Suppose you buy a second-hand iPhone, chances are that the device is locked to the owner and becomes a brick. This problem can occur across any model in the iPhone series, from old versions to the latest releases. Apple designed this security measure to prevent unauthorized access to lost or stolen iOS devices. This guide explains how to bypass an iPhone locked to its owner and get access to your iOS device.

Part 1: What Does iPhone Locked to Owner Mean

What does iPhone is locked to owner mean? It refers to the Activation Lock feature that Apple puts in place in Find My. Once you enable Find My iPhone, Activation Lock is turned on automatically. This feature keeps the iPhone tied to the original owner's Apple ID. Only the original owner can unlock it with the Apple credentials. The factory reset cannot get rid of Activation Lock.

Part 2: How to Unlock an iPhone Locked to the Owner

The security measure is helpful in many ways, but if you are on the receiving end of a locked iPhone, it can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, there are several ways to unlock an iPhone locked to its owner.

Way 1: Contact the Previous Owner

One easy option is to reach out to the person who sold or gave you the iPhone. Contact the previous owner to get the Apple ID credentials associated with the device. Then, you can unlock an iPhone locked to the owner after a factory reset.

Way 2: Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner with Passcode

Since iOS 15, Apple has allowed you to remove an iPhone locked to the owner with the lock screen passcode. After you factory reset your device, you can begin setting it up as a new device. Then, try the steps below:

Step 1. Press Unlock with Passcode on the iPhone Locked to Owner screen.

Step 2. Choose Use Device Passcode.

Step 3. Then, enter the passcode to unlock your device.

Way 3: Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner on Another Apple Device

If your iPhone is locked to the owner but you are the owner, one easy way to unlock it is to remove the account from another Apple device associated with the same Apple ID. Here are the steps to unlock your iOS device:

Step 1. Open the Settings or System Settings app.

Step 2. Tap on your profile and locate the devices associated with the same account.

Step 3. Choose the locked iPhone.

Step 4. Press the Remove from account button.

Step 5. If prompted, hit Remove again to confirm it.

Way 4: Remove iPhone Locked to Owner on iCloud

iCloud is another option to unlock an iPhone locked to its owner remotely with a computer. It means that the previous owner can remove your device from the account even if they don't have the iPhone currently.

Step 1. Go to www.icloud.com in a browser.

Step 2. Log in with the associated Apple ID and password.

Step 3. Choose Find My and pick the locked iPhone on the All Devices list.

Step 4. Click the Remove This Device button.

Step 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm your action.

Way 5: Fix iPhone Locked to Owner in Find My

The Find My app enables you to fix an iPhone locked to the owner remotely without a computer. It means that you can ask the previous owner to free your device on another Apple device, like another iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.

Step 1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device associated with the same Apple account.

Step 2. Go to the Devices tab and choose the locked iPhone from the list.

Step 3. Press and expand the toolbar and choose the Remove This Device option.

Step 4. If prompted, choose Remove to get rid of Activation Lock.

Way 6: Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner via iCloud DNS Bypass

iCloud DNS bypass is an option to unlock an iPhone locked to the owner for old devices. It is still working for iOS 10 and earlier, but the success rate is low. If your old iPhone is locked, you can try this method.

Step 1. Factory reset your iPhone.

Step 2. Set it up as a new device following the instructions.

Step 3. When prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi, choose a network.

Step 4. Tap the Info button and choose Forget This Network.

Step 5. Tap the Info button again and pick Configure DNS.

Step 6. Choose Manual and enter the right DNS server IP:

USA: 104.154.51.7 (Status when we test: Active)

Europe: 104.155.28.90

Asia: 104.155.220.58

Australia & Oceania: 35.189.47.23

Other regions: 104.155.28.90

Step 7. Tap Save and reconnect to the Wi-Fi.

Step 8. Tap Back and continue setup.

Step 9. Choose Activation Help on the iPhone Locked to Owner screen to access your device.

Part 3: How to Bypass an iPhone Locked to the Owner

Can you unlock an iPhone locked to the owner without an Apple ID? As mentioned previously, you have to unlock your device with the previous Apple ID account or lock screen passcode. If you cannot contact the previous owner, you will need a powerful unlocking program, such as Apeaksoft iFoneKit. It can remove the Apple ID from an iOS device without the password or any restrictions. More importantly, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.

How to Bypass an iPhone Locked to the Owner Without an Apple ID

Step 1. Install iFoneKit

Start the iOS unlocking software after you install it on your computer. It is available on Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista and macOS 10.7 or above. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning cable. Choose the Remove Apple ID mode to proceed.

Step 2. Bypass the iPhone locked to the owner

Click the Start Now button once your device is detected. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset all settings on your iPhone. Then, click OK on the confirmation dialog, and hit Confirm Again to initiate unlocking your device.

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