[4 Top Ways] How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

It can be very frustrating to buy a used iPhone or iPad with activation lock. It gets worse when you can’t open it, and it becomes almost a nightmare when you don’t have any contact with the previous owner. The cell phone basically becomes useless. You can’t use it until you sign in to an iCloud account, which isn’t possible without the previous owner’s Apple ID and password. So is there a way to get out of this? Can you get rid of the activation lock even if you are not in contact with the previous owner? Fortunately, there is a way.

In this post, we will show you exactly how to remove Activation Lock without a previous owner so that you can experience your new iPhone. We are going to share 3 proven ways you can achieve this.

How to remove iCloud activation lock without previous owner

As said, there are 3 ways to unlock device activation without needing the previous owner.

Removing iCloud activation lock with a professional tool
Using the DNS Bypass Method
Asking Apple to remove the block

Let us teach you how to remove activation lock in every way.

Remove iCloud activation lock with a professional tool

FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker is a professional iCloud activation lock bypass software that can remove activation lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch/Apple Watch without password. In case you have purchased an iCloud locked iPhone/iPad or your device has been locked by its owner, the easiest way to reactivate it is with this bypass tool from FoneGeek. With it, you will be able to reactivate any locked iPhone without the need for the previous owner’s iCloud ID or password.

Features of FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker Bypass Tool:

Removing the activation lock screen takes only a few seconds without using the password of the previous owner.
Use any Apple ID to easily access your iPhone or other iDevices after unlocking.
Prevent the previous owner from tracking your device.
Prevent the previous owner from erasing or locking your device using your iCloud account.
Compatible with most iPhone models (iPhone 5S to iPhone 14) running iOS 16 and later.

Steps to use FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker to remove activation lock on iPhone without previous owner.

Download FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker.
Install it on your computer and run it.
Click “Unlock Apple ID” to start the process.

Use the DNS bypass method

Changing the DNS settings of your Wi-Fi network is another way to bypass Activation Lock. But first we need to better understand what DNS really is. DNS basically stands for Domain Name System. It is a system that translates human-readable names, also known as domains, into unique numeric IP addresses.

Through DNS server manipulation, also called iCloud DNS Bypass, it is possible to bypass the iCloud lock. This is accomplished by redirecting your iPhone’s activation path away from Apple’s servers and towards select third-party iCloud bypass servers. In general, this iCloud DNS bypass method can be very useful when you have a used iPhone/iPad that you need to unlock, but you don’t know or can’t contact the previous owner to retrieve the login information. It is also useful if you have forgotten your Apple ID credentials.

Here is how to remove activation lock without previous owner for free using DNS bypass method.

Turn on your iOS device or restart it if it is already on.
Follow the setup process until you get to the “Select WiFi network” section.
Select “More WiFi settings” and
Tap the “i” symbol next to the WiFi network.

When the “Setup Menu” appears, select the “Manual” option.

Go to the “+ Add Server” button and tap on it.
Enter the server address (must match your location).
You can connect to the servers using the following:
- 104.154.51.7 – for the US
- 35.199.88.219 – for SAT
- 104.155.28.90 – for Europe
- 104.155.220.58 – for Asia
- 35.189.47.23 – for Oceania and Australia
- 78.100.17.60 – for others

When you’re done, go back to the WiFi page.
Once your device connects to the iCloud DNS bypass server for your region, you can stop tapping “Next” and “Back” until your device is set up with your own Apple ID.

Although the DNS method works, it has some limitations, such as:

There is no guarantee that the service will successfully unlock your device.
The process can be a bit challenging for non-technical users.
After you unlock your iPhone, you may not have access to all of its features.
It is not effective for most devices, especially those running iOS 10 or later.
Newer iPhone or iPad models may not support the process.

The best way to overcome these DNS bypass limitations is to use FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker to easily remove activation lock. The developers of FoneGeek software have designed and developed the iCloud Activation Lock Bypass Software and ensure that the tool is effective in removing iCloud Activation Lock without the previous owner’s login information.

Ask Apple to remove the block for you

Besides bypassing DNS, this is another method you can use; Although it may not be as effective as using the professional activation lock bypass tool FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker, moreover, it has its own set of disadvantages. This method involves submitting a request to Apple Customer Service to remove the block.

If you go this route, you need to prove that you bought a locked device and are now the actual owner. This means that you will have to present all the documentation regarding the purchase of the iPhone.

To make sure the verification process goes smoothly, you should visit your local Apple Store, where the employees can help you with all the paperwork. However, if this is not possible, you can call or contact Apple Customer Service directly for help. Follow these steps to do it.

Visit https://support.apple.com/
Go to the “start a support request” option and click on it.
You will be redirected to the terms and conditions page. Please read them carefully and click “I Agree”.
Now enter your Email ID plus Serial Number, IMEI and MEDI.
Once you’ve done this, Apple will send you a confirmation link.

Disadvantages of this method

It is not convenient if you bought a used iPhone. Calling Apple Support or going to your local Apple Store may not produce any results.
The biggest drawback is that Apple does not cover iPhones purchased from used dealers at all.

How to remove activation lock without previous owner via iCloud web for free

If you’re in contact with the previous owner but can’t reach them, you can still unlock your iPhone remotely. There are a number of instructions you can follow to do this. The entire process can be done remotely via iCloud Web. The previous owner of your device can help you with the process if you cooperate.

Here’s how to remove activation lock without previous owner via iCloud web. Share these steps with the previous owner of your device to unlock it.

Visit the iCloud website in your browser.

Sign in to your existing iCloud account that you used with your iPhone locked.
Once you are signed in, go to the Find iPhone option and click on it.

When its previous owner reaches this point, you can remotely perform the following actions on your phone.

From the dropdown menu, click All Devices and select a specific locked iPhone.
Now click Erase iPhone to remove Activation Lock.

Bonus tip. An easy way to avoid getting stuck on phone activation lock screen

Now you know exactly how to remove activation lock without contacting the previous owner. If you want the transition from your old iPhone to your new iPhone to be seamless, you should disable Find My iPhone. After disabling Find My iPhone, your iPhone will now become a brand new device, also there will be no obstacles caused by iOS lock such as iCloud activation lock, screen lock, screen time lock or blocking Apple ID.

You can turn off Find My iPhone in the Settings app if you can remember your Apple ID password by following these steps:

Open the Settings app. Go to the top of the screen and touch the name of the device.
Select the Find My option.
Then tap Find My iPhone at the top.
Now disable Find My iPhone by typing your Apple ID password.

So, this is pretty much all you need to know to disable Apple Activation Lock. It is time to conclude our discussion today.

Conclusion

If you want to know exactly how to remove activation lock without a previous owner, we think you now know how. The methods we have highlighted above can help you remove or bypass Activation Lock. Unfortunately, most of them are not that effective and may not even work for some devices. That is why we recommend using FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker.

This professional activation lock bypass tool offers the easiest, safest and fastest way to remove/bypass iCloud activation lock on any used iPhone without the help of the previous owner. It is more effective and reliable than any other method, plus it can remove all other iOS locks. So, download it and have a try.

Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education

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