How to bypass, remove, or unlock Activation Lock on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, or Apple Watch. Disable Find My to prevent it from blocking you from using your device.
Guides to turn off Activation Lock without asking the previous owner, knowing the Apple ID, or the iCloud account ID and password.
To find out more, see our other Find My guides.
For more help with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod Touch, or Mac, see Apple troubleshooting & how-to guides.
As an expert in device security, I’ve been asked how to bypass the Apple’s iCloud Activation Lock on behalf of many clients. This led me to explore DirectUnlocks’ Activation Lock removal service. They offer a solution for those locked out of their Apple device due to not knowing the Apple ID and password of the …
In this in-depth article, I give 7 tried and tested methods that 6,246 clients have used to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on their iPhones. You will learn: DOWNLOAD: A free copy of this guide that shows the 7 techniques that can bypass the iPhone Activation Lock easily. No signup is required. We don’t even ask …
iPhone iCloud Activation Lock removal guide (7 verified methods) Read »
If you buy a used Apple device and it: the device has been activation locked and you need to bypass Activation Lock on the device before you can use it. The obvious solution is to ask the last owner to supply their Apple account details so you can get rid of the Activation Lock. But …
Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, Mac and more Read »
As an experienced Apple iOS product professional, I wrote this in-depth guide packed with tried and tested techniques that explains how to remove iPhone Locked to Owner screen on your device. Although the Activation Lock is crucial for protecting data and preventing theft, the ‘iPhone Locked to Owner’ message introduces specific challenges, especially for those …
As an experienced professional in Apple device security, I’ve closely examined the Activation Lock feature introduced with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in 2017. My extensive testing and research has enabled me to compile this guide, offering multiple techniques for bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models. My …
How To Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone 8 / 8 Plus Read »
Struggling with iCloud Activation Lock on an Apple device without access to the previous owner’s information? Drawing from my vast experience, I have tested and successfully implemented various strategies to unlock iPhones, iPads, and Macs burdened by this issue. My journey has equipped me with firsthand knowledge in assisting clients who have inadvertently purchased devices locked …
How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPhone, iPad and Mac Read »
Software updates for iOS and MacOS devices serve to improve performance, introduce new features, and patch security vulnerabilities. However, the impacts of these updates extend beyond the usual improvements – they can also affect the Activation Lock. This security feature, while designed to protect your device from unauthorized access, can be influenced significantly by regular …
Impact of software updates on iCloud Activation Lock removal Read »
With extensive testing over many years, I have found 5 free methods to remove iCloud activation lock on iPhone. The same free techniques in this article can also be used to remove the iCloud lock from an iPad, or Mac. This guide should only take 10 minutes to read and will explain: By following this …
Members of the iChimp community often get in touch asking me how to bypass Activation Lock when they don’t have the Apple ID for their iOS device. If you find yourself in the situation you have come to the correct place. This short, easy-to-read guide explains everything you need to know. Many years ago I …
How to bypass Activation Lock without knowing the Apple ID Read »
This reliable and simple guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone XR models. The iPhone XR range of phones was released by Apple in 2018 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system named Find My. The topics covered include …
The iPad Air (5th generation) was released in 2022 and like the previous models in the range such as iPad Air 2, it included the iCloud Activation Lock. The iCloud lock is part of the tablet’s security system which Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock on any …
The latest iPad mini was released in 2021 and, like all the previous incarnations, had a feature called iCloud Activation Lock. The lock is part of the tablet’s security system which Apple calls Find My. While bypassing iCloud Activation Lock is awkward, it is possible. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, …
This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock on any model of iPad Pro. The 5th generation iPad Pro was released in 2021 which included a 12.9-inch display. And like the previous models in the range, it included the iCloud Activation Lock. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system called Find …
It is almost impossible to bypass an iPad’s Activation Lock without the correct Apple ID and password to disable it. This means that you won’t be easily able to erase, reset, and reuse your iPad without knowing the previous owners’ Apple sign-in details. Knowing these details allows you to turn off Find My, which controls …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on Mac mini computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of Mac mini released in 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system administered via Find My and is now found on all new …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on the following models of MacBook: MacBook Pro computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of MacBook Pro released in late 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. 3rd generation MacBook Air computers with the Apple T2 Security Chip and …
If you have bought, been given, or have inherited an iPhone 4 that has Activation Lock enabled then you won’t be able to use it until the lock has been removed or bypassed. As an Apple Certified Independent Technician with over a decade of experience, I have helped many iPhone 4 and 4S owners to …
This guide will help you to remove or bypass iCloud Activation Lock on your iPhone X quickly and easily. With over 10 years of experience supporting Apple products, I have unlocked dozens of iPhone X devices. This short guide will help you: Turn off the iCloud lock – from the iPhone or online. Get rid …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on MacBook Pro computers with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 4th generation of MacBook Pro released in late 2018 and the 5th generation released in 2020. The Activation Lock, also known as the iCloud lock, is part of Apple’s security system and is …
This in-depth guide shows all the ways you can bypass the Activation Lock (also known as the iCloud Lock) on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were released in 2016 by Apple, and both models included the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple …
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models were announced by Apple in September 2023 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system called Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone …
iPhone 15 / 15 Pro iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 5 was released by Apple in 2012 with iOS 6, which didn’t have the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Instead, it relied on the owner paying for MobileMe which had basic device tracking functionality. However, in 2013 iOS 7 was delivered which included a free version of Find My iPhone and introduced the Activation …
iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
This reliable and simple guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max models. The iPhone XS range of phones was released by Apple in 2018 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system named Find My. …
iPhone XS / XS Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
Apple released the iPhone SE 3rd generation (sometimes called the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone SE 2022) with the iCloud Activation Lock feature. The Activation Lock is part of the phone’s security system which is managed using the Find My app. This article describes several techniques you can use to bypass the Activation Lock (also known …
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus include the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple as part of the phone’s security system. The lock was originally managed using the Find My iPhone app, but this was replaced by Find My in 2019. This in-depth guide shows all the ways you can bypass …
iPhone 6 / 6 Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, released in 2015, both include the iCloud Activation Lock feature. Activation Lock was designed by Apple as part of the phone’s security system. The lock was originally managed using the Find My iPhone app, but this was replaced by Find My in 2019. This in-depth guide shows all the …
iPhone 6S / 6S Plus iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models were announced by Apple in September 2022 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system called Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone …
iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 11 range of phones was released in 2019 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system that Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro …
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
The iPhone 12 models were released in 2020 with a feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which is part of the phone’s security system that Apple calls Find My. This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 …
iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
Living in this digital age, the safety of our electronic companions should be a top priority. Now, if we’re talking about Apple, a brand synonymous with robust security features, there’s one particular feature we need to delve into – the Activation Lock. This ingenious feature, a key part of Apple’s ‘Find My’ service, acts as …
How to check if an Apple Device is Activation Locked before purchase Read »
Navigating the world of smart devices is no small feat. Among its winding paths, the concept of an “Activation Lock” often comes up. This crucial security feature plays a silent but strong role in safeguarding your device and personal information. But, like a coin with two sides, where there’s security, there’s someone trying to crack …
Imagine yourself standing at the precipice of a tech adventure, having successfully navigated the maze of the Activation Lock removal process. The daunting barricade that once stood in your way is now a thing of the past. But, the journey is only half complete. Now comes a critical task – restoring your device. This process …
How to restore your device after removing Activation Lock Read »
Understanding the intricacies of Apple’s Activation Lock can be a daunting task. This feature is a powerful tool for device protection but poses a challenge when you need to remove it – maybe you’ve bought a pre-owned device, or you’ve simply forgotten your credentials. If you’ve experienced the frustration of failed attempts at removing Activation …
Overcoming failures in the Activation Lock removal process Read »
In the world of Apple devices, the Activation Lock is a critical security feature designed to protect your information should your device be lost or stolen. But what happens when this well-intended feature becomes a roadblock, especially with a second-hand device or after a factory reset? It’s like being locked out of your own house! …
How to troubleshoot Activation Lock removal and prevent common issues Read »
In the digital age, privacy and data security are at the forefront of our minds. Now more than ever, we rely on robust security measures to protect our personal information. One such measure is the Activation Lock on iOS devices, designed to deter unauthorized access. Yet, as we forge ahead into uncharted technological territories, we’re …
The Apple ecosystem, lauded for its strong security, is home to several integral security features designed to protect user data and deter unauthorized access. One such feature is the Activation Lock, a potent tool in Apple’s security arsenal. First announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2013 and introduced later the same year …
Comprehensive History: Understanding the Evolution of Apple’s Activation Lock Read »
In our hyperconnected digital era, safeguarding personal data has evolved from a mere convenience to a critical necessity. Every day, we share and store massive volumes of personal data across various digital platforms, from social media networks to banking systems. Each digital interaction leaves behind a footprint, making us susceptible to a range of cyber …
iPhone Activation Lock data protection, security and privacy explained Read »
In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves. They hold a myriad of personal information, from emails and photos to financial data and more. This increased dependence on smartphones has also caught the attention of criminals, making devices like the iPhone a prime target for theft. To address this rising issue, Apple …
The Role of Activation Lock in Preventing iPhone Theft Read »
In an interconnected world, protecting our devices and personal data is paramount. Apple’s Activation Lock is a robust security measure designed to safeguard your iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This comprehensive article explores the purpose, setup process, mechanics, and synergy with Find My. Discover how Activation Lock enhances security, deters theft, and provides peace of mind. …
Unlocking security: Understanding Apple’s Activation Lock feature Read »
Jailbreaking an iPhone or iPad can provide users with a lot of freedom to customize their device and access features not normally available through Apple. But did you know that jailbreaking is the first step in being able to bypass iCloud Activation Lock? In this article, we’ll take a look at how jailbreaking can be …
For those using an iPad running iPadOS 15, Activation Lock is an essential security feature. It ensures that only the original owner can access the tablet, making it useless to the thief if it is stolen. To find out more, see What is the iCloud Activation Lock. Unfortunately, this can be a problem if a user needs …
How To Bypass iPadOS 15 Activation Lock & Remove iCloud Lock: Step-by-Step Tutorial Read »
Activation Lock is one of the most important security features for the Apple iPad, especially for those running on iPadOS 16. Activation Lock was built to ensure that only the original user can access the tablet, rendering it useless if it is ever lost or stolen. Unfortunately, this can present a problem if you need …
Bypass iPadOS 16 Activation Lock & Remove iCloud Lock: Step-by-Step Guide Read »
Activation Lock is one of the most essential security features for iPhones, particularly those that are running on iOS 15. This feature was designed to ensure that only the original user has access to the phone, making it useless if ever it is lost or stolen. While this is a beneficial security measure, it can be …
Bypass iOS 15 Activation Lock and remove iCloud lock: quick and easy guide Read »
Activation Lock is one of the most important security features for the Apple iPhone, especially for those running on iOS 16. Activation Lock was built to ensure that only the original user can access the phone, rendering it useless if it is ever lost or stolen. Unfortunately, this can present a problem if you need …
How To Bypass iOS 16 Activation Lock & Remove iCloud Lock Read »
You can unlock the Activation Lock on an Apple device using an iCloud bypass tool. Dozens of iCloud bypass companies advertised on the web. But which of them should you use? To answer this question we reviewed as many bypass tools as possible to find out which worked, which were scams, and which was best. …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on 3rd generation MacBook Air computers with the Apple T2 Chip and Apple silicon MacBook Air laptops with the M1 or M2 Chip. This means all MacBook Air laptops released since 2018 have this security feature. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system administered via Find My …
How To Bypass Activation Lock On MacBook Air (unlock M1, M2 or T2 chip) Read »
Many tools and services found online claim they can remove the Activation Lock for free by iCloud unlocking your locked Apple device. However, after researching many free iCloud bypass tools I have found most don’t exists, some are dangerous, and others simply don’t work. In this article you will find out: An extensive list of 9 …
This easy-to-follow guide will explain how to bypass Activation Lock, also known as iCloud lock, on iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max models. The topics covered include bypassing: A pre-owned phone. Your own phone. For free. Online. With tools or hacks. The techniques provided in this guide also …
iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / Max iCloud Activation Lock bypass guide Read »
Our verdict: 9/10 IMEInow has made significant strides in a short space of time, and now provides a much better Activation Lock removal service than the likes of IMEIdoctor, DirectUnlocks, and AppleiPhoneUnlock. It is not a perfect service due to its odd payment structure and awkward refund system but it is still the best on …
IMEInow iCloud Activation Lock Removal Service Review Read »
Activation Lock is a security feature found in Apple devices that is designed to prevent anyone else from reactivating your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod touch, or Mac computer without your permission. Activation Lock is turned on automatically when Find My is enabled on your device. Find out how to set up and use Find …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on Mac Studio computers running on Apple silicon, including those with the M1 Max or M1 Ultra system on a chip. The Activation Lock, also known as the iCloud lock, is part of Apple’s security system and is administered via Find My Mac. The lock is found on all new Mac computers. The …
The iCloud Activation Lock is available on iMacs with M1 Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. This includes the 2021 iMac, the 5K iMac, and the short-lived iMac Pro. The iCloud lock is part of Apple’s security system that is administered via Find My Mac and is now found on all new Mac …
The iPod Touch, which can be used as a music player, a handheld gaming device, a digital camera, a web browser, and for messaging was introduced by Apple in 2007 with a security feature called iCloud Activation Lock. The lock is controlled by the Find My app. This in-depth guide will explain the latest ways …
This guide will help you remove the Activation Lock warning message using the official method endorsed by Apple. These methods work on any Apple device, including: I have been helping readers to successfully unlock the Activation Lock screen using the methods in this guide for many years. It is a simple process that only takes …
How to turn off Activation Lock (on any Apple device) Read »
Apple has a security system on their devices, including the iPod Touch, called Find My. It includes a feature called Activation Lock that prevents anyone else from using your device if it is lost and stolen. Activation Lock is automatically enabled when you set up and turn on Find My on iPod Touch. You can …
Activation Lock for Mac computers is part of Find My – a feature created by Apple to stop anyone else from using your MacBook, iMac, or other Mac computer if it is ever stolen or lost. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you configure Find My on your computer. Or when you sign in to …
Activation Lock on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, and other Mac computers Read »
iPad Activation Lock is part of Find My – a feature created by Apple to stop anyone else from using your iPad if it is ever stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you configure Find My on your device. Or when you sign in to your iCloud account from your iPad. Find My works …
Activation Lock on iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini Read »
The iPhone Activation Lock is a security feature of Apple’s iOS operating system. Activation lock is designed to protect your iPhone, and its data if it is stolen or lost. It works by preventing your iPhone from being reset and reused until the owner’s Apple ID and password are typed into the device. The iPhone Activation …
Apple says, “Find My includes a feature called Activation Lock that’s designed to prevent anyone else from using your Apple Watch if it’s ever lost or stolen”. This feature is actually a complex security system that protects your Apple Watch and helps stop thieves from using or selling it. Activation Lock is enabled on your …
You can jailbreak an iCloud locked iPhone but it won’t remove the Activation Lock. You will simply end up with a jailbroken but still iCloud locked device. So if the purpose of the jailbreak is to remove the iCloud lock don’t bother. It simply won’t work. There are other ways to remove or bypass iCloud …
It is possible to factory reset an iCloud locked iPhone. The factory reset will wipe and remove all the data and settings on the Apple device. It is worth noting that the factory reset will not remove the iCloud Activation Lock. After restoring factory settings on your iPhone you will need to run the iOS …
A factory reset will erase all of the data and settings from your device but it won’t remove Activation Lock. This is true for all Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac computers. The official method to bypass Activation Lock security is to enter the correct Apple ID and password on the Lock …
Yes, you can unlock iCloud Activation Lock from all Apple devices including: The quickest and easiest way to remove the iCloud Activation Lock is by entering the Apple ID and password into the device when prompted. If you have forgotten your Apple ID you can reset it. However, this won’t work if you don’t know …
Can iCloud Activation Lock be unlocked on a locked device? Read »
Apple has built a number of tools, such as the Activation Lock, to dissuade thieves from stealing your Apple Watch. These software tools keep your Watch and the data on it safe. Unfortunately, these tools can be too secure and prevent innocent buyers of used Apple products from setting up their gadgets properly. So how …
