Getting an iPhone is an exciting experience for many, but not everyone has the means to buy a new one. However, in such a case, opting for a pre-owned one is one of the most budget-friendly things you can do! When I was saving up for my iPhone 11 Pro Max, I found a great deal to buy a pre-loved one at a great price!
Without hesitation, I totally went for it, only to realize I couldn't get past the Activation Lock screen and set it up! If you're in a bind because of the same reason, this guide will show you how to bypass the iCloud Activation lock for FREE!
Before we get into solutions, let's check out what an activation lock really is and why you're having this issue in the first place. An iCloud activation lock was introduced in iOS 7 to prevent stolen phones from being used.
What it does is it links the phone to the owner's Apple ID and requires you to sign in when setting up your device. So, if you got your phone from the previous owner and can't activate your iCloud, this is probably why.
Sometimes, things are less complicated than they seem. I remember freaking out about my locked iCloud too, but you can rest assured that there's no need to panic. The first thing that you need to do is ask the previous owner if they could kindly turn off iCloud activation lock. Once they do, activation should be a piece of cake!
Note: Remember, you don't need to physically give your device to the previous owner to unlock it. They can do it remotely without any hassle:
Step 1: Ask the previous owner to go to https://www.icloud.com/ and log into the account with their Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Choose Find My from the menu.
Step 3: Then, click All Devices and a device list will show. They will need to scroll down and choose the target device.
Step 4: After that, click Erase iPhone from next screen.
Step 5: Once the device is erased, don't forget to click "Remove from Account" and then click "Remove" to confirm the action.
Once it is done, your device should be completely removed from the previous owner's account and you should be able to set up the device without the Activation Lock screen interfering with the process.
I'm sure if you could've contacted the seller and asked them for help, you would have. Sometimes sellers don't give their contact information or are just not cooperative. Trust me; I know what it's like to ask someone to unlock the activation lock only to have them accuse you of trying to steal their information.
However, if you can't get it done via the seller, just head on over to Apple Support or visit this page and ask them to unlock the iCloud activation lock.
Simply present them with proof of the purchase of your phone and ensure that it wasn't reported as stolen. In many cases, Apple Support can fix the problem in an more effectively than anyone else you can count on!
Another popular method for iPhone users is to try the iCloud DNS bypass trick . It involves changing the DNS settings on your iPhone to redirect the activation server, allowing you to bypass the iCloud activation lock. Here's how to successfully get it done:
USA: 104.154.51.7
Europe: 104.155.28.90
Asia: 104.155.220.58
Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23
South America: 35.199.88.219
Other regions: 78.100.17.60
There are always flaws or limitations with free approaches. You may not be able to contact the previous owner, or ask Apple for help because you are the second-hand buyer.
If you're someone who's not tech savvy, I can guarantee the DNS bypass method must have made your head spin.
Or you have tried so many other free iCloud bypass tools , but they didn't work. As tempting as it may be to use those sketchy free websites, you might want to consider a paid service instead.
Well, there's no need to worry because Unlockit iCloud Remover streamlines the process and makes it so much easier to bypass Activation Lock and locked to owner on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
What's more, this application works well with the iPhone 5s through the iPhone X, a wide range of iPad models, the iPod touch 6 and 7 running from iOS 12.0 to 16.
This bypass tool has a high success rate and could remove the iCloud lock in just 30 minutes.
Let's take a look at how it works:
Step 1. Get Unlockit iCloud Remover for your computer and install the tool.
Step 2. Run the program and use the connecting cord to plug in your iPhone and make sure the system recognizes the device. Then click the Start button.
Step 3. Then follow the guideline to put your device in DFU mode and jailbreak your device.
Step 4. After that, Unlockit will start to remove the lock.
Within an instant, you have access to your iCloud, and the previous owner's settings are erased. If you take my word for it, this is the most hassle-free way to get the job done. Not only does it save time and effort, but it's highly effective tool.
To conclude, having an iPhone with an enabled iCloud activation lock can be very frustrating, but it isn't something that can't be fixed. Depending on what's easier for you, there are still some free ways you can unlock your iCloud. Personally, I'd suggest contacting Apple Support, but the rest of these methods are sure to work too. So don't lose hope, and good luck bypassing the iCloud activation lock!
Mako is a technical writer with a passion for all things tech. Whether you're wondering about how to fix your iPhone or Android device or trying to get something to work in your settings, Mako is your go-to for professional help. He loves writing, testing solutions, and most of all, making sure his research is factually accurate.