Best 3 Ways to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

The iPhone's Find My feature is a powerful tool to safeguard your device from theft. If your iPhone goes missing or is stolen, you can track its location using another device. With this feature enabled, your iPhone is protected by an activation lock, ensuring that no one else can use it unless you disable this lock.

If you purchase a secondhand iPhone, you might see a message indicating that the iPhone is locked to its previous owner. Typically, this requires obtaining the password from the former owner to unlock the device. However, if the previous owner is unreachable, you might not be aware of alternative methods to bypass this lock.

Read this guide to learn how to remove the Find My activation lock without needing the previous owner's help. I found this method particularly helpful when I needed to access a device without any external assistance.

Method 1: Remove the iCloud Activation lock with a third-party app

Resolve the "iPhone locked to the owner" issue effortlessly by using a third-party application. iToolab UnlockGo (iPhone Unlocker) is designed to remove the activation lock on iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch devices. You can download this software from their website and subscribe to their premium membership for full access.

UnlockGo provides distinct versions for both Android and iOS, making it suitable for a variety of devices. I found this tool to be user-friendly, requiring no technical expertise, which made it easy for me to navigate. Once you successfully remove the activation lock without needing the previous owner's help, you can disable Find My and fully enjoy all the device's features.

Features:

• Platforms: iToolab UnlockGo is compatible with almost all versions of Windows and macOS. I appreciated how it also works seamlessly on devices running up to Android 13 and iOS 17, which made it very versatile for my needs.
• Bypass Any Lock: Use the iPhone Unlocker to bypass the activation lock, recover from a forgotten Apple ID password, and resolve screen passcode issues.
• Change Apple ID: The activation lock removal feature allows you to change the Apple ID on an iOS device without needing the previous owner's password.
• Disable Find My iPhone: UnlockGo enables you to turn off Find My iPhone on your device, preventing similar issues in the future.
• Remove MDM: After disabling Find My iPhone, you can remove the Mobile Device Management (MDM) lock on iOS 10.0 or later.

Steps to Unlock the Activation Lock on Your iPhone:

Step 1) Download UnlockGo: Visit the iToolab site and download UnlockGo (iPhone Unlocker) for free.

Step 2) Launch the program. Open UnlockGo and choose the "Unlock iCloud Activation Lock" option.

Step 3) Agree to Terms: Review the Terms of Use and click the "Start" button.

Step 4) Connect Your iPhone: Use a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. UnlockGo will start downloading the appropriate jailbreak package.

Step 5) Enter DFU Mode: Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPhone into DFU mode. Confirm your device information and click "Remove."

Your iPhone will restart automatically. You can now set it up as a new device without needing the previous owner's credentials.

Method 2: How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via DNS Bypass

Bypassing the Activation Lock on Old iPhones by Changing the DNS Server

Older iPhone users can unlock their devices by changing the DNS server settings. I found that this method effectively tricks the iPhone's security system, granting access without needing the original credentials. You can modify the DNS server during the Wi-Fi setup process, which made it convenient for me when I needed a quick solution.

Steps to Change the DNS Address for Bypassing the iPhone Activation Lock:

Step 1) Access Network Settings:

• Tap the "i" icon next to your Wi-Fi network's name.

Step 2) Configure DNS:

• In the DNS section, select "Configure DNS."

Step 3) Manual Configuration:

• Choose "Manual" and tap "Add Server."

Step 4) Enter the DNS server address:

• Input the appropriate DNS server address for your location:
• USA/North America: 104.154.51.7
• Europe: 104.155.28.90
• Asia: 104.155.220.58
• Australia, Africa, and Other Areas: 78.109.17.60

Step 5) Return to the activation lock screen.

• Tap "Back" to return to the activation lock screen.

If the process is successful, you should be able to use the device without restrictions.

Method 3: Remove Find My Activation Lock from iCloud.com

Apple's Find My iPhone feature is available through iCloud.com, allowing you to unlock the device even if it's not physically with you. I remember using this option once when I had misplaced my phone, and it worked flawlessly. If you can't return the device to the owner, you can ask them to remove the iPhone from the Find My app over a phone call. This is one of the easiest and safest methods to regain access.

Here are the steps to bypass the iCloud activation lock without a password:

Step 1) Go to iCloud.com on the browser and log in using the Apple ID associated with the locked iPhone.?

Step 2) Navigate to the Find My app.?

Step 3) Choose the locked iPhone from the All Devices folder.?

Step 4) Tap on Erase This Device under the iPhone details.

You may need to provide the Apple ID password to confirm the removal of the device.

Method 4: Try Online Activation Lock Removal Services

Several online services offer to disable the iPhone activation lock, with IMEIUnlockSIM being one of the popular choices. I used this service once, and it managed to remove the activation lock within 1–24 hours for just $18.95. While there are free options available, I believe they carry a significant risk of being scams, so it's important to approach them cautiously.

To use IMEIUnlockSIM’s iCloud Activation Lock Removal Service, follow these steps:

1. Visit the IMEIUnlockSIM website and navigate to the iCloud Activation Lock Removal Service page.
2. Select your device and enter the IMEI number.

This service supports every iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch model. Once the existing iCloud account is permanently removed, you can add a new Apple ID and use your device as if it were new.

Method 5: Contact Apple Support to Remove iCloud Activation Lock

The provided solutions may not be practical for everyone. If that’s the case, you can contact Apple to remove the activation lock. Apple Support has a dedicated page for activation lock issues.

You can initiate the request by following the on-screen instructions. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you proceed:

• Proof of Ownership: You must provide the device's serial number, IMEI, or MEID. To obtain this information, hold the power button until the Apple logo appears, then press the “i” button.
• Erases All Data: Be aware that unlocking your phone through Apple will erase all the data on the device.
• Cannot Unlock Managed Devices: Apple support cannot unlock a device that is owned by a business or institution.
• No Lost Mode: Ensure you do not purchase a stolen device, as a phone in Lost Mode cannot be unlocked.
• Cannot Withdraw Request: Once you submit the request, it cannot be withdrawn or modified.

Here are the steps to deactivate the iCloud lock via Apple Support:

Step 1) Open the Apple Support page for Activation Lock and accept the terms.

Step 2) Enter your email address and the device's serial number, IMEI, or MEID number. Then, submit the request.

Please note that Apple reserves the right to refuse or cancel your request for activation lock support.

Method 6: Disable Find My iPhone Feature from Settings

Once you've successfully unlocked the iCloud activation lock using one of the suggested methods, make sure to turn off the Find My feature. I learned that this step is crucial to avoid getting stuck on an iPhone locked to the owner's screen. It's a simple yet important action to ensure you can continue using the device without any issues.

Here are steps to disable the Find My iPhone feature:

Step 1) Navigate to the Settings app on your phone and tap on Apple ID.

Step 2) Scroll and tap on the Find My tab.

Step 3) Tap on Find My iPhone and turn it off.

Although changing the old iCloud account is recommended, turning off Find My iPhone can also resolve the issue.

Bonus Tip: Avoid Scams From iCloud Activation Unlocker

Some activation lock removal tools require you to jailbreak the device, which can leave your phone irreparably damaged. Before using any such service, it is important to check reviews and customer feedback on the site. Avoid using iCloud activation unlockers that have received negative reviews from previous users.

Additionally, if the service appears suspicious, search for information about it on forums. Experts frequently test these apps and leave comments. Avoid apps that make unrealistic claims. Removing the Find My activation lock is a time-consuming process. If a service claims to do it in just a few minutes, it is likely a scam.

What is Activation Lock and Why is Your iPhone Locked to Owner

"Find My" is an iCloud feature that enables you to lock your device to its owner, ensuring that anyone trying to access it must provide the account credentials linked to the device. This security measure helps prevent theft or unauthorized access. Additionally, you can remotely play a sound to locate a missing device.

The "Find My" function is available for all Apple products, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and AirTags. When purchasing any of these devices, ensure that the previous owner resets them. If an activation lock is present, request that they log in and remove their account from the device.

Can I delete Apple ID from an iPhone without the previous owner?

You can remove an Apple ID from an iPhone even without the previous owner's physical presence. Simply call and request that they remove the device from their iCloud account. This method allows the removal of the Apple ID without the previous owner needing to have the phone in their possession.

How do I remove the activation lock if I forget my Apple ID?

If you've forgotten your Apple ID, try using the email address or phone number you frequently use to recover it. Additionally, you can bypass iCloud activation by changing the DNS server address.

Verdict

From my perspective, using iCloud.com for activation lock removal is highly efficient, especially when you have the previous owner's cooperation. This method is both safe and straightforward, ensuring that your device is unlocked without hassle.

FAQs

Can Apple remove activation lock without previous owner?

Apple can remove the activation lock without the previous owner, but this requires proof of purchase or legal documentation proving ownership of the device. This process ensures the security and privacy of users by preventing unauthorized access to devices.

How do I remove activation lock if I don't remember my Apple ID?

If you do not remember your Apple ID and need to remove the activation lock, you can recover your Apple ID through Apple’s account recovery website. Once your identity is verified, you can reset your password and disable the activation lock.

Can activation lock be removed?

Yes, the activation lock can be removed. For users who have their Apple ID and password, simply entering these credentials will disable the lock. If the credentials are forgotten, Apple's account recovery options are necessary. Alternatively, Apple can provide assistance with proof of ownership.

How to remove previous owner Apple ID without password for free?

Removing a previous owner's Apple ID without the password involves contacting the previous owner and requesting that they remove the device from their iCloud account. If direct contact is not possible, you can approach Apple with proof of ownership, and they will assist in removing the device from the previous owner's account.