Fix an iCloud-Locked iPhone: Complete How-to Guide for Every Situation

Penny Warren Published on August 01, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Buying a secondhand iPhone can feel like a smart deal, until you power it on and see the dreaded Activation Lock screen. This is where many users hit a wall. Running into an iCloud-locked iPhone situation is more common than you think. The good news? You are not stuck. This guide will walk you through how to check for iCloud lock and explore safe, effective ways to remove it. From smart tools to free workarounds, we will cover each method so you can get your device working again.

In this article:

Part 1. How Do You Know If iCloud Locks Your iPhone?
Part 2. Unlock iPhone without iCloud Activation Lock with a Powerful Tool
Part 3. Remove Activation-Locked on iCloud via Online
Part 4. Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhone Using DNS for Free
Part 5. Enter iCloud Password to Unlock Locked iPhone

Part 1. How Do You Know If iCloud Locks Your iPhone?

If you see a listing for an iCloud-locked iPhone for sale, you need to be cautious before buying. The easiest way to check if an iPhone is iCloud locked is by turning it on; if it shows an Activation Lock screen asking for the previous owner's Apple ID and password, the device is locked.

You can also go to Settings > your name > Find My. If Find My iPhone is enabled and cannot be turned off, it means the iPhone is still linked to another iCloud account. Some online IMEI checker tools can also help confirm the lock status. Always ask the seller to remove the device from their iCloud account before you buy.

Part 2. Unlock iPhone without iCloud Activation Lock with a Powerful Tool

Running into Activation Lock can be frustrating, especially if you bought a secondhand device and cannot reach the previous owner. Fortunately, it is possible to use the working solution even when the Apple ID and password are unclear.

When you want to know how to unlock an iPhone locked with iCloud, a reliable unlocking tool is one of the best ways to do it. The effective remedy that can assist in utilizing Apple iCloud Activation Lock is imyPass iPassBye. It is compatible with numerous versions of iOS and is simple to navigate, even for non-tech-savvy people. This is the way to start.

Step 1

Download the iPassBye on your PC by clicking the appropriate button below. There is no need to worry, as this app is not system-intensive, which means it can run on almost any operating system version. Follow the installation and launch it.

Free Download Free Download

Step 2

Link up the iOS that is on Activation Lock that you want to remove, and tap Trusted on your iOS device to establish the connection successfully. During the process, make sure that there will be no interruptions that are about to happen.

Step 3

Read the information listed next before you tick the box and click the Start button to agree to the condition that is about to happen. Then, you need to jailbreak your iOS, or else this step will not work. If you do not know how, click the iOS Jailbreak Tutorial or OK to proceed.

Step 4

The app will automatically generate all the information about the connected device and show you the result. Read and confirm the device model before you click the Start Bypassing Activation. Wait for several minutes as it goes through the bypass.

Part 3. Remove Activation-Locked on iCloud via Online

If you recently bought a used device and discovered it was locked, you might be wondering how to unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone without running into complex tools or sketchy methods. The good news is that if you have access to the original Apple ID or if the previous owner is willing to help, you can remove the Activation Lock directly through the official iCloud platform.

This method is safe and effective and does not require the physical device to be in the owner's hands. It works completely online and is ideal for situations where the iPhone is still linked to someone else's iCloud account, preventing full access to the device. Before proceeding, make sure the owner knows their Apple ID credentials.

Step 1

Open any browser on a computer or phone and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2

Step 3

From the iCloud home screen, click Find iPhone and choose Remove from Account to begin the removal process.

Part 4. Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhone Using DNS for Free

If you recently bought an iPad that is iCloud locked or ended up with a secondhand iPhone stuck on the Activation Lock screen, you might still have one more option left to explore. While this method is not guaranteed to work for everyone, some users have found limited access by using an iPhone DNS bypass. It does not fully remove iCloud from the device, but it can unlock certain functions like browsing, watching videos, or using basic apps. If other methods fail and you simply need temporary access, the DNS trick might be worth a try.

Step 1

Reboot your iPhone or iPad and go to the Wi-Fi Settings screen.

Step 2

Tap More Wi-Fi Settings, then tap the i button next to your current network.

Step 3

Select Configure DNS, choose Manual, and delete any existing entries.

Step 4

Tap Add Server, and then type in one of the DNS addresses according to region:

• North America: 104.154.51.7
• South America 35.199.88.219
• Europe: 104.155.28.90
• Asia 104.155.220.58
• Worldwide: 78.100.17.60

Step 5

Exit to save, return to the previous page and connect to the Wi-Fi again. If you need to activate it, tap Back to gain access to the DNS menu screen.

Part 5. Enter iCloud Password to Unlock Locked iPhone

If you bought an iPhone with an iCloud lock and were given access to the original Apple ID credentials? The easiest way to unlock it is by entering the correct iCloud password directly on the device. This is the most reliable method and permanently removes the Activation Lock without the need for extra tools or technical workarounds. Whether you are the original owner or got the details from a trusted seller, this solution ensures the iPhone is fully usable and safe to set up.

Step 1

Turn on your iPhone, and when it is in setup mode, just keep going until you reach the screen with the Activation Lock.

Step 2

Upon prompt, put in the Apple ID and reveal the one used when setting up the device initially.

Step 3

After verification, the iPhone will unlock, and you can complete its activation as a new device.

Conclusion

Before you buy an iCloud-locked iPhone for sale on the marketplace or anywhere else, you need to know how to bypass the iCloud lock applied to it. It is not that easy to bypass it without having the credentials to log in to the device or without having access to the WiFi, which is why we suggest that you pick the iPassBye to solve the problem immediately.

Penny Warren

Penny is a senior editor from imyPass. She has focused on discovering perfect GPS location solutions in all scenarios, and also has experience in fixing computers.