If you buy a second-hand Apple Device or get a used one from somewhere, you need to check that the device is locked by the Activation Lock. However, it can be frustrating when you find it locked by the previous owner's Apple ID, which makes it difficult to activate the device with your Apple ID. In this case, you can contact the previous owner to remove Activation Lock. But is it possible to remove Activation Lock without previous owner? Sure. In this guide, we will walk you through how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner.

• Part 1. Can You Remove Activation Lock without Previous Owner?
• Part 2. How to Remove Activation Lock without Previous Owner (Free)
  • Method 1. Enter the Screen Lock Passcode to Unlock
  • Method 2. Submit an Official Apple Support Request
  • Method 3. Reset DNS Settings to Bypass Activation Lock
• Part 3. How to Get Past Activation Lock without Previous Owner (Safe & Paid)
  • Method 1. Use a Dedicated iCloud Activation Lock Removal
  • Method 2. Enter the IMEI Number to Bypass Activation Lock
  • Method 3. Install IPSW Firmware to Bypass Activation Lock
• Part 4. FAQs about Activation Lock Removal without Previous Owner
• Part 5. Conclusion

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Part 1. Can You Remove Activation Lock without Previous Owner?

Buying a used Apple device only to find it restricted by an Activation Lock is incredibly frustrating. And the Activation Lock is easily removable, as long as you otherwise know the previous owner's Apple ID credentials. However, if you cannot contact the previous owner, you might feel stuck. Thankfully, there are still surefire ways to get rid of Activation Lock without previous owner, including free and paid methods.

With those methods, it is possible to remove Activation Lock without previous owner. To help you seamlessly navigate the menus, we have put together a quick, step-by-step video demonstration.

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Part 2. How to Remove Activation Lock without Previous Owner (Free)

If you want to remove Activation Lock but can't reach the previous owner in person, there are still free options. These methods rely on certain conditions, such as whether you can provide the purchase certificate or know the screen lock passcode.

Method 1. Enter the Screen Lock Passcode to Unlock

If the previous owner isn't physically near you but you can still contact them, you can ask them to turn off Find My iPhone remotely at iCloud.com or via the Find My app without sharing their Apple ID credentials. Besides, if you know the screen passcode for the device, you can unlock it without contacting the previous owner easily by tapping the Unlock with Passcode option that appears during the setup process.

Step 1. On the iPhone Locked To Owner screen, swipe up the device to open.

Step 2. Tap the Unlock with Passcode button.

Step 3. Enter the screen lock passcode, then get into the device.

Method 2. Submit an Official Apple Support Request

If you absolutely cannot reach the previous owner, Apple can unlock the device for you. However, to prevent theft, they have strict security requirements. You must be able to prove you are the rightful owner of the device. Apple will not accept a handwritten note or a basic screenshot. To get approved, your receipt or Proof of Purchase must explicitly show:

• The device's Serial Number, IMEI, or MEID.
• The official business name, logo, or contact info of an authorized reseller.
• The date of purchase and the price paid.

Step 1. Go to the official Apple portal: al-support.apple.com.

Step 2. Read and agree to the terms.

Step 3. Enter your email address and the device's serial number.

Step 4. Upload your clear, unaltered proof of purchase document.

Step 5. Wait for Apple's review. It typically takes a few days to receive an email confirming whether your request has been approved.

Method 3. Reset DNS Settings to Bypass Activation Lock

If you got an older iPhone running iOS 8, 9, or 10, you can bypass Activation Lock by resetting the iCloud DNS settings. Configuring the DNS settings can let you get out of the Activation Lock screen. However, this method cannot completely turn off Activation Lock, and the lock may reappear after a restart or a factory reset. Next is how to reset DNS to bypass the Activation Lock.

Step 1. Head to Settings > General, then tap Language and Region to choose your language and country.

Step 2. Go back to the WiFi settings page and tap the "i" symbol next to the WiFi tab.

Step 3. Scroll down to tap Configure DNS > Manual and enter a DNS server IP address as follows.

• Asia: 104.155.28.90
• USA: 104.154.51.7
• Europe: 104.155.28.90
• South America: 35.199.88.219
• Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23
• Other: 78.100.17.60

Step 4. Tap Back at the top left corner, turn on WiFi, and select the right network.

Step 5. Enter your screen lock passcode and tap Next Page > Back.

Step 6. Go to the iCloud bypass screen and sign in with your Apple ID to use.

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Part 3. How to Get Past Activation Lock without Previous Owner (Safe & Paid)

Most of the time, those free methods don't work for your situation, and you can consider paid solutions. These options generally work on a wide range devices and offer better success rates. However, make sure to choose a correct tool that is compatible with your device and iOS version.

Method 1. Use a Dedicated iCloud Activation Lock Removal

Most of iCloud Activation Lock removal tools on the internet claim to remove the Activation Lock by jailbreaking. But here MagFone iPhone Unlocker is highly recommended for bypassing the Activation Lock without jailbreaking. As a professional iCloud Activation Lock removal, it is popular for its high success rate and ease of use. With a simple, guided process, you can unlock a locked iPhone with one click within seconds. The best part is it guarantees a permanent iCloud lock bypass, ensuring the lock won't return. Here is how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner by using MagFone iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Open MagFone iPhone Unlocker

Open MagFone iPhone Unlocker on your computer, then use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. On the main interface of the software, you can select the Remove iCloud Activation Lock option and click the Start button.

Step 2Start to Remove Activation Lock

To remove the Activation Lock, you need to put the device into recovery mode first. Simply follow the onscreen instruction, and then wait to complete the removal. In the whole process, keep your device connected to the computer.

Method 2. Enter the IMEI Number to Bypass Activation Lock

Some online services unlock Activation Lock using the device's IMEI number by contacting the original carrier. Services like UnlockRiver offer a way to request the removal of the lock through official carrier support. However, the success rate varies depending on the device model, carrier policies, and lock status. While this method may work for some users, it's not guaranteed for all iPhones and iPads.

Step 1. Visit UnlockRiver's website and choose your device model and carrier.

Step 2. Enter your device's IMEI number in the provided field on their platform.

Step 3. Select the appropriate unlocking service for iCloud or Activation Lock removal.

Step 4. Complete the payment process and submit your unlocking request securely.

Step 5. Wait for the unlock confirmation email with detailed instructions to proceed.

Step 6. Follow the instructions in the email to finalize your iCloud Activation unlock.

Method 3. Install IPSW Firmware to Bypass Activation Lock

This method involves using custom IPSW firmware to bypass Activation Lock, which works by modifying the device's system software. However, the process is complex and not recommended for beginners. Additionally, it doesn't guarantee success every time, and you'll likely need to pay for the IPSW file from certain providers or services. If you want to know more details about this method, check the article below.

Step 1. Pay for an IPSW file, download and rename it as .zip, then extract all contents.

Step 2. Locate the largest .dmg file, copy it to the desktop for the decryption process next.

Step 3. Get the correct decryption key from The iPhone Wiki for the selected .dmg file.

Step 4. Decrypt the file using a suitable tool and paste the correct decryption key carefully.

Step 5. Access the decrypted file, navigate to the Applications folder, and permanently remove Setup.app.

Step 6. Re-encrypt the modified file using the same tool and the previously used decryption key.

Step 7. Rename the re-encrypted file same as the original, then replace it in the extracted folder.

Step 8. Compress the entire folder back into IPSW format and restore the device via iTunes normally.

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Part 4. FAQs about Activation Lock Removal without Previous Owner

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Part 5. Conclusion

Removing Activation Lock without the previous owner's involvement can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. By exploring Apple's official methods, contacting the previous owner, or utilizing third-party services cautiously, users can overcome Activation Lock and regain access to their devices while safeguarding their personal information. Go to try using MagFone iPhone Unlocker, and you'll be able to remove Activation Lock without previous owner.