How to Set Up iPhone Without Apple ID Easily

To activate your iPhone and begin utilizing its various features and data, you'll need to provide the device's Apple ID and password. Your Apple ID is also essential for accessing other features such as Find My iPhone and iCloud Backups.

However, you may encounter a situation where you've purchased a second-hand iPhone that is still linked to the previous owner's Apple ID. In such cases, activating the iPhone can prove challenging.

Nevertheless, the following steps outline essential measures you can take to set up the iPhone without the Apple ID, if it is a second-hand iPhone, your iPhone, or a new iPhone.

If Your iPhone is Linked to Another Apple ID

If the iPhone you are attempting to activate is associated with another Apple ID that you don't know, your best course of action includes the following:

Option 1. Ask Previous Owner for Help

If you can contact the previous owner of the device, you can ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID using iCloud.

They can do this either physically on the device, or if they are not nearby, you can guide them through the process remotely using the following steps:

Step 1: Go to iCloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID and password associated with the device you want to unlock.

Step 2: Click on "Find My" from menu.

Step 3: Select the iPhone from the list by clicking "All Devices."

Step 4: Then, click on "Erase iPhone."

Step 5: After the iPhone is erased, click on "Remove from Account."

Once the device is removed from their iCloud account, you should no longer see the iCloud Activation Lock screen on your iPhone.

Option 2. Use iCloud Activation Lock Removal Tool

If you've bought a second-hand iPhone and can't reach the previous owner, Unlockit iCloud offers a solution to bypass the Activation Lock screen and activate your iPhone, even without the associated Apple ID and password.

Here are its key features:

• Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone 5S to iPhone X running iOS 12 to 16, even without the Apple ID or password.
• Once unlocked, the old Apple ID can't track or erase the device.
• It's user-friendly, requiring no technical expertise.

To set up your iPhone without an Apple ID using Unlockit iCloud, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and install Unlockit iCloud on your macOS computer, then launch the program.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer, and then click "Start."

Step 3: Next, initiate the jailbreaking process by clicking on "Jailbreak." Then, follow the instructions to put your device into DFU mode to begin the jailbreaking process.

Step 4: When the jailbreak process is successful, click "Start to Remove" to start unlocking the device.

In a few minutes, Unlockit iCloud will remove iCloud Activation Lock, allowing you to activate and use the device.

Option 3. Bypass Activation Lock Screen via DNS

Another way to activate your device without an Apple ID is by using the DNS bypass method. However, this method only works for devices running iOS 8 to iOS 10 and provides access to limited features.

Please note that this is a temporary solution, as the activation screen may reappear at times. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Set up your device as new, selecting your country and language.

Step 2: On the Wi-Fi screen, tap on the "i" icon next to the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.

Step 3: Select "Configure DNS" and then select "Manual" at the top of the screen. Enter one of the following DNS servers depending on your region:

• North America – 104.154.51.7
• Australia and Oceania – 35.189.47.23
• Europe – 104.155.28.90
• Asia – 104.155.220.58
• South America – 35.199.88.219
• Other Regions – 78.100.17.60

Step 4: Next, go back to the WiFi Settings page, choose your preferred network, and connect.

Step 5: Instead of clicking the Next Page button, tap "Back" to access the iCloud Bypass screen.

If It's Your Own iPhone

If the iPhone you are trying to activate belongs to you, the first step is to locate your Apple ID email address. You can attempt to find it yourself initially. If unsuccessful, you can reach out to Apple support for assistance.

Look Up Your Apple ID

If you forget the email address associated with your Apple ID or are uncertain about it, you can look it up or check if you're signed in to an app or service. Try signing in with the email address or phone number you frequently use for Apple services.

If you're signed in on your device, you can find these email addresses and phone numbers in Settings or System Settings. Alternatively, you can visit iCloud.com or appleid.apple.com and see if your Apple ID is prepopulated on the sign-in screen.

Your Apple ID may also be included in some emails from Apple. Therefore, try searching for receipts and emails related to repairs, support, or billing from Apple in your inbox as well.

Contact Apple Support

If you've exhausted all other options without success, you can turn to Apple for assistance in removing an Apple ID from the device by visiting this link. However, Apple will only be able to help you if you can provide proof of ownership for the device.

This can be in the form of a purchase receipt. Additionally, they may request further information to verify your ownership of the device before they can assist you in activating it.

If It's a New iPhone

If you've just bought a new iPhone, setting it up without an Apple ID is straightforward. While it's usually recommended to set up a new iPhone with an Apple ID, Apple offers the option to complete the setup process without one.

Here's how to activate a new device without an Apple ID:

Step 1: Turn on the device for the first time. You will see the setup screen. Choose your region and preferred language.

Step 2: Tap 'Set up Manually' and connect to a Wi-Fi network. You can skip this step and use data if you have a SIM card plan.

Step 3: Set up the screen lock security you will be using. It can be Face ID, Touch ID, passcode, or PIN. You can also skip this step by tapping 'Set up Later.'

Step 4: When asked to restore your data, choose 'Set up as New Phone' unless you have data from an old device.

Step 5: You will then be prompted to sign in with an Apple ID. If you don't want to use an Apple ID to activate the device, click 'Forgot Password or Don't Have an Apple ID?'

Step 6: Tap 'Set up Later in Settings' to finish setting up the iPhone without an Apple ID.

Wrap Up

An Apple ID is an essential component of any iOS device, as it allows you to effectively protect the data and the device itself. However, not knowing the Apple ID doesn't mean you should be locked out of your device.

Depending on your situation, you can utilize one of the solutions mentioned above to activate the device, even if you don't know or have an Apple ID. If you find yourself in a situation where you don't know the Apple ID associated with a second-hand device and are unable to contact the previous owner, your best option is Unlockit iCloud.