Understanding Activation Lock on Apple Devices
Activation Lock is a feature that is specifically designed for Apple devices. It is a security measure developed to prevent anyone from misusing or stealing an Apple device. Essentially, it is a security feature that you can use to ensure that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is protected and safe in the unfortunate event that it gets lost or stolen.
When enabled, Activation Lock requires the device owner’s Apple ID and password before they can disable the Activation Lock. This means that a device with an activated Activation Lock cannot be used by someone else, even if they reset the device to its factory settings.
The Activation Lock feature is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone on your device. With Activation Lock and Find My iPhone turned on, your Apple device is linked to your Apple ID and iCloud account. If your device is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to locate it, or you can remotely delete all the data on your device to prevent someone else from accessing it.
However, one common issue that users face with Activation Lock is when they acquire a secondhand Apple device that still has the Activation Lock enabled. This can be a tricky situation to navigate since the device is still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID, and it may be difficult or impossible to get in touch with them to get their login credentials.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair. There are several steps you can take to remove the Activation Lock on your device.
Can You Legally Bypass Activation Lock?
The activation lock was introduced by Apple to prevent anyone from using an iOS device without the owner’s consent. This security feature is highly effective in ensuring that the device remains secure, and only the owner has access to it. However, in some situations, it can be challenging to bypass the activation lock, especially if you don’t have the previous owner’s details. The question remains, can you legally bypass activation lock?
First, it’s essential to understand that the activation lock is designed to prevent theft and unauthorized access. Therefore, bypassing it without the owner’s consent can be considered illegal. However, in some cases, it’s possible to remove the activation lock without the previous owner’s help legally. Here are some legal ways that you can try:
Solution 1: Ask Apple to Remove the Activation Lock
You can contact Apple support and ask them to remove the activation lock for you. However, this option requires you to provide some documents to prove ownership of the device. You’ll need to provide a copy of the original purchase receipt and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the receipt. Additionally, you’ll need to contact Apple support by phone or email and request the activation lock’s removal.
Apple takes security very seriously, and they’ll only remove the activation lock if they are convinced that you are the legitimate owner of the device. Therefore, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents and information before contacting Apple support.
Solution 2: Use a Third-party Tool
Another way to bypass the activation lock without the previous owner legally is to use a third-party tool. Several tools claim to be able to remove the activation lock from iOS devices. However, it’s essential to be careful when choosing these tools as some of them can be scams or can damage your device.
The best way to avoid using a fraudulent tool is to do some research and check for online reviews. Additionally, you can also consult an expert to recommend a reputable tool that works without causing damage to the device.
Solution 3: Visit an Apple Store
If you’re still unable to bypass the activation lock, you can visit the nearest Apple store and ask for assistance. However, again, be prepared to provide proof of ownership. Additionally, you’ll also need to take with you a government-issued ID that matches the name on the purchase receipt. An Apple representative will then help you to remove the activation lock, only if they’re convinced that you’re the owner of the device.
Finally, it’s crucial to understand that bypassing the activation lock without the owner’s consent can be considered illegal. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all the legal solutions available before resorting to any questionable methods. Additionally, it’s essential to protect your device by using reputable security features such as passwords, biometric authentication, and remote wipe options.
Method 1: Contacting the Previous Owner
If you have bought a second-hand iPhone or have come across an iPhone that is locked with an activation lock, you can try contacting the previous owner to get the lock removed. Contacting the previous owner or the seller of the iPhone is the easiest and most straightforward way of removing the activation lock from your device. This is because the iCloud activation lock is linked to the unique Apple ID, so only the previous owner or the person who has the login credentials can permanently remove it from the device.
If you are lucky enough to have the contact information of the previous owner, then you can ask them to remove the iCloud activation lock from your device. This could be done by contacting them via phone or email, or through a social media platform that you both use. You can explain your situation to them and request that they unlock the device.
It’s important to approach the previous owner respectfully and explain the situation they’re in. If you’re uncertain about how your approach should be, you can offer to provide them with proof of purchase and identification to prove you’re the new owner of the device. Additionally, you can negotiate an agreement with the previous owner as to paying for any costs related to the unlocking process.
However, there are times when the previous owner may not want to cooperate or may be unresponsive to requests to remove the iCloud activation lock. In such cases, you should explore alternative options that are available to remove the activation lock from your iPhone.
Method 2: Removing Activation Lock with DNS Bypass
In this section, we will discuss how to remove activation lock without previous owner using DNS Bypass. DNS (Domain Name System) is a naming system that maps domain names to IP addresses. This method involves changing the DNS settings on your iPhone or iPad to a custom server that bypasses Apple’s activation server and allows you to access your device. This method is only available for older devices running iOS 8.0 to 10.3.4 versions.
The following steps will guide you on how to remove activation lock without previous owner using DNS Bypass:
Step 1: Power On Your Device and Connect to Wi-Fi
The first step is to power on your device and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Make sure the Wi-Fi network you are connecting to has an active internet connection. If you do not have a Wi-Fi network, you can connect to a mobile hotspot.
Step 2: Select Language and Region
Once you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, select your language and region from the options provided.
Step 3: Set Up Your Device
Follow the instructions provided on the screen to set up your iPhone or iPad. When asked to enter the Apple ID and passcode, click on the ‘Home’ button to go back to the Wi-Fi page.
Step 4: Change the DNS Settings
Click on the ‘i’ icon next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to and select ‘Configure DNS.’
Click on ‘Manual’ and add the following DNS server addresses:
– USA/North America: 104.154.51.7
– Europe: 104.155.28.90
– Asia: 104.155.220.58
Once you have entered the DNS server addresses, click on ‘Save’ to apply the changes.
Step 5: Activate Your Device
Click on the back arrow on the top left corner and select ‘Connect to this Network.’
Your device will now try to activate. This process may take some time, so be patient and do not turn off your device. Once your device is activated, you will be able to access the Home screen, and the activation lock will be removed.
Please keep in mind that this method is not guaranteed to work, and it may not work on all devices. If you are still unable to remove the activation lock, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
In conclusion, removing activation lock without previous owner can be a challenging task, but with the methods discussed above, you can bypass the activation lock and access your device. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and be patient during the process. We hope this article has been helpful in resolving your activation lock issue.
Method 3: Removing Activation Lock with Third-Party Tools

If you have tried the first two methods mentioned above and did not work for you, there is another alternative. This method involves the use of third-party tools to remove the activation lock from your Apple device. These tools are developed by third-party software companies who have designed them specifically for activation lock removal.
One of the tools that can be used to remove the activation lock is Tenorshare 4MeKey. This software is designed to remove the activation lock from both iPhone and iPad devices. To use Tenorshare 4MeKey for activation lock removal, the first step is to download and install the software on your Windows or Mac computer.
Once you have installed the software, you will need to connect your iPhone or iPad device to your computer using a USB cable. Next, launch the Tenorshare 4MeKey software on your computer, and it will automatically detect your device. After detecting your device, follow the instructions on the software interface to remove the activation lock from your device.
Another tool that can be used for activation lock removal is WooTechy iSalvor. This software is developed specifically for iCloud activation lock removal, and it is compatible with all iPhone and iPad devices running on iOS 12.3 to the latest version of iOS. To use WooTechy iSalvor, you will need to download and install the software on your Windows or Mac computer.
Once installed, connect your iPhone or iPad device to your computer using a USB cable and launch the WooTechy iSalvor software. Click the “Start” button to commence the activation lock removal process. The software will guide you through the entire process, and you will have the activation lock removed from your device.
Before using any third-party software for activation lock removal, it is essential to exercise caution as some of them could be scams or malware. Ensure to carry out adequate research before choosing any software for activation lock removal.
Finally, if you have purchased a second-hand iPhones or iPad, ensure to request the seller to disable the activation lock before purchasing. This will save you the stress of searching for methods to remove the activation lock from your device.