ask the previous owner to supply their Apple account details so you can get rid of the Activation Lock. But how are you meant to unlock your device if you can’t get hold of the previous owner? Or if the previous owner refuses to help? Or if they won’t give you the Apple ID and password to bypass Activation Lock? Luckily, there are a few options that may allow you to remove the iCloud Activation Lock prompt from an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac Computer, or Apple Watch – even without the help of the previous owner. These include fixes, techniques, services, and tools advertised online. Read on to find out all the methods that can help bypass iCloud Activation Lock on your device (including the ones Apple doesn’t want you to know about). For a copy of this guide you can print and keep, download the PDF file. No signup is required. You don’t even need to provide your email address.
Quick tips to unlock iCloud: Key takeawaysYou can bypass iCloud Activation Lock instantly if you know the previous owners’ Apple ID, or by using a software tool. Or within 24-hour by using a service. Here is a quick summary if you’d like to know how to switch it off – if you need a bit more help, you can read our full guide below:
You can bypass iCloud Activation Lock instantly if you know the previous owners’ Apple ID, or by using a software tool. Or within 24-hour by using a service. Be aware that if you erase the iPadOS or iOS device it will not remove Activation Lock. It will remain activated until it is turned off properly. The iCloud Activation Lock has been added to the latest Mac computers making this issue even more widespread. What causes this problem?The iCloud Activation Lock screen is a security feature that prevents anyone but the owner from accessing, using, erasing, or resetting an Apple device. If someone tries to wipe and reset a device they found or stole, the gadget will request the Apple ID password of the owner. Without the owners’ iCloud account password, the device will not be activated and will be unusable. Unfortunately, some owners forget to disable the iCloud Activation Lock before selling their used device preventing the new owner from being able to configure them. This is still the case with iOS 14 and 15. iCloud Activation Lock removal instructionsTo bypass iCloud Activation Lock, follow these steps:
After researching over 30 top-rated iCloud unlockers online and negating the poorly rated ones (the ones that have a 1 star or less rating on review sites), we purchased the top 10 services and tools and tried them out for ourselves. We then spent over 30 hours testing each service, or tool even going as far as to employ the help of members of the iChimp community to get opinions directly from the target market. During the tests, we measured customer service, speed, reliability, cost, and the ability of each unlocker to actually get rid of the iCloud Activation Lock. To find out more, see Top tools to bypass iCloud. After the process was completed, we crowned a winning service and winning software tool. Both offer the best balance of features for the price. Option 1: Use a serviceAppleiPhoneUnlock is a perfect service if you want to bypass Activation Lock easily on your iOS device. During our tests, it worked for every Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple Watch we sent them. Based on price, support, and reliability, they are the best service we tested that can remove Activation Lock. Summary box: AppleiPhoneUnlockAppleiPhoneUnlock is an unlocking service that can get any iCloud locked device working without previous owner involvement.
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Who it’s best for: A service is best for people who want to bypass iCloud Activation Lock from iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch without any involvement beyond asking for it to be done. In common with every service we tried, the payment is broken down into 2 parts. You are asked to pay a deposit, followed by a finalization fee. This is the worst aspect of the service as it can give the impression that the service is cheaper than it really is. Some buyers reported feeling blackmailed as they didn’t realize there would be a second payment. This is why I specifically mention the odd payment structure. Customer video reviewsGet rid of the lock using AppleiPhoneUnlockTo bypass Activation Lock using AppleiPhoneUnlock, use the following unlock process:
Option 2: Use an iCloud bypass toolWho it’s best for: A software tool is suited to competent computer users that don’t mind trying to bypass iCloud activation themselves. If you are not tech-savvy avoid this option and use a service instead. Summary box: iBypasseriBypasser is a software tool that can remove Activation Lock without previous owner helping.
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The verdict: iBypasser is a perfect software tool for computer enthusiasts that are happy to bypass Activation Lock themselves. You can start removing the iCloud account as soon as you download the software. A free trial makes it a good way to try before you buy. Get rid of the Activation Lock using iBypasserTo bypass iCloud Activation Lock using iBypasser, use the following unlock process:
If all else fails try an iCloud unlock bypass using DNSIf you would like to know how to bypass Activation Lock using DNS, there is a very clever hack that allows you to do so. It gets around the security on your iOS device when it is locked to someone else’s Apple ID password. It works by setting up your device to use a DNS server that doesn’t use the inbuilt iOS security system. You don’t need a SIM card inserted to get the iCloud Activation Lock bypass to work as it uses Wi-Fi settings to connect. It is a little fiddly but this hack isn’t that difficult to do. It does have its limitations tho. For example, you can’t make conventional phone calls. On the plus side, it is a free solution. Video instructions for bypassingiCloud unlock bypass DNS method: step-by-step instructions
How to get rid of Activation Lock without an Apple IDIf you don’t know the Apple ID or password of the account that has iCloud locked your iOS device, you can’t enter it when prompted. This means you can’t switch off Find My and disable the Activation Lock easily. There are a few things you can try to bypass iCloud Activation Lock if you don’t know the Apple ID, such as:
To find out more, see how to bypass Activation Lock without the Apple ID. How to remove Activation Lock without previous ownerIf the previous owner of your Apple device can’t, or won’t, help then turning off Find My so you can get rid of the iCloud Activation Lock is difficult. It is unlikely you’ll be able to find out Apple ID without the last owner telling you. Even so, there are still a couple of things you can try:
For more information, see how to remove the Activation Lock without the previous owner. How to unlock iCloud for freeDisabling the iCloud Activation Lock for free is possible by entering the Apple ID and password on the iOS device when prompted. For example, to turn off iPhone iCloud Activation Lock for free, use the following unlock process:
If you don’t know the Apple account details, you can Reset your Apple ID. For more free methods to get rid of the iCloud Activation Lock, see how to unlock iCloud for free. iPhone Activation Lock bypass for every iPhone modelTo unlock iPhone Activation Lock you need to do slightly different things than on other Apple devices. In short, a different technique is needed to Remove the iCloud Lock on an iPhone. In fact, to bypass Activation Lock you need specific instructions for each model of iPhone. For this reason, we have produced specific iCloud bypass instructions for each model. iPhone 14The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro ranges were unique as they included a redesigned notch, improved battery life, an upgraded A16 Bionic chip, a larger display, and new Face ID hardware. This is why we built a specific guide on how to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro models reliably. iPhone 13The Apple Activation Lock on iPhone 13 models is handled via Find My. With a smaller notch, improved battery life, an upgraded A15 Bionic chip, better photo handling, and larger camera arrays the iPhone 13 series is different from its predecessor. This is why we created a guide to show you how to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max models. iPhone 12With 5G support, an upgraded A14 Bionic chip, better photo handling, and increased storage capacity the iPhone 12 range are unique. So we created an article to explain how to bypass Activation Lockon iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models. iPhone 11Substantial design changes within the phone, including the addition of the more powerful Apple A13 Bionic chip as well as an ultra-wide dual-camera system, make the iPhone 11 different from other series. This is why we built a guide on how to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max iOS device models reliably. iPhone XSThe Activation Lock on iPhone XS came with a 30% improvement in Face ID speed, and an all-new A12 Bionic chip the XS series is different from the model it replaced. This means we created a guide explaining how to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max models. iPhone XRThe iPhone XR features the same processor as the XS and XS Max, the Apple A12 Bionic chip but instead of the OLED screen on the XS, the XR has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit LCD IPS panel which makes it unique. This is why we wrote a specific guide to bypass iCloud on iPhone XR phones. iPhone XOn iPhone X, the home button’s fingerprint sensor was replaced with Face ID, which used sensors to scan the user’s face to unlock the iOS device. With a bezel-less design, iPhone user interaction changed significantly, using gestures to navigate the operating system rather than the home button used in all previous iPhones. This is why a guide explaining iPhone X iCloud Activation Lock removal was created. iPhone SEThe Apple Activation Lock on iPhone SE came with the A15 Bionic chip. But the Apple device has a lower-quality LCD retina display. Security is handled slightly differently as there is no Face ID and it has a physical home button. This is why we created a guide to show your how to bypass the iPhone SE Activation Lock on this iOS device. iPhone 8With the addition of inductive charging, a faster processor, and improved cameras and displays the iPhone 13 series is different from its predecessor. This is why we created a guide for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus iCloud Activation Lock removal. iPhone 7The iPhone 7 had improved water and dust resistance, a new capacitive, static home button, revised antenna bands, and the controversial removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. This is why we created a guide on how to bypass Activation Lock On iPhone 7. iPhone 6With updated hardware, including a strengthened 7000 series aluminium alloy chassis and upgraded Apple A9 system-on-chip, a new 12-megapixel rear camera that can record up to 4K video at 30fps the iPhone 6 was unique in the iOS device range. So we wrote a guide specifically explaining how to bypass Activation Lock on the iPhone 6. iPhone 5The iPhone 5 was upgraded with a taller screen, the Apple A6 system-on-chip, LTE support, and the lightning connector that replaced the 30-pin design making it different from all other models. As a result, we created a unique guide explaining how to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on the iPhone 5 range of smartphones. iPhone 4The iPhone 4 introduced Apple’s new high-resolution Retina Display, while maintaining the same physical size and aspect ratio as its precursors, Apple’s A4 system-on-chip, along with Apple’s new FaceTime video chat service. It was the first iPhone to include a front-facing camera. These unique features are why we created a guide explaining iPhone 4 iCloud Activation Lock Bypass techniques for this iOS device. Although the iPad uses a different operating system, iPadOS, it can be iCloud locked using Find My in the same way as an iPhone. Each iPad range is unique, with the Pro series offering laptop-like functionality and the mini being like an oversized phone. This means that specific instructions are required to bypass iCloud Activation lock on each unique tablet. iPadThe ninth generation of iPad uses an Apple A13 Bionic chip, which has a 20% faster CPU and GPU and an embedded, artificial intelligence–immersed Neural Engine. Its Retina Display features True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the iPhone screen color temperature according to the ambient lighting. This is why we created an iPad Activation Lock removal guide. iPad miniThe iPad mini is a subset of the iPad range with screen sizes of 7.9 or 8.3 inches. The iPad Mini 6 includes USB-C, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. Due to these unique features, we wrote a guide that explains how to bypass Activation Lock on the iPad mini. iPad AirThe iPad Air is a lighter and thinner device originally created as a replacement for the iPad 4. It has now become a subset of the iPad lineup in its own right with the latest versions boasting the M1 SoC chip used in the iPad Pro (5th generation). As a result, we created a unique guide explaining how to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on the iPad Air range of devices. iPad ProThe iPad Pro was marketed as a PC replacement boasting a desktop-class SoC Apple silicon M1 chip, USB compatibility, and a Liquid Retina display. It is a uniquely powerful device with very specific features so we created a guide showing how to bypass the iPad Pro Activation Lock. Removing iCloud Activation Lock from Apple WatchApple Watch is a line of smartwatches that incorporates fitness tracking, health-oriented capabilities, and wireless telecommunication, and integrates with iPhone and other Apple products and services. Apple Watch, like other Apple devices, can use Find My, and the Activation Lock. But due to the unique nature of the iWatch the technique to bypass iCloud Activation Lock is slightly different. Due to this we produced a unique guide explaining how to remove the Activation Lock from Apple Watch. Mac Activation Lock bypassWith the advent of the T2 security chip and Apple Silicon, the iCloud Activation Lock was introduced to Mac computers. Older Macs that were designed around Intel chips can be located using Find My Mac, but can’t be iCloud locked. These differences mean that specific instructions for dealing with the iCloud Activation Lock are required for each model of Mac. Mac MiniThe 4th generation of Mac mini released in 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020 can both be iCloud Locked. To find out how to get rid of the lock, see bypass Activation Lock on Mac Mini. iMacThe 2021 iMac, the 5K iMac, and the short-lived iMac Pro can all be Activation Locked. To find out how to get around the iCloud lock, see how to bypass iMac Activation Lock. MacBook AirThe 3rd generation MacBook Air computers with the Apple T2 Security Chip and Apple silicon MacBook Air laptops can be iCloud locked with Find My Mac. For more information on removing the Activation Lock, see the MacBook Air Activation Lock bypass guide. MacBook ProThe 4th generation of MacBook Pro released in late 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020 can be Activation locked via Find My Mac. For more information on getting rid of the iCloud lock, see MacBook Pro Activation Lock bypass. Mac StudioThe Mac Studio computers released in 2022 all run on Apple silicon, using either the M1 Max or M1 Ultra processors. This means all Mac Studio computers can be Activation locked via Find My Mac. To find out how to unlock iCloud on the Mac Studio, see the Mac Studio Activation Lock bypass guide. FAQ’sIs there a tool that tells you if a device is locked before you buy it?A tool that tells you if the Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, or any other device is turned on before you buy it would be great. However, the Activation Lock status tool was discontinued by Apple in 2017. You can check the status of the Activation Lock by doing the following:
Is there a hack or hacking tool that can remove Activation Lock?No, none of the tools available work successfully these days. It was claimed that in the iCloud celebrity hack cybercriminal used tools that include MagicApp, Applekit, and Find My iPhone (FMI.php) framework to automate unlocks but this was never proved. It is more likely a phishing scam was used to get the celebrities’ Apple IDs and passwords. So if you want to bypass iCloud lock, a hack is not the answer. Can I use iTunes to disable the iCloud Activation Lock screen?No, you can’t bypass Activation Lock with iTunes and remove the iCloud Activation lock screen. You can unlock a disabled device using iTunes but the Activation Lock is not controlled with it. You need the Apple ID account credentials of the previous owner to remove it. Is it possible to get rid of the Activation Lock screen using the IMEI?Yes, you can bypass Activation Lock using your device’s IMEI as long as you use a trustworthy supplier such as AppleiPhoneUnlock. Will removing the passcode clear the iPhone Activation Lock?The passcode lock allows you to gain access to the smartphone but it won’t switch off the Find My iPhone Activation Lock. You need to unlock Apple ID and password info, so the iCloud account can be turned off. If you want to know more about passcode removal, see How to unlock iPhone without the passcode. If you don’t have the Apple ID password it makes it difficult to turn off Find My as these are required. If you have a used device you can ask the previous owner for help as they should know the credentials required. Wrap upAs long as you use a recommended company you can bypass Activation Lock on your device permanently. If this doesn’t work you can claim. a refund using the money-back guarantee and try an iCloud bypass to get around the Activation Lock instead. It may not be as good but it is still a decent workaround. Affiliate statementIf you click a link to go through to a provider, we may get paid. This only happens if you buy a service. This is what funds us, and keeps us free to use. For a more detailed explanation see our affiliate disclosure. Article SourcesiChimp takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Can you unlock an iPad thats iCloud locked?You can use the device passcode to unlock an iCloud locked iPad if you don't remember the Apple ID password. If you forgot both and are owner of this iPad, you can use EaseUS MobiUnlock's Bypass Activation Lock feature to get into this iPad.
How do I remove iCloud lock from old iPad?How to remove Activation Lock. Go to www.iCloud.com/find.. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.. At the top, click All Devices.. Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.. Click Remove from Account.. Is it possible to unlock an iCloud locked iPhone?One of the easiest ways to unlock an iCloud locked iPhone is to get the original owner to unlock the phone for you. Since the original owner will likely have their iCloud password with them, they will be able to enter the password on the iPhone and get it unlocked.
How do you get past the activation lock on iPad without Apple ID?Method 1.. Remove 4-/6- digit code, Touch ID, or Face ID from iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.. Remove Apple ID and iCloud account from your device.. Bypass iCloud activation lock without hassle.. Unlock Screen Time passcode.. Manage your passwords stored on your iOS device.. |