Apple's iCloud Activation Lock feature is very useful for preventing iOS devices from being used by thieves as their own and avoiding owners' privacy information falling into wrong hand. Once the iOS device is lost or stolen, owners can enable Find My iPhone and it will lock that specific iPhone/iPad/iPod with the owners' Apple ID account, which means that the device will require the original Apple ID and password if someone else want to enter the device.However, to those who unfortunately buy a lost or stolen iOS device on eBay, Craigslist, or other second-hand marketplace, this is a disaster since they basically buy an unusable device. If you are troubled by an iCloud locked device, the following methods to bypass iCloud Activation Lock will be of your help. Moreover, if you find a lost iOS device and want to return it to the owner, these methods will help you to contact the owner.Cannot Miss.Method 1 Quick Bypass iCloud Activation LockIf you get an iPhone from used marketplace and find that it requires Apple ID and password to activate the device, it is very likely a stolen iPhone. Unfortunately, you have no way to find it out until you get the phone. But you can try to these unlocking iCloud tips.Note: It is a temporary solution to bypass the iCloud lock and access your iOS device.Step 1.
- Remove Icloud Activation Lock Without Password
- Icloud Activation Lock Removal Free
- How To Remove Activation Lock On Apple Watch Without Apple Id
Tap on the Home button and then choose the ' Wi-Fi Settings'. From the Wi-Fi network list, tap the 'i' symbol beside the WiFi network which you want to connect to.Step 2. After you tap the 'i', you will be leaded to the network settings. Remove the existing DNS, and enter the new DNS according to your location:For users in USA/North America, the new DNS is 104.154.51.7For users in Europe, the new DNS is 104.155.28.90For users in Asia, the new DNS is 104.155.220.58For users in other area, the new DNS is 78.109.17.60Step 3. After you have entered the right DNS, tap the 'Back' button and click ' Activation Help'. When you have successfully completed the above steps, you will receive a message saying that 'You have successfully connected to my Server', which means that your device is activated and you now are able to most of the major functions of the device, including the settings.Method 2: Permanently Bypass iCloud Activation LockHowever, you should notice that this is a temporary solution.
If you just want to return the iOS device that you found, then you can skip the following steps. But if you need to use the phone, then you should continue with the following steps after you have bypassed the iCloud lock temporarily. These steps will help you to bypass the activation lock permanently.Step 1. Go to 'Menu' 'Applications' 'Crash'. After that, the device will reboot.Step 2. When the iOS device restart, choose 'Language and Country', press the 'Home' button and tap on 'More Wifi Settings'.Step 3. Again, tap on the 'i' symbol next to the WiFi network which you will be connecting to.
In the settings page, scroll down to 'Menu' under the 'HTTP Proxy' section.
If you ever misplace your device—whether it’s lost or you think it might have been stolen—you should immediately in the Find My app.When you Mark As Lost, this locks your screen with a passcode and lets you display a custom message with your phone number to help you get it back. You can also remotely erase your device if needed, and your custom message continues to display even after the device is erased.While Activation Lock works in the background to make it more difficult for someone to use or sell your missing device, Lost Mode clearly indicates to anyone who finds your device that it still belongs to you and can’t be reactivated without your password.To mark a device as lost, sign in to. Or use the Find My app:. Open the Find My app.
Tap the Devices tab, then choose a device from the list. Tap Activate under Mark As Lost and follow the instructions on the screen.Learn more about. If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, the theft and loss coverage requires you to have Find My iPhone enabled on your device at the time it's lost or stolen. Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Ask the seller whether or not they've, then follow these steps:. Turn on the device and slide to unlock.
If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings General Reset Erase All Content and Settings.
Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased. Begin the device setup process. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password.
If the previous owner isn't present, they can remove the device from their account by signing in to. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to 'Set up your iPhone,' “Set up your iPad,' or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.If you buy a device that's still linked to a previous owner's account, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to erase the device and remove it from their account.
Figuring out how to bypass the Activation Lock on an iPhone or iPad can be frustrating.
“Find My iPhone” features Activation Lock that offers an additional safeguard to your Apple Watch by preventing others from using it. When this security feature is enabled, anyone who tries to unpair your smartwatch, pair the wearable device with a new iPhone or turn off Find My iPhone will have to enter your Apple ID and password. In some cases like when you are selling your device, you need to turn off Activation Lock on your Apple Watch.There are two ways you can disable Activation Lock on your watchOS.
Read on to find out how it’s done the right way! Sponsored Links How to Turn off Activation Lock on your Apple Watch Unpair your Apple Watch from iPhoneFor those unfamiliar, watchOS 2 or later supports Activation Lock. When you on your paired device, it is automatically enabled on the smartwatch. You can simply unpair the watch from your iOS device to disable it. How to Disable Apple Watch Activation Lock Using iCloudWhat if you don’t have the paired iPhone with you?
No problem, you can still turn off Activation Lock using iCloud.Step #1. Open any web browser on your computer and go toStep #2. Now, sign in with your Apple ID and password.
So I had an interesting situation occur when I was preparing to sell my iPhone 6S.When I received my new iPhone 7, I followed the usual procedure to switch from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone 7:1. Backup iPhone 6S to iTunes2. Turn off find my iPhone (this removes the activation lock)3.
Place the in Airplane mode and turn the power off.After following this procedure, I set the iPhone 6S aside and migrated to the iPhone 7. I do this every year so I'm very diligent and knowledgeable about the process.A few days later something weird happened. I turned on the iPhone 6S after being off for 2 days. I plugged it into iTunes to do a full restore and at the same time unlock the phone (after contacting AT&T). After the restore I was greeted with the activation lock screen with a completely different e-mail address associated with the phone. This did not make any sense. The phone was turned off and my screen lock code was still active so nobody would have been able to pick up the phone and get into it.
Besides, the phone was in a safe place and nobody even touched it for 2 days.I immediately contacted Apple and explained the situation. I provided proof that I purchased the phone from them. They were very nice about it and said they would elevate the ticket up to higher management.A few days later they contacted me and said that after reviewing the documentation, they (Apple) removed the activation lock so I was now free to sell the phone.I don't really know what happened but my guess is that someone at Apple was messing with activating someone else and 'fat fingered' the IMEI. Either that or there was a hack at some point. Who knows.I have read numerous times on this forum and other places on the web that Apple is unable to remove the activation lock on any iPhone.
Well my friends, this simply is not true. Apple can do it and this is proof. You had a receipt and enough proof. You also knew enough to contact Apple directly.
We are hearing your story AFTER the fact.Most people asking are newbies whose only post here is to ask about breaking the lock. Either they do not have the correct documentation to petition Apple (otherwise why ask the question here) or they stole the device.So they ask here hoping for a bypass because they know they cannot get one through Apple. Without documentation and proof there is none and Apple cannot do this. I had a similar situation happen to me this year that I've never experienced before in selling each previous iPhone on Craiglist or to family/friends each year since iPhone 3GS.turned off FindMyIphone, Erased all content and settings on my 6s plus in anticipation of selling shortly thereafter. I then, just for kicks and giggles, put my AT&T sim back in the phone as I had a moment where I was going to return my 7+ due to horrible battery life (long story for another day). When I did this it showed I had the activation lock on the phone and the AppleID that definitely didn't belong to me. I'd never seen or heard of this AppleID before.
Considering I had bought this phone from Apple on launch day 2015, had it replaced by Genius at Apple Store this past June. Once they looked at this they were able to remove the activation lock within about 3 days at which point I received an email stating they had validated my purchase and removed the lock.Very weird. I'm glad they were able to resolve but if someone didn't have that paper trail in tact they would be left with a bricked phone and no way to prove to Apple that they hadn't stolen it from Joe-schmoe on the street. Lesson learned-continue diligently saving every receipt/email Apple sends me when I buy or have devices swapped out! It is funny because this happened to me about 2 weeks ago. I wanted to give my 6s plus to my sister, did a restore and the activation lock sceeen appeared with someone else iCloud account.
Don't know where that came from. I reached out to apple and sent them proof of purchase, the last 4 digits of the credit card I paid with, expiration date etc and in three days it was unlocked. But it happened again after a restore and they unlocked it again. This time I had my sister do a restore from an iCloud backup.
Somewhere there was a corrupt backup. I guess this sort of thing happens quite often just don't understand how. Out of curiosity, I did the same thing you did finetings and sure enough, activation lock is back.
Remove Icloud Activation Lock Without Password
Ugh!I'm glad I haven't sold the phone to my friend yet as I would feel terrible if he went to sell the phone down the road only to discover that it was locked again. That would inevitably cause me to get involved again to have to unlock it.not something that I should have to deal with if I turn off findmyiphone before restoring.I sent a follow up to the very nice Senior Apple Care specialist who had assisted me when this first happened last week. Clearly something systemic.
Out of curiosity, I did the same thing you did finetings and sure enough, activation lock is back. Ugh!I'm glad I haven't sold the phone to my friend yet as I would feel terrible if he went to sell the phone down the road only to discover that it was locked again. That would inevitably cause me to get involved again to have to unlock it.not something that I should have to deal with if I turn off findmyiphone before restoring.I sent a follow up to the very nice Senior Apple Care specialist who had assisted me when this first happened last week. Clearly something systemic. Out of curiosity, I did the same thing you did finetings and sure enough, activation lock is back. Ugh!I'm glad I haven't sold the phone to my friend yet as I would feel terrible if he went to sell the phone down the road only to discover that it was locked again.
That would inevitably cause me to get involved again to have to unlock it.not something that I should have to deal with if I turn off findmyiphone before restoring.I sent a follow up to the very nice Senior Apple Care specialist who had assisted me when this first happened last week. Clearly something systemic. doublepost=/doublepostThe iOS senior advisor who has been helping me has been great. I think the issue is probably a corrupt backup from iTunes, so I made my sister do a restore from a back up in iCloud instead and I asked her to turn off the Find my iPhone feature. So far it is working without a any hiccup. It is quite puzzling how this can happen because each year I pay for my phones outright and this is the first time this has happened. I am wondering if I was sold an iPhone that was sold then returned.
First time for everything huh! It will work out just be patient.
It is quite troubling to say the least. I bought my iPhone 7 plus from the same Apple Store and I asked the sales rep to double check that the phone was not previously sold.
I used the 6s plus for almost a year and I have done a restore before but I am not sure why the last time there was an activation lock with someone else iCloud account. The senior advisor did a remote access of my laptop thinking I was doing something wrong with the restore.
As long as you have proof of purchase do not worry about it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will not happen. You would think that Apple should be able to see whose Apple ID is linked to a particular iPhone and contact that individual if a problem like this is presented. It is a lesson for everyone who will be selling, returning or giving an iPhone to someone, to completely deactivate the phone from your Apple ID before the exchange occurs.
But when it is bought from an Apple Store as a brand new device,this should not happen. I'm surprised this is happening to so many people.
I've posted in two other threads my story.I restored my 6s Plus that I originally owned and was surprised to see Activation Lock with an email that wasn't mine. After hours on the phone with Apple, I went into the store and they unlocked it with proof of purchase. 19 hours later? Locked again. Long story short, they removed the lock and replaced my phone for me, but they couldn't figure out why this was happening.There is a difference if your phone is put into LOST mode.
From what the senior specialist told me, you can't unlock a phone that was put into LOST mode. I'm surprised this is happening to so many people.
I've posted in two other threads my story.I restored my 6s Plus that I originally owned and was surprised to see Activation Lock with an email that wasn't mine. After hours on the phone with Apple, I went into the store and they unlocked it with proof of purchase. 19 hours later? Locked again. Long story short, they removed the lock and replaced my phone for me, but they couldn't figure out why this was happening.There is a difference if your phone is put into LOST mode. From what the senior specialist told me, you can't unlock a phone that was put into LOST mode.
So I had an interesting situation occur when I was preparing to sell my iPhone 6S.When I received my new iPhone 7, I followed the usual procedure to switch from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone 7:1. Backup iPhone 6S to iTunes2. Turn off find my iPhone (this removes the activation lock)3. Place the in Airplane mode and turn the power off.After following this procedure, I set the iPhone 6S aside and migrated to the iPhone 7. I do this every year so I'm very diligent and knowledgeable about the process.A few days later something weird happened.
I turned on the iPhone 6S after being off for 2 days. I plugged it into iTunes to do a full restore and at the same time unlock the phone (after contacting AT&T). After the restore I was greeted with the activation lock screen with a completely different e-mail address associated with the phone. This did not make any sense. The phone was turned off and my screen lock code was still active so nobody would have been able to pick up the phone and get into it.
Besides, the phone was in a safe place and nobody even touched it for 2 days.I immediately contacted Apple and explained the situation. I provided proof that I purchased the phone from them. They were very nice about it and said they would elevate the ticket up to higher management.A few days later they contacted me and said that after reviewing the documentation, they (Apple) removed the activation lock so I was now free to sell the phone.I don't really know what happened but my guess is that someone at Apple was messing with activating someone else and 'fat fingered' the IMEI. Either that or there was a hack at some point. Who knows.I have read numerous times on this forum and other places on the web that Apple is unable to remove the activation lock on any iPhone. Well my friends, this simply is not true.
Icloud Activation Lock Removal Free
Apple can do it and this is proof. So I had an interesting situation occur when I was preparing to sell my iPhone 6S.When I received my new iPhone 7, I followed the usual procedure to switch from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone 7:1. Backup iPhone 6S to iTunes2. Turn off find my iPhone (this removes the activation lock)3.
How To Remove Activation Lock On Apple Watch Without Apple Id
Place the in Airplane mode and turn the power off.After following this procedure, I set the iPhone 6S aside and migrated to the iPhone 7. I do this every year so I'm very diligent and knowledgeable about the process.A few days later something weird happened. I turned on the iPhone 6S after being off for 2 days. I plugged it into iTunes to do a full restore and at the same time unlock the phone (after contacting AT&T). After the restore I was greeted with the activation lock screen with a completely different e-mail address associated with the phone. This did not make any sense.
The phone was turned off and my screen lock code was still active so nobody would have been able to pick up the phone and get into it. Besides, the phone was in a safe place and nobody even touched it for 2 days.I immediately contacted Apple and explained the situation. I provided proof that I purchased the phone from them. They were very nice about it and said they would elevate the ticket up to higher management.A few days later they contacted me and said that after reviewing the documentation, they (Apple) removed the activation lock so I was now free to sell the phone.I don't really know what happened but my guess is that someone at Apple was messing with activating someone else and 'fat fingered' the IMEI. Either that or there was a hack at some point. Who knows.I have read numerous times on this forum and other places on the web that Apple is unable to remove the activation lock on any iPhone. Well my friends, this simply is not true.
Apple can do it and this is proof. I had the exact same problem. My iPhone 6S Plus.I removed from Find my iPhone, erased all content and settings, removed from hardware profile and iCloud account devices.A day later - it was activation locked to a different iCloud accountWhile Apple support said - very strange, impossible, etc. I went to the store I purchased it from with the receipt, and they removed the activation lock. (This took hours between calling support and going the store)The iPhone never left my sight (or home) since I erased it.Apple is clearly having an issue they will not admit to.Maybe it needs to be posted on Macrumors as a reported issue by several forum members and maybe Apple will pay attention.
This happened to me as well - went to sell my iPhone 6s at Starbucks today, noticed it was Activation Locked to an account that's not mine (and I've only used it on one). I bought it new at the Apple Store on launch day, and I deactivated it less than 72 hours ago.I am livid - it's going to take Apple 24 to 48 hours to get this fixed after almost an hour on the phone? I paid almost $900 for it and it's no more useful than a paperweight right now. I had to conference call in the Grand Central Apple Store to re-send my receipt, then I had to upload it to Apple, and now the customer support team is telling me the only thing I can do is wait.This is insane. What if the person I tried to sell to on CL had been less savvy and walked away with an iPhone they couldn't have used?
Would have made me look horrible, and it's not like that was my intention. This happened to me as well - went to sell my iPhone 6s at Starbucks today, noticed it was Activation Locked to an account that's not mine (and I've only used it on one). I bought it new at the Apple Store on launch day, and I deactivated it less than 72 hours ago.I am livid - it's going to take Apple 24 to 48 hours to get this fixed after almost an hour on the phone?
I paid almost $900 for it and it's no more useful than a paperweight right now. I had to conference call in the Grand Central Apple Store to re-send my receipt, then I had to upload it to Apple, and now the customer support team is telling me the only thing I can do is wait.This is insane. What if the person I tried to sell to on CL had been less savvy and walked away with an iPhone they couldn't have used? Would have made me look horrible, and it's not like that was my intention.