How to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone or iPad

Thanks to the previous owner

Have the previous owner remove the iPhone from Find my iPhone. This is the easiest and fastest way to remove activation lock. The remaining steps in this method need to be performed by the previous owner.

Log in to https://www.icloud.com using a web browser. The previous owner must use an account signed in on the iPhone or iPad.

Click Find my iPhone .

Click All Devices. A list of iPhones and/or iPads will appear.

Click on the iPhone or iPad that needs the activation lock removed.

Click Remove from Account . If you don't see this option, click All Devices again and select Delete next to the iPhone/iPad icon.

Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deletion. After deletion, the iPhone/iPad will no longer be locked.

Use DNS instead

Power on iPhone/iPad. If your phone or tablet is already open, restart it so you can set it up as a new device.

This method will help you access your locked iPhone/iPad by using an alternate DNS address.

Complete the setup process until you reach the 'Choose Wi-Fi network' screen. Before you get here, you need to select your language, country, and other information.

Press the Home button located below the screen.

Tap More Wi-Fi Settings . A list of Wi-Fit networks will appear.

Tap the circle with the letter 'i' inside it next to the Wi-Fi network.

Click Configure DNS .

Tap Manual .

Click +Add Server . A blank space will appear.

Enter the server address of the current location. Here are some options:

United States/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

Click Save .

Click the back button. You will return to the network information page.

Click Join this Network . If the network requires a password, a dialog box will pop up.

Enter the network password and click Join . This action is in the upper right corner of the screen.

Click the back button when iPhone/iPad tries to activate. You will return to the Wi-Fi page, where information similar to 'iCloudDNSBypass.net' will appear at the top of the screen.

Continue setting up iPhone/iPad. After using these special addresses, you will bypass the encryption layer. You can now set up your phone/tablet as usual.

Use an unlocking service

Find a reputable iCloud unlocking service website. There are countless pitfalls in this field, so it's important to learn carefully.

There are rarely any companies that accept activation lock removal for free, so if you use services that claim this, it is most likely a scam.

If you're unsure about a company, check out user reviews on RipoffReport, TrustPilot or Trustmark Reviews.

Some recommended paid sites are iPhoneIMEI.net and Official iPhone Unlock.

Find out iPhone IMEI code. Services will need this code to unlock the phone. Here's how to determine the IMEI code on different models:

On iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X: You need to find the IMEI code in the SIM tray. Push the SIM eject tool (or the pointed end of a paperclip) into the hole in the tray located on the right side of the phone. Pull out the tray and find the IMEI number on the outer edge of the tray.

On iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6 Plus, iPad: The IMEI code is printed toward the bottom of the back of the phone. The first part of the code will be 'IMEI'.

Follow the instructions on the page you choose. Enter the IMEI code, model number, and payment information requested by the site, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the unlocking process.