This wikiHow teaches you how to disable iCloud activation lock on your iPhone or iPad. To disable it, you can ask the previous device owner to remove the device from Find My iPhone, use a different DNS server when setting up the device, or use someone else's services to do so.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Asking Previous Device Owners for Help
Step 1. Ask the previous owner of the device to remove the iPhone from Find my iPhone
This step is the easiest and fastest way to disable the activation lock. The next steps listed in this method must be performed by the device owner.
Step 2. Sign in to your iCloud account by going to https://www.icloud.com in your browser (website)
The previous owner of the device must be signed in to the iCloud account that the iPhone or iPad is connected to.
Step 3. Click Find my iPhone
Step 4. Click All Devices
A list of iPhones and iPads connected to the account will appear on the screen.
Step 5. Click the iPhone or iPad that has an activation lock
Step 6. Click Remove from Account
If you can't find this option, click again All Devices and click Delete which is next to the iPhone or iPad.
Step 7. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to confirm
Once the iPhone or iPad is erased, the device will no longer be locked.
Method 2 of 3: Using DNS
Step 1. Turn on your iPhone or iPad
If the iPhone or iPad is already on, restart the device to set it up as a new device.
This method will help you unlock a locked iPhone or iPad using another DNS address
Step 2. Follow the device setup instructions until the “Choose Wi-Fi network” screen appears
You must select your language, region, etc. before the screen appears.
Step 3. Press the Home button
It's at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Tap More Wi-Fi Settings
After that, a list of Wi-Fi networks will appear on the screen.
Step 5. Tap the circle icon containing the letter "i" which is next to the Wi-Fi network
Step 6. Tap Configure DNS
Step 7. Tap Manual
Step 8. Tap +Add Server
After that, a blank page will appear on the screen.
Step 9. Enter the server address for your location
Here are the options that can be used:
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United States or North America:
104.154.51.7
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Europe:
104.155.28.90
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Asia:
104.155.220.58
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Africa, Australia and other locations:
78.109.17.60
Step 10. Tap Save
Step 11. Tap the Back button (back)
Tapping it will reopen the page containing the network information.
Step 12. Tap Join this Network
A pop-up window will appear on the screen if the Wi-Fi network asks you to enter a password (password).
Step 13. Enter the network password and tap the Join button
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 14. Tap the Back button when the iPhone or iPad starts the startup process
This will reopen the Wi-Fi page. On that page, you'll see the text “iCloudDNSBypass.net” or something similar at the top of the screen.
Step 15. Continue setting up your iPhone or iPad
Now you can bypass the activation key after using that DNS address. After that, you can use your iPhone or iPad as usual.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Services of Others
Step 1. Look for a trusted iCloud lock deactivation service on the internet
Note that many people are trying to trick people who want to disable iCloud lock. Therefore, make sure the service provider can be trusted.
- Very few companies offer the service of deactivating iCloud activation lock for free. Therefore, if you see a company offering its services for free, it is most likely a scam.
- If you're unsure of a company's credibility, look for reviews on RipoffReport, TrustPilot, or Trustmark Reviews.
- Some trusted paid websites that offer this service include iPhoneIMEI.net and Official iPhone Unlock.
Step 2. Find the iPhone IMEI code
Service providers need this code to unlock your iPhone or iPad. Here's how to find it for the different iPhone and iPad models:
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iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X:
You can find the IMEI code on the SIM card tray. Insert the SIM tray puller (or end of a paperclip) into the tray hole on the right side of iPhone. After that, pull out the bin and find the IMEI code at the end of the bin.
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iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6 Plus, iPad:
The IMEI code is printed on the bottom back of the phone. It's next to the text "IMEI."
Step 3. Follow the instructions listed on the selected website
Enter the IMEI code, device model number and payment information requested by the website. After that, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the iCloud lock deactivation process.
