iCloud Activation Lock is a security feature developed by Apple to prevent unauthorized access. However, if you forget your Apple ID and password, or purchased a second-hand device that is still linked to the previous owner, iCloud Activation Lock will hinder your normal usage on your own device.

That's when you need iCloud Activation Lock removal. This post summarizes several official ways to remove iCloud activation lock for free to regain access to your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices.

Part 1: What Is iCloud Activation Lock

According to Apple Official, iCloud Activation Lock is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access to your lost or stolen iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. Apple introduced Activation Lock to protect your iOS devices from data and privacy leakage. If your iPhone gets stolen, your device is taken by others. However, with iCloud Activation Lock, a stolen device becomes nearly unusable without the correct Apple ID credentials. Therefore, it will at least protect your data and privacy, which could be more important than the device.

How iCloud Activation Lock Works

iCloud Activation Lock is enabled when you sign in with an Apple account and turn on Find My. After your device is erased or reset, the iCloud Activation Lock will be triggered, and you need to enter the linked Apple ID and password to get into your device. Keep in mind that resetting an iPhone does not remove Activation Lock.

How to Check If a Device Has iCloud Activation Lock

Before iCloud activation lock removal or purchasing a second-hand iPhone or iPad, you should check if iCloud Activation Lock is enabled.

Turn on the device. If it asks for an Apple ID and password, Activation Lock is enabled. If the device prompts you to set it up as new, then the Activation Lock is disabled.

If you are going to buy a second-hand iPhone, you can ask the seller to disable Find My iPhone and remove the device from their iCloud account before you purchase it. Otherwise, you'll need iCloud Activation Lock removal to access the device.

Part 2: Remove iCloud Activation Lock Using Apple ID and Password

The simplest way to delete iCloud Activation Lock is by entering the iCloud-combined Apple ID and password associated with the device. If you own the device and remember the credentials, follow these steps to do Apple Activation Lock removal.

Turn on the device. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted. Once authenticated, Activation Lock removal is done, and you can set up your device.

Part 3: Removing Activation Lock via iCloud (Remote Removal)

If you are going to sell or give away your iOS device but forget to delete iCloud Activation Lock on your device, you can disable Activation Lock remotely. If you purchased a second-hand device that is still linked to the previous owner's Apple Account, you can ask the previous owner to follow the same steps to help you remove iCloud Activation Lock remotely.

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Find My.

Step 2. Select All Devices and choose the device you want to remove. Since Apple requires you to erase the device first and then remove it from your account to fully disable Activation Lock, you need to click Erase to erase your the device. Then, click Remove to completely delete Activation Lock.

Part 4: Reset Your Apple ID to Remove the Activation Lock

If you forgot your Apple ID password , you can you can reset your Apple Account password to regain access to your account and then use it to remove Activation Lock.

Step 1. Click Activation Lock Help from the activation lock screen on your device.

Step 2. You will be lead to the official page. Here, you need to click Reset your password at iForgot.

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your Apple ID password using a trusted device, email, or phone number.

Step 4. Keep your new Apple ID password in mind and use it to get rid of the iCloud activation lock.

Part 5: Asking Apple Support for iCloud Activation Lock Removal

If you forgot your Apple ID credentials and can’t regain access, you can contact Apple Support for assistance. You will need to provide proof of purchase (such as a receipt) to verify that you are the rightful owner.

Step 1. Also click Activation Lock Help on your device to visit Apple's Activation Lock Support page to submit a request and provide proof of your ownership.

Step 2. Apple will review the request and may delete Activation Lock if they verify your ownership information.

Bonus: How to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

If you forget your Apple ID password, you can go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the instructions to reset your password using your combined email or security questions. If you forget your Apple ID, go to Apple's Find Your ID page and enter your personal details to retrieve your Apple ID.

If you cannot get your Apple ID or password, how can you remove the iCloud Activation Lock? Maybe you can try bypassing iCloud Activation Lock. Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker offers a powerful ability to do that. When you get a second-hand iOS device, this program is your best resort to remove unnecessary and annoying restrictions.

Step 1. Download and install Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker and launch it. Connect your iPhone to your computer. Then, click the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock button.

Step 2. Then, follow the on-screen guide to jailbreak your iPhone or other iOS devices.

Step 3. Finally, you just need to click the Start Bypassing Activation button to delete iCloud Activation Lock on your iOS device.

Part 6: FAQs About iCloud Activation Lock Removal

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