How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

Samuel Spenser Published on July 29, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

Suppose you got a second-hand iPhone or iPad, chances are that your device is locked by iCloud Activation Lock. As a result, you will be asked to enter the old Apple ID password when you set up the device. In other words, Apple Activation Lock is a double-edged sword. It protects iOS devices from theft, as well as locks devices against unauthorized access. This guide shares multiple ways to remove Apple Activation Lock without the old owner.

Part 1: How to Remove Activation Lock with Apple Account

When you purchased or got a used iPhone, you may have the associated Apple Account. Then, you can turn off Activation Lock on your device directly. You cannot find the Activation Lock in Settings. Alternatively, you need to turn off Find My iPhone or Find My iPad. Then, Activation Lock will be disabled automatically.

Part 2: How to Remove Activation Lock via Bypass DNS

If your device runs iOS 8 or earlier, you can remove Activation Lock without the previous owner for free via DNS. In fact, this method utilizes a bug on iPhones and iPad devices. Moreover, the success rate is different, depending on your device model.

• North America – 104.154.51.7
• South America – 35.199.88.219
• Europe – 104.155.28.90
• Asia – 104.155.220.58
• Australia and Oceania – 35.189.47.23

Part 3: How to Remove Activation Lock by Apple Support

Another way to remove Activation Lock on iPad without the previous owner is to ask Apple directly. You can visit a nearby Apple Store and ask customer support to help you or access the Apple Support website.

Option 1: Check the serial number or IMEI number on the box of your device.

Option 2: Go to the Settings app, choose General, tap About, and check Serial Number and IMEI.

Option 3: Open the Phone app, type *#06#, and hit the Call button.

Part 4: How to Remove Activation Lock with Bypass Code

If your iPhone or iPad is enrolled in an MDM solution, you can remove Apple Activation Lock without the old owner using a bypass code. This code is generated once you enroll in the MDM.

Part 5: How to Remove Activation Lock Quickly

If the methods above are unavailable, you will need a powerful unlocking tool, such as imyPass iPassGo. It is able to remove Activation Lock without the previous owner. Moreover, the user-friendly design makes it easy to use.

How to Remove Activation Lock from Your iPhone

Launch the software to remove Activation Lock without the previous owner after you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Choose the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock mode to proceed.

Connect your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. If prompted, tap the Trust button on your screen to trust this PC. Click the Connected and Continue button. After your device is detected, click the Start Now button to confirm the action.

If you have jailbroke your device, click the Next button to move on. If not, click the Jailbreak Tutorial button and follow the onscreen instructions to jailbreak your device. Once your device information is loaded, check it. Then, click the Start Bypassing Activation button to initiate Activation Lock removal without the previous owner.

Conclusion

This guide shared multiple ways to remove Activation Lock without the previous owner. The easy way to complete the process is to disable Find My on your device with the associated Apple Account credentials. On an old device, you can try bypassing DNS to get rid of Activation Lock. Of course, the success rate is low. Plus, you can try a bypass code to remove iCloud Lock. imyPass iPassGo is a simple option to remove any restrictions from your iOS device without the password.