Activation Lock is an important and useful security feature that helps protect Apple devices from malicious use. However, what if you have just bought or got a second-hand iPhone and had trouble unlocking the activation lock? Follow this guide to learn how to bypass the Activation Lock without a previous owner.

Part 1. What is the Apple Activation Lock

What is the Activation Lock of Apple

The Activation Lock is a security feature developed by Apple to protect someone else from using your iOS devices without authorized access. It is automatically enabled when you turn on Find My and links the device to the owner's Apple Account.

In other words, when Activation Lock is enabled, you must enter the owner's Apple Account information before using it normally. Even if the device is erased or restored to factory settings, the person trying to activate it must provide the required account credentials to continue setup.

When Is Activation Lock Enabled

Activation Lock is enabled automatically when Find My is enabled on your Apple device. You don't need to enable it manually.

How It Works

Activation Lock works through the connection among the device, Find My, and the owner's Apple Account. When Find My is enabled, Apple's servers will link the device to the owner's account, and the association will not be removed simply by erasing or resetting the device. That's why you will see iPhone Locked to Owner during setup. And the iPhone will always stay on the Activation Lock screen if you cannot enter the correct Apple ID and password.

Can You Remove Activation Lock

For Original Owners

You can go to Apple's support center for help if you are stuck on the activation lock screen accidentally and forget your Apple Account password. You can make an iPhone activation lock removal request by providing relevant proof of ownership. You can also follow the methods below to remove the activation lock on your own.

Remember to close the activation lock before sending if you want to sell your iPhone or gift your iPhone to others. You can close it using the following methods: Go to Settings and click your name. Choose the Find My option and tap Find My iPhone on the following page. Toggle it off.

For Non-Original Owners

If you purchase a second-hand Apple device or get it free from others and find it locked, you should contact the previous owner to require them to remove the activation lock. If the previous owner is unwilling or unable to do so, you can return or sell the iPhone to others. You can also take the following measures to remove the activation lock without the previous owner.

Part 2. How to Remove Activation Lock Without a Previous Owner Through Apple

If you bought a second-hand iPhone or iPad, and the previous owner hasn't removed it from their Apple Account, you may be unable to activate the device because Activation Lock is still enabled. If you cannot get in touch with the previous owner, you can contact Apple for help if you have proof of purchase documentation for the device. Apple provides an Activation Lock support request for this situation.

Step 1. Prepare valid purchase documentation that can prove that you purchased the device.

Step 2. Go to Apple's official Activation Lock support request page and follow the onscreen instructions to submit your request.

Step 3. Submit the requested information and wait for Apple to review your request. If Apple approves the request, you can follow its instructions to remove the Activation Lock without a previous owner.

Part 3. How to Remove Activation Lock Without a Previous Owner

If you don't have the required purchase documentation or Apple Official doesn't approve your Activation Lock support request,a third-party iOS unlock tool, such as Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker, may be another option to consider. It provides a dedicated Bypass iCloud Activation Lock mode for supported iPhone and iPad models.

Step 1. Download Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker by clicking the corresponding button above. Install this tool according to the instructions. Run it after installation.

Step 2. On the main interface, tap Bypass iCloud Activation Lock in the bottom-right corner.

Step 3. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. If something is wrong with the connection, click Device connected but not recognized in blue to spot and solve the problem.

Step 4. After a successful connection, click Jailbreak Tutorial on the following page and follow the instructions to jailbreak. After you have completed the jailbreak, go back to the page and click Next.

Then, Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker will begin the iPhone activation lock removal.

Part 4. How to Bypass Activation Lock Without a Previous Owner via DNS

The DNS method has been used to bypass the activation lock on iPad/iPhone. It works by changing the device's DNS Settings to bypass the iCloud activation lock, allowing the device to function properly.

The steps on how to bypass the activation lock are as follows:

Step 1. Set up your iPhone and proceed with the setup process. Select your language and country as usual.

Step 2. When it comes to the Wi-Fi network settings, click on the i-like pattern.

Step 3. Click the Configure DNS option on the following page.

Step 4. Switch the option from Automatic to Manual on the following page. Then, tap Add Server and input one of the following DNS values in the box.

North America - 104.154.51.7

South America - 35.199.88.219

Europe - 104.155.28.90

Asia - 104.155.220.58

Australia and Oceania - 35.189.47.23

Other continents - 104.155.28.90

Then, you should unlock your iPhone.

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