How to Bypass Activation Lock on an iPhone

When you enable the Find My iPhone feature on your iPhone, it protects your data and prevents the wrong person from using your device. However, if you’ve bought a second-hand second-hand iPhone, you may have difficulty accessing the smartphone and getting past the lock. Fortunately, there are several ways to bypass the activation lock, regardless of your iPhone version.

Read on to learn more.

How to Bypass an Activation Lock on an iPhone X, 11, 12, 13

Let’s look at the most popular methods for resolving activation lock issues on an iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13.

Use an Online Program

Many online programs can help you gain access to your iPhone when you‘re struggling to unlock it. For example, the Apple iPhone Unlock program and Unlock Doctor software are relatively secure and reliable lock removal apps. They’re compatible with all iPhone models and support all iOS versions, and are an excellent way to get quick access to your device. Both programs guide users through the unlocking process with simple on-screen instructions, so you shouldn’t have much difficulty completing the task.

But sharing your device information with third-party software is potentially dangerous, and some users may be reluctant to rely on their service. Online solutions are often packed with malware and carry viruses that could infect your iPhone and compromise your personal information. If you’re uncomfortable using an online program, consider trying a different method.

Use Apple ID

If you’ve bought a second-hand iPhone, the previous owner might help you set up the device by entering their Apple ID into the activation window. This information will unlock the iPhone. Follow the steps below to bypass the lock with the previous owner’s passcode:

1. Click on the “Unlock with Passcode” option from the iPhone Activation page.
   
2. Type the two-factor activation code the previous owner will receive from Apple into the appropriate field.
3. Type the iPhone’s passcode to remove the activation lock.

If you’re attempting to unlock an iPhone running iOS 11 or higher, the original owner can log in to the iCloud website. They should remove the smartphone from their account to unlock it. Here’s what they should do to grant you complete access to the device:

1. Head to the iCloud web page and enter your Apple ID credentials.
   
2. Navigate to “Find iPhone” and select “All Devices.”
   
3. Go through the list of available devices and tap the one you wish to disconnect from your Apple account.
   
4. Press the “Erase iPhone” option to confirm your decision.
   
5. Click on “Remove from Account.”
   

When the original owner removes the smartphone from their Apple account, you should have no difficulty accessing all its features.

Use the “Finder” Program

If you’re a MacBook user, Apple recommends using the “Finder” program to unlock your iPhone. Although this is one of the safest unlocking methods, note that it will clear all data stored on the device.

In case you’ve connected your iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13 to the app before, follow the below steps:

1. Connect the iPhone to your Mac using a USB tether cord.
   
2. Launch the macOS Finder from the desktop.
   
3. When your Mac detects the connected device, click on the “Restore iPhone” option under the “General” tab.
   

If you’ve never connected the iPhone to the “Finder” program before, you can unlock it by entering Recovery mode. Here’s how to do so:

1. Power off your iPhone and connect it to your Mac.
   
2. Quickly press and release your iPhone’s “volume up” switch and repeat the process with the “volume down” switch.
   
3. Hold down the side button until the smartphone goes into Recovery mode.
   
4. Launch the “Finder” app on your Mac.
   
5. When the program recognizes the connected device, select your iPhone.
   
6. Click on “Restore.”

The action will unlock the iPhone by erasing stored data and restoring its default settings.

Use iTunes

Windows users can bypass the activation page using the iTunes app on their computer. If you’ve connected the smartphone to your Windows PC before, follow the below instructions:

1. Use a USB cord to connect the iPhone to your PC and launch the iTunes app from the desktop.
   
2. After the program recognizes the connected device, select the “Restore iPhone” option.
   

You can modify this method and unlock an iPhone you haven’t previously connected to your computer. To do so:

1. Switch off your iPhone and connect it to your computer using a USB cable.
   
2. Quickly tap and release the “volume up” switch and repeat the process with the “volume down” switch.
   
3. Hold down the side button until you activate Recovery mode.
4. Open the iTunes program on your computer and choose your iPhone.
   
5. Press “Restore.”
   

Unlocking the phone from Recovery mode will delete saved data and return the iPhone to its factory settings.

How to Bypass an Activation Lock on an iPhone 6, 7, 8

Although iOS 6, 7, and 8 are older versions of the operating system, you can still rely on macOS Finder or iTunes. These programs will help you unlock your smartphone without a passcode.

Use macOS Finder

If you’ve connected your mobile device to the “Finder” program before, here’s how you can unlock it on your Mac:

1. Link the iPhone to the Mac with a USB cord.
   
2. Open the “Finder” app from the desktop and check whether it has recognized the connected smartphone.
   
3. After the software detects your iPhone, click on the “Restore iPhone” button under the “General” tab.
   

Keep in mind that this method only works with devices you’ve previously connected to your Mac. To unlock a new device, you’ll need to activate Recovery mode.

This is what you need to do to enter Recovery mode on an iPhone 6:

1. Power off your iPhone and connect it to your Mac.
   
2. Simultaneously tap and hold the “Home” and side buttons.
   
3. Hold the buttons until the Recovery mode page appears.
4. Open macOS Finder and pick your iPhone from the list of recognized devices.
   
5. Press “Restore.”
   

Your Mac will reset the iPhone and bring back its default settings.

Here’s how you can unlock an iPhone 7 through Recovery mode:

1. After switching off your iPhone, connect it to the Mac.
   
2. Hold the top or “volume down” button to activate Recovery mode.
3. Launch the “Finder” program and select your iPhone.
   
4. Tap “Restore.”
   

The action will wipe the contents of your smartphone and restore its factory settings.

This is what you need to do to enable Recovery mode on an iPhone 8:

1. When you turn off your smartphone, connect it to your Mac.
   
2. Hold and release the “volume up” button and do the same with the “volume down” button.
3. Hold the side button until you see the Recovery mode window.
4. Open the “Finder” app on your Mac and select your iPhone from the list of options.
   
5. Click on “Restore” to reset the smartphone and unlock it.
   

Use iTunes

Windows users can rely on iTunes to unlock their iPhones without a passcode. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Use a USB cord to connect the iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes from the desktop.
   
3. When the computer detects the connected smartphone, press “Restore iPhone.”
   

If you’ve never connected the smartphone to your PC, you have to activate Recovery mode before unlocking it. This is how it’s done on an iPhone 6:

1. Switch off the iPhone and plug it into your computer.
   
2. Simultaneously click and hold the “Home” and side buttons.
   
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery mode page.
4. Launch iTunes and select your iPhone from the list of recognized devices.
   
5. Tap “Restore.”
   

iTunes will clear the saved data and reset the iPhone, allowing you to unlock it.

This is how you enter Recovery mode on an iPhone 7:

1. Power off your mobile device and connect it to the PC.
   
2. Tap and hold the top or “volume down” button until the Recovery mode page appears.
3. Open iTunes from the desktop and tap your iPhone from the list of detected devices.
   
4. Click on “Restore.”
   

All saved data will disappear from your iPhone, resetting it to its default settings and allowing you to access all of its features.

Here’s what you need to do to unlock an iPhone 8 in Recovery mode on a computer:

1. After turning off your iPhone, plug it into your computer.
   
2. Quickly hold and release the “volume up” button and repeat the process with the “volume down” button.
3. Hold down the side button until you activate Recovery mode.
4. Open iTunes from the desktop and choose your iPhone from the list of connected devices.
   
5. Hit “Restore.”
   

This method will unlock your iPhone 8 when you can’t remember or don’t have the activation passcode.

Unlock Your iPhone With Ease

You’re cut off from important data and helpful programs when you can’t unlock your iPhone. The good news is that several methods will help you bypass the activation lock, regardless of the iOS version your iPhone is running. You can use Apple ID, online tools, macOS Finder, or iTunes to regain access to your smartphone.

Have you run into this issue before? Which of the above methods resolved it and allowed you to get past the activation lock? Let us know in the comments section below.