iPhone Activation Lock Removal

iPhone Activation Lock Removal 2024

When you set up an iPhone, it links directly to your iCloud account for privacy and security reasons. The iCloud’s security feature known as activation lock makes it harder for others to use your device. No one can set your iPhone up without getting past the activation lock first.

But there are scenarios when this lock can be a problem for regular people. We faced this issue as we bought second-hand iPhones without knowing they were locked. With every new iPhone release, many older models flood the used market. So, we bought a few models like iPhone 12 and even iPhone 14 but we were unable to access our new phones. 

So, we found some successful ways to bypass the activation locks on iPhones and iPads. If you’re also stuck and unable to access your new phone, check out these 3 best safe iPhone activation lock removal methods. 

Bypass Activation Lock on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, and MAC)

There can be many ethical factors anyone might want to remove the iCloud activation lock. Bought a second-hand iPhone that’s iCloud-locked? Don’t know the previous owner’s Apple ID or password? Don’t remember the password after resetting your iPad? Or maybe the iPhone’s activation lock is enabled with an Apple ID you don’t recognize. 

No matter how you end up needing iPhone or iPad activation lock removal, this guide can help you out. We have made a list of free and paid online services that successfully help remove the iCloud Activation Lock. With these, you can bypass the iCloud lock and get into your iPhone, iPad, or any iOS device. None of these methods require an Apple ID or password!

What Even Is This “Activation Lock” and How to Disable It?

Activation Lock is a part of the “Find My” built-in security feature on iPhones and iPads. It keeps iOS devices safe in case they get lost or stolen. It turns on automatically when “Find My” is enabled on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you wipe data off your device, the Activation Lock will still remain in place to secure it. 

So, if you’re selling your iOS device, just resetting the device isn’t enough. You need to make sure the device is no longer connected to Apple ID. Or else the new owner will be stuck with the Activation Lock screen and won’t be able to use it. The buyer would need your Apple ID or passcode to reactivate it. Save them the work by disabling it before you sell. Here’s how you can remove Activation Lock on iOS device:

  1. Go to www.iCloud.com/find.
  2. Enter your Apple ID.
  3. You’ll get the “Remove this device” option in the “Find My” section.
  4. Click on your locked iPhone or iPad and the activation lock will be removed.

But if you’re a buyer who has a locked iPhone or iPad, follow any of the 3 given methods! 

 Bypass iCloud Activation With IMEI

iOS devices have a 15-digit code called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). It helps to tell it apart from other iOS devices and phones. You need this code when you’re trying to unlock the “Activation Lock”. Where is it? Check on your device’s SIM tray to write down the IMEI. It’s also written on the box of the iPhone and iPad.

With the IMEI number, here’s what you need to do next,

  1. Download and open the iFinder app on your computer.
  2. Make an account and log in with your user ID and password.
  3. Select “Unlock iCloud,” then enter your IMEI code, serial number, iPhone model, and OS version. 
  4. Hit “Start.”
  5. Click “Unlock Now” and wait about five minutes.
  6. iFinder will generate an Apple ID and password to unlock the device.

Using DNS Bypass

This method can remove the activation lock in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

  1. Turn on your iPhone and you’ll see the “Activation lock” screen. 
  2. Pick your language and country from the setup menu.
  3. Tap “Continue” to reach the Wi-Fi settings page. Next to the Wi-Fi tab, click the “i” in a circle option.
  4. Enter a DNS server address that matches your location:
  • 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

5. Return to the previous screen, turn on Wi-Fi, and choose your network. Enter your password.
6. Don’t tap “Next” yet. Instead, go back to the iCloud Bypass screen.
7.Scroll down to the Menu and set up your apps and other features.

Note! This method is effective for iPhones and iPads operating on iOS versions 8 to 10 in some locations.

With iPhone Password Unlocker (Free and Paid Methods)

If none of the above methods work, it’s time to use third-party apps. Here are three top iPhone Activation Lock removal tools available online. Some of these software are free to access. Others need to be bought for a month, year, or lifetime. But all bypass the activation lock on iPads and iPhones.

1. AnyUnlock 

One of the best tools that can help with iCloud lock bypass is AnyUnlock. It’s a top app that has helped us bypass several types of locks like iCloud Activation Lock, Apple ID, and Screen Time passcodes. You can download AnyUnlock for free but some features require payment. It supports all Apple devices and models. Here’s how you can use it: 
Download and install AnyUnlock on your Mac or Windows PC.
Connect your Apple device to your computer.
Open AnyLock and go to the “Bypass iCloud Activation Lock” option.
Click “Start Now,” and the tool will begin bypassing it.
Once done, the previous owner’s Apple ID will be removed, and you can use your iPhone without any restrictions. 
Note! Your device will be jailbroken during this process. Avoid resetting, updating, or flashing the firmware afterward, as the lock may reappear. Get a paid active AnyUnlock plan, so you can unlock it again if needed.

2. EaseUS MobiUnlock

EaseUS MobiUnlock is a tool used for getting back into your iPhone if you find yourself unable to log in due to the iCloud Activation Lock. It’s not free, but you get a money-back guarantee. It’s available for all iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Here’s how to use this:
Run the EaseUS MobiUnlock software on your PC. You’ll need to buy it for $29.95.
Connect the iPhone or iPad that is locked to the computer.
Open the EaseUS MobiUnlock software and go to “Bypass Activation Lock” to accept the terms of use.
The software will give you onscreen instructions on what you have to do for jailbreaking. If your device runs on iOS 15 to 16.4, the process will be automatic.
After jailbreaking, click “Bypass Now” and your iCloud Activation Lock will be removed in a few minutes.

3. 4MeKey

The last tool on the list is 4MeKey. We removed the iCloud activation lock from various models from 5S to X and iOS versions 12 to 16 with this. You can download it for free, but to use all its features, there’s a monthly fee of $35.95. We recommend this as it works and is easy to use! See how to bypass iCloud lock with 4MeKey:
Download 4MeKey software on your computer and install it for free.
Plug in a USB cable to attach your device with the “Activation Lock” screen to a computer. 
Open the program and just do the steps on the screen to get into the device. 
After jailbreaking, 4MeKey will take off the iCloud activation lock. 
Once the lock is gone, you can set up your device as new or log in with a new Apple ID for the App Store and iTunes.
Note! After using 4MeKey, you won’t be able to use your SIM card for calls, texts, or cellular data. Also, if you reset the device, the “Activation Lock” will reappear. We recommend buying the software for a lifetime as it’s only $49.95. 

Final words

We get that anybody can get stuck with an iPhone with Activation Lock just like we did. So, we shared this guide that helped us bypass the activation lock on old models like the iPhone 12 and the newest ones like the iPhone 14. We hope you got to regain access to your iPhone IMEI number, a DNS Bypass, or a reliable third-party app. Just safely use the methods given above, and you’ll be using your device soon. Pick the method that suits you best!

FAQS

How many incorrect passcode attempts will lock an iPhone?

After 10 failed passcode attempts, the iPhone will lock itself for security.

Can the activation lock on an iPhone be removed?

Yes, you can remove the activation lock. You can do this remotely through iCloud or by using a computer with the above methods.

Is there a fee to remove an iPhone’s activation lock?

No, Apple doesn’t charge a fee to remove the activation lock. But if you can’t prove that you’ve purchased the device, you need to use paid tools.