How to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone or iPad

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: March 14, 2023 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to disable an iCloud activation lock on an iPhone or iPad. You can ask the previous owner to remove it from Find My iPhone, use alternate DNS servers during setup, or pay a service to unlock it for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Asking the Previous Owner

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This is the easiest and fastest way to release the activation lock. The remaining steps in this method should be followed by the previous owner.
Sign into https://www.icloud.com in a web browser. The previous owner must use the account that's logged into your iPhone or iPad.

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A list of associated iPhones and/or iPads will appear.^{[1]
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If you don't see this option, click All Devices again, then click Delete next to the iPhone or iPad.
Once the iPhone or iPad is removed, the iPhone or iPad will no longer be locked.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using DNS Bypass

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1
Power on your iPhone or iPad. If the phone or tablet is already on, restart it so you can set it up as a new device.
- This method will help you get into a locked iPhone or iPad by using alternate DNS addresses.
Before you get there, you'll have to choose a language and region, among other things.
It's at the bottom of the screen.
A list of Wi-Fit networks will appear.
A blank will appear.
9
Enter the server address for your location. Here are the options:
- USA/North America: 104.154.51.7
- Europe: 104.155.28.90
- Asia: 104.155.220.58
- Africa, Australia, and other locations: 78.109.17.60
This brings you back to the network info.
If a password is required, a pop-up will appear.
It's at the top-right corner of the screen.
This brings you back to the Wi-Fi page, where you'll see something like “iCloudDNSBypass.net” at the top of the screen.
Now that you've used these special addresses, you've bypassed the lock. Set up your phone or tablet as normal.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Paying an Unlocking Service

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1
Search the web for a reputable iCloud lock removal service. There are numerous scams out there so it's important to do your research.
- It's very rare for any company to remove the activation lock for free—if you see such claims, those are likely scams.
- If you're unsure of a company, check for reviews at RipoffReport, TrustPilot, or Trustmark Reviews.
- Some recommended pay sites are iPhoneIMEI.net and Official iPhone Unlock.
2
Get your iPhone's IMEI code. The unlocking service needs this code to unlock the phone. Here's where to find it on different models:^{[2]
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- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X: You'll find the IMEI on the SIM tray. Insert the SIM ejection tool (or the end of a paperclip) into the hole on the tray, which is located on the right side of the phone.^{[3]
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  Research source} Pull out the tray and find the IMEI on the tray's outer edge.^{[4]
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- iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6 Plus, iPad: The IMEI is printed on the back of your phone toward the bottom. The number is prefaced by “IMEI.”
Enter the IMEI, model number, and payment information as requested by the site, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the unlocking.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I remove the iCloud activation lock if my home button isn't working?

Community Answer

That is a physical problem and will need to be fixed by Apple, iFixit or some other repair company before completing the repair.

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Question

How do I remove the iCloud activation lock if my home button isn't working?

bit bleh

Community Answer

If you're stuck on the lock screen, hold the power button, slide to power off, turn it back on and it should be unlocked long enough for you to open accessibility settings (if you're on the setup screen it might not be available if it's an older device), turn on assistive touch, and press the new button on screen to go home.

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Question

I saw the DNS method to bypass activation lock on your website. Is this method a jailbreak or will we be able to use all the features of iPhone?

bit bleh

Community Answer

Nope, it's just essentially allowing you access to the web browser and you can use basic web apps like telegram, you can't actually go to the home screen and it resets all of your data whenever you lock the phone. It's not a jailbreak.

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