By Allen Brown
An iCloud activation lock is Apple’s security feature on iPhone and iPad devices that protects them from unauthorized access without your permission. Once the lock is activated, it is almost impossible to use the device without an authorized Apple ID and password. Apple introduced the activation lock as a theft deterrent several years ago. The purpose was that if an iOS and iPadOS device got lost or stolen, the device would not allow a new installation without entering the Apple ID and password that the previous owner used to unlock it.
You can link Apple devices to one iCloud account, which means selling it to someone else, or for a stolen device to be by someone else, the original owner must remove that account altogether. Due to that increased security measure, circumventing this security feature is not always easy.
But there are times when you would need to disable the iCloud activation lock, such as if you have purchased a second-hand device and the seller failed to unlock it for you, or you have forgotten the Apple ID and password. In such a scenario, you may feel a little helpless, but do not worry. There are still some ways to bypass an iCloud activation lock on your Apple device without too much hassle. Let’s jump straight in.
Contact the Previous Owner
Perhaps the easiest way to bypass an activation lock if you bought an Apple device second-hand is by contacting the previous owner as the device is linked to their account. If you turn on your iOS device and the activation lock on the screen, it means that the previous owner did not successfully erase the device before handing it over to you. If the owner cooperates with you, you can bypass the activation lock with ease without having to do much. You can remove the seller’s device from the account remotely. All you have to do is log in with the Apple ID and password at icloud.com/find, and remove or erase their device by clicking on “my devices”. After that, the device will no longer be associated with the previous owner.
If the owner has forgotten their iCloud password, you may reset it at Apple’s website by entering the Apple id and answering some security questions.
Use DNS
You can bypass iCloud and get limited functionality of your iPhone or iPad through the DNS method. Press the home button in the activation window and then select wifi settings. Click on the ‘I’ bonded by a circle next to the wifi name. Now you have to remove the existing DNS server and put a new one in motion. Enter a new DNS server location by typing the relevant IP address, and then tap back on the top.
Finally, click on done, and connect to your wifi network. At this point, press back that will direct you to the iCloud Bypass screen. Scroll down the page to go to the menu, and set up your apps, music, camera, etc.
Ask Apple Support to Remove the Activation Lock
If everything else fails, there is still some light at the end of the tunnel for you, so do not stress out just yet. You may ask Apple to disable the activation lock for your iPhone or iPad. However, you would need to ensure that you have:
A valid proof of purchase, which includes the original receipt with the date, time, serial number, and the purchaser’s name on it
Proof of ownership to demonstrate that the device has legally been transferred from the previous owner to your name.
Despite this, do not pin high hopes to get your device unlocked via this route. As hackers can easily manipulate all this information, Apple reps may not believe you to be the rightful owner of the device and refuse to unlock it, even if you are legitimately trying to get the device activated via honest means.
Pay to Bypass the Activation Lock
When searching online, you will come across many paid services that claim to be the most effective tool to bypass the iCloud Activation lock. As highlighted here, you must be extremely cautious of using any paid online services as many untrustworthy websites are proven to be ineffective. Others can even turn out to be a scam which could make you lose your money and data. That renders it imperative to only use trusted tools with a proven track record and positive customer reviews.
Using a trusted online service is the best method to access your device after exhausting all your free options. The process is relatively easy, as you only have to provide the iOS device details like the model and IMEI number and wait a few days to have it unlocked securely.
While the iCloud activation lock is a useful feature to protect your phone and its data if it is stolen or lost, there may be a time when you encounter this stringent security measure as a legitimate owner of the device. In such a situation, you can count on the various ways mentioned above to bypass an iCloud activation lock on your iOS device seamlessly.
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