How to bypass Activation Lock (step-by-step fixes)

Over the last 10 years I have been tracking down, verifying, and testing all the ways the claimed to successfully bypass the Activation Lock screen on Apple products.

So if you buy a used Apple device and it:

• asks for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, or
• it displays the “Locked to owner” message when you try to use it

you can be sure your device has been activation locked and you need to bypass the lock screen before you can use it.

I have written this guide to help you solve this issue on personal, corporate, and educational devices.

My guide shows you all the tried and tested ways I currently use to remove the iCloud Activation Lock from iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac Computer, or Apple Watch right now.

These step-by-step fixes include techniques, services, hacks, and online tools I use to help my clients.

Read on to find out all the methods I use that can help you unlock the iCloud lock screen on your device in 2024.

Activation Lock bypassing methods for personal devices

My techniques, last verified in 2024, will help you to unlock an iCloud account linked to the Activation Lock on your personal Apple device.

Follow these steps:

1. If you have an iPhone, cellular iPad, or cellular Apple Watch find out the IMEI and serial number. You will need it later. The IMEI is a unique id for your iOS device and you need to provide it so the correct handset gets unlocked.

   You can find the IMEI and serial number on the barcode on the device’s original packaging.

   
   On these models, you’ll find the IMEI and serial number on the SIM tray:

   • iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Pro.
   • iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12.
   • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
   • iPhone XR.
   • iPhone Xs, and iPhone Xs Max.
   • iPhone X.
   • iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
   • iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.
   • iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus.
   • iPhone 3G.
   • iPhone 3GS.
   • iPhone 4 (GSM model).
   • iPhone 4s.
     

     

     On these models, you’ll find the IMEI and serial number on the back:

   • iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
   • iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
   • iPod Touch (all models)
   • iPhone 6
   • iPhone 6 Plus
   • iPhone SE
   • iPhone 5s
   • iPhone 5c
   • iPhone 5
     

     

2. For a WiFi-only iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple Watch, you only need the serial number. For help finding the serial number, see find the serial number on your iPhone or iPad
3. You need to find out the exact model of iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple Watch you want to be unlocked. For more information, find out how to identify your iPhone model by its model number and other details.
4. Pick a trustworthy supplier. I found DirectUnlocks the fastest, easiest, and most reliable company.
5. Request an unlock for your device. To ensure the correct device is unlocked, you will be asked to supply the IMEI or serial number, and the model.
6. The iCloud Activation Lock will be removed from your iOS device in 1-5 days. You will be able to set it up without being asked for the preceding owners’ Apple ID.
7. Optional: If you prefer to attempt the unlock yourself using a software app, use a trustworthy unlocking tool. You can perform the unlock procedure straight away using your own computer, as long as you are computer literate.

Use iCloud unlock service

DirectUnlocks is our top service if you want to bypass Activation Lock on your iOS device.

During our tests, it successfully worked for every Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple Watch I sent them.

To bypass Activation Lock using this Activation Lock removal service, do the following:

1. If you have an iPhone or cellular iPad, find out the IMEI code. You need it later. For help finding the IMEI, see find the IMEI on your device.
2. For a WiFi-only iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple Watch, find out the serial number. You need it later. For help finding the serial number, see the preceding link.
3. To request the unlock, go to DirectUnlocks.
   
4. If you have an iPhone or cellular iPad, enter the IMEI in the box. For a Mac, WiFi-only iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple Watch, enter the serial number in the box.
5. In the device model dropdown, select your product. 
6. To continue, press the Unlock iCloud! button. The order details and price will be shown on the order summary page that opens.
   

   

7. Where it says I agree to the terms and conditions, tick the box.
8. Choose the payment method you prefer to use and pay securely. DirectUnlocks gets your contact details from the payment screen.
   
9. In your email, you will receive a confirmation of your order.

Use a lock screen removal tool

A software tool is suited to competent computer users that don’t mind trying to bypass iCloud activation themselves.

In my opnion, iBypasser is the best option for computer enthusiasts happy to bypass Activation Lock themselves. The ability to start removing the iCloud account immediately after download is a significant advantage, and the free trial makes it a good way to try before you buy.

If you are not tech-savvy avoid this option and use a service instead.

To bypass iCloud Activation Lock using a tool, do the following:

1. Download iBypasser app, and install and launch it.
   
2. Click Bypass iCloud Activation Lock Screen.
   

   

3. On the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock Screen, click Start.
   

   

4. Connect your locked iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple Watch device to the computer using a Lightning to USB Cable. For more information, see connect iPhone and your computer with a cable.
   

   
   

5. To jailbreak your device ready for unlocking, follow the on-screen prompts.
   • To jailbreak a Mac computer:
     1. iBypasser will automatically download the Mac compatible jailbreak package for your iOS device. You don’t need to install an Apple driver.
     2. To begin the process, click Start Jailbreak.
        

        

     3. Follow the on-screen instructions, and click Next.
        

        

     4. The tool will jailbreak your device.
   • To jailbreak a Windows computer:
     1. There is no automatic method to jailbreak iOS devices on Windows computers. Instead, follow this tutorial.
     2. Once completed, click Finished Jailbreak.
6. The iOS devices details appear on the computer. Confirm they are correct, then click Start Bypass.
   

   

7. The iBypasser bypass tool will remove the current iCloud account and activation screen. It only takes take a few seconds to bypass Activation Lock.
   

   

8. Once you have removed iCloud Activation Lock, you can use a new Apple ID account, iCloud password, erase iPhone, do a factory reset, or set up any iPhone feature you want.
   

   

Via DNS server hack

If you would like to know how to bypass Activation Lock using DNS, there is a very clever hack that allows you to do so.

It gets around the security on your iOS device when it is locked to someone else’s Apple ID password. It works by setting up your device to use a DNS server that doesn’t use the inbuilt iOS security system.

You don’t need a SIM card inserted to get the iCloud Activation Lock bypass to work as it uses Wi-Fi settings to connect. It is a little fiddly but this hack isn’t that difficult to do. It does have its limitations tho. For example, you can’t make conventional phone calls.

On the plus side, it is a free solution.

To get past the Activation Lock with no help from the last owner using a DNS server bypass, do the following:

1. Power up your Apple device.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to setup your product until you reach the Choose WiFi network screen.
3. Select More WiFi Settings.
4. Tap the i symbol next to the WiFi network.
   

   

5. Choose Manual on the Configure DNS screen.
   

   

6. Next, tap +Add Server and, input the server address that corresponds to your location:
   • USA: 104.154.51.7
   • Europe: 104.155.28.90
   • Asia: 104.155.220.58
   • Oceania: 104.155.220.58
   • Other locations: 78.100.17.60
7. Once done, tap Back to return to the WiFi page.
8. Your device will now connect to the local bypass server.

This server bypass method does have some limitations, such as:

• Not all functions and features will work on your device.
• This won’t work on devices running iOS 10 or newer, so it is unlikely to help you bypass the iCloud lock in 2024.
• It’s fiddly to do.
• You will need to go through this process each time you reboot your device.

For more detailed information, including other techniques, see how to remove the Activation Lock without the previous owner.

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Without previous owner helping

The Activation Lock is enabled because the previous owner has turned on Find My and forgot to switch it off before selling it to you. This is quite a common issue resulting in buyers ending up with devices locked to the previous owners iCloud Apple ID.

Asking the previous owner to turn off Find My will bypass the lock and allow you to setup the device normally.

But what if you can’t get hold of the last owner?

Well, you need some options to allow you to remove the Activation Lock without the previous owner helping.

Luckily, if the ex-owner of your Apple product can’t turn off the iCloud Activation Lock there are still a few of things you can try to remove it yourself:

• Use a paid service to switch off Find My and remove the lock.
• Use a paid tool to hack the Activation Lock.
• Use a free server bypass to get around the iCloud Activation Lock and use your device.

For more information, see how to bypass iCloud Activation Lock without the previous owner.

When you don’t have the Apple ID password

If you don’t know the Apple ID or password of the account that has iCloud locked your iOS device, you can’t enter it when prompted. This means you can’t switch off Find My and disable the Activation Lock easily.

There are a few things you can try to bypass iCloud Activation Lock if you don’t know the Apple ID, such as:

1. Ask the last owner to turn off Find My iPhone remotely.
2. Ask Apple’s Support to help. Be prepared to prove your ownership with a reciept.
3. Using the iForgot website to unlock or find out the Apple ID or reset the account password.
4. If you are not a computer expert, try a recommended unlocking service.
5. If you are computer savy, try a recommended tool.

To find out more, see how to bypass Activation Lock without the Apple ID.

Free iCloud unlocking

Disabling the iCloud Activation Lock for free is possible by entering the Apple ID and password on the iOS device when prompted.

For example, to turn off iPhone iCloud Activation Lock for free, use the following unlock process:

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Then, tap [your name].
   
3. Next, tap Find My.
4. Then, tap Find My iPhone.
5. Tap the toggle to turn off Find My iPhone.
6. When prompted, enter your Apple ID password.
   
7. Next, tap Turn Off.

If you don’t know the Apple account details, you can Reset your Apple ID.

For more zero cost methods to get rid of Activation Lock, see 12 tools and services that claim to unlock iCloud for free.

Clearing iCloud Activation Lock on organizational devices

In my experience of dealing with corporate tech, managing Activation Lock on company or educational devices is a different ballgame when compared to personal gadgets.

Let me walk you through how it works.

Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions

First up, Mobile Device Management (MDM). It’s been a game-changer in my line of work.

MDM solutions are like the Swiss Army knife for overseeing Activation Lock on a bunch of devices. I use it to keep everything from iPhones to MacBooks secure yet accessible. Basically, MDM lets us remotely control Activation Lock on all our company devices. So, if someone leaves the company, or you need to shuffle devices around, it’s not a headache.

You don’t have to chase down former employees for their Apple IDs or deal with locked devices gathering dust.

Supervision and enrollment in MDM

Supervision and Enrollment are the 2 key features within MDM:

• Supervision
  Supervision gives me extra control over devices, more than what’s available to personal Apple products. It’s like having administrative superpowers. I can set restrictions, push necessary apps, and manage Activation Lock.
• Enrollment
  Enrollment is about adding devices into the MDM system. When I enroll a device, it’s officially part of our corporate fleet, and I can start managing it with all the MDM tools at my disposal.

Clear Activation Lock via bypass code

Removing Activation Lock through MDM isn’t just clicking a button and calling it a day. It’s a bit more involved, but still pretty straightforward by using Profile Manager.

Here’s how I usually do it:

1. MDM enrollment
   I ensure the device is enrolled in my MDM system. If it’s not enrolled, it can’t be managed.
2. Initiate removal request
   If the device is in my MDM, I can start the process of removing the Activation Lock. This usually involves going into the MDM dashboard and selecting the device
3. Send bypass code
   After selecting the device, I send a command from the MDM to clear the Activation Lock. This command communicates with Apple’s servers and initiates the unlocking process.
4. Verification and Completion
   Sometimes, I might need to provide additional verification, like proof of purchase or corporate ownership. Once everything is verified, the lock is removed, and the device is free to be reset, repurposed, or assigned to a new user.

For more information, see organisation-linked Activation Lock for Apple devices.

Permanent vs. temporary Activation Lock removal

In the world of Activation Lock bypass methods there are permanent and temporary solutions.

Permanent solutions will remove the Activation Lock completely, making the device work as if it were never locked in the first place. This is typically achieved using methods like MDM solutions in a corporate or educational setting. On a personal device you can use an IMEI iCloud unlock or an iCloud Bypass tool to achieve the same thing.

These permanent methods work directly with Apple’s systems or leverage authorized bypass techniques to clear the lock.

On the flip side, there are temporary solutions, like the DNS bypass hack. These don’t entirely remove the Activation Lock but rather bypass it for a limited time or under specific conditions.

This means that you will have to repeat the unlock process from time to time in order to continually use your device.

What is Activation Lock?

In short, the iCloud Activation Lock, is like a guardian for your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod touch, or Mac. If someone steals and tries to use your device, they can’t without your permission.

The moment you turn on Find My on your device, Activation Lock springs into action. Together, they join forces to link your device to your Apple ID. So, even if your device gets erased and reset, it’s still protected, thanks to these features.

The good news is setting up and using Find My is not complicated.

In a corporate setting, Activation Lock becomes even more crucial if you have a fleet of company iPhones, iPads, or Macs – each one potentially holding sensitive corporate data. If a corporate device is misplaced or is held by an employee that is fired, the data can be secured.

For IT departments, managing Activation Lock across multiple devices is streamlined with Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools. These tools allow admins to remotely enable or disable Activation Lock, ensuring both data security and ease of device redistribution within the company. It’s a win-win: keeping company assets safe while also making device management a breeze.

Why is bypassing needed?

Maybe you’ve bought a second-hand iPhone or inherited an iPad from a family member, only to find it’s locked to their Apple ID. Or perhaps you forgot your own Apple ID details. If so, removing the Activation Lock is essential to regain full use of the device.

In the corporate and educational world, organisations often repurpose devices for new a employees or newly enrolled student. This can be a huge issue when devices are linked to former owners Apple IDs, and the credentials are no longer accessible. The ability of the organisations IT Department to bypass or manage the Activation Lock is crucial as it ensures devices remain both usable and secure.

In both scenarios, the goal is to maintain the security and integrity of the device while ensuring its usability. Whether it’s a personal iPhone, a fleet of corporate MacBooks, or student iPads the ability to get rid of Activation Lock is a vital part of device management.

Wrap up

In researching for this guide, I gained valuable insights into effectively dealing with the iCloud Activation Lock across various Apple devices.

The main takeaway is that using a trusted service to permanently bypass the lock is often the most reliable solution. This method is closely tied to the iCloud unlock process, and the added benefit of a money-back guarantee ensures you’re not taking any financial risks if it doesn’t work.

I also explored the iCloud bypass method in detail. While it might not be as thorough as a full Apple ID recovery or diving deep into iOS security, it’s a practical and accessible option for most users.

Additionally, I covered IMEI unlock services and the impact firmware updates can have on locked devices, shedding light on how these factors influence the unlocking process.

It’s crucial to approach these solutions within legal and ethical boundaries, especially when considering security bypass tools and jailbreaking software. There’s a balance to be struck between unlocking a device and preserving proper account authentication.

This guide should have given you a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved in bypassing activation locks and the importance of making informed, responsible choices.

If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via the contact form.