How to Get Past the Activation Lock on an iPhone or iPad without the Seller

Download Article

Bypass the iCloud activation lock even if the device's previous owner isn't around

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: August 23, 2023 Fact Checked

Download Article

Contact Apple Support

|

DNS Bypass

|

Avoid Scams

If you've bought an iPhone or iPad second-hand, you may have come across the activation lock during setup. Activation lock is a security measure put in place by Apple to keep devices safe if they're stolen and can't be removed even with a factory reset. Sometimes sellers forget to deactivate the activation lock on their old devices, which can leave the buyer with a device they can't use. If you're unable to get in contact with the original owner you can try several methods to bypass this lock, and we'll go over them in this article.

Things You Should Know

The safest way to remove the activation lock is to contact Apple Support, though this method is not 100% foolproof as Apple can deny your request.
You can use DNS bypass to get past the activation lock, though it may not work on every device.
Many services online say they can help remove activation locks, but most of these are scams that don't really work.

Section 1 of 3:

Contact Apple Support

Download Article

1
Visit Apple's Activation Lock support page. If you can't contact the original owner of your device, Apple Support may help. Apple Support has a dedicated contact page for Activation Lock issues.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Navigate to the Apple Support Activation Lock additional support page.
2
Follow the on-screen prompts. You must provide your email address as well as your phone's serial number, IMEI, or MEID. Apple will also need proof of purchase of your device.
- You can find the serial number, IMEI, or MEID when you're setting up your device. Press the power button until you see the Apple logo, then tap the "i" button in the bottom right corner to see the number.
Advertisement
Apple reserves the right to not approve any activation lock removal requests that it deems suspicious or untrustworthy.

Section 2 of 3:

DNS Bypass

Download Article

If you're stuck at the activation lock screen, restarting your device will allow you to begin the device set-up again.
This should be the section after choosing your country and language.
Scroll towards the bottom of the screen, then click Configure DNS and select the Manual option.
5
Input the new DNS. There are different DNS addresses depending on your location.
- 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
Select the Wi-Fi network you just edited and enter the password when prompted.
7
Tap the Back button when the device tries to activate. If you were successful you should be able to bypass the activation lock.
- This method will not unlock your phone fully, and many of your phone's features will not be available. The activation lock will also reappear after you restart your phone.
- This method may not work for every device, especially newer versions of iOS. If you are unable to bypass the activation lock this way you may want to try contacting Apple Support for help.

Section 3 of 3:

Avoid Scams

Download Article

These apps have generally poor reviews online. Users state they have paid for the service only for it to not work in the end. These apps also usually require you to jailbreak your device, which can leave your device open to security threats.
Many users state that services that claim to unlock your phone are a scam, many reporting that they paid for a service and their device was never unlocked.
Anyone that offers to unlock your device for free is likely attempting to scam you. Only accept help for this issue from a person or business that you trust.