How to Bypass Activation Lock on Apple Devices [2026]

If you’ve just bought a second-hand iPhone from a marketplace or online store, or maybe you’ve dug out an old iPad from a drawer that you’ve not used in years. You start to power it on, attempt to set it up, and then you see the “Activation Lock screen.” It’s asking for an Apple ID and password you’ve never seen before or used years ago. So, how do you bypass Activation Lock on your Apple devices? This guide will show you how to get started.  

TIP! Just in case you can’t remember your passwords or have taken a break from them, you can always use the best password manager to store all your passkeys. This is important if you happen to use an old device again and want to sign in. With FastestPass, you can create strong passwords and store them in the digital vault. 

This Activation Lock feature is Apple’s powerful theft-prevention system. When you have the “Find My” option enabled, the device becomes cryptographically linked to the owner’s Apple ID. 

It’s one of the best aspects where security matters, but a major hassle for anyone who legitimately acquires a device without the proper preparation.

However, to be perfectly clear, there is no legitimate “bypass” that turns a locked device into a fully functional one. It’s not entirely possible without the original credentials or Apple’s intervention. 

So, in case you run into anyone selling out some software trick or a magical unlock code, they are running a scam. However, for legitimate owners, there are official and practical methods to use, and we’ll walk you through them. We’ll also show you how to enable the Activation Lock on your Apple devices. 

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What is Apple’s Activation Lock?

Before getting to the tutorial, let’s first understand what the Apple Activation Lock is. It’s a crucial security feature on Apple. When you turn on Find My, Activation Lock kicks in automatically. From then on, your Apple ID password is required to erase or reactivate the device, which is why it’s often called an iCloud Activation Lock. The core purpose of this feature is to prevent theft and enhance data protection if your Apple devices are stolen or lost. It’s to ensure that only you have access to them. 

Even if your device is not stolen, there are still legitimate situations where you may need to bypass or remove Activation Lock. For instance, your company may be reassigning you a device that was used by a former employee. This is required specifically if the former employee cannot be reached. 

In any case, you should always follow official channels and documented procedures to avoid legal or security problems. The main purpose of the Activation Lock is to make a stolen device completely worthless on the secondary market. 

How to Bypass Activation Lock on iOS Devices

There are some legitimate or legal ways to remove an Activation Lock, which include entering the original owner’s Apple ID and password or by contacting the Apple support team to give you an Activation Lock access code.  

Many users often pursue permanent Activation Lock bypasses or go for third-party tools. However, these methods usually fail to work effectively. If you use them, you can breach a couple of laws, exposing your device and data to many risks. 

It’s also very risky to jailbreak an iPhone to bypass Activation Lock. Jailbreaking is often the last resort and leads to a “bricked” or unusable device. This automatically invalidates any official Apple support and brings in broader security vulnerabilities.

Here are a few ways showing you how to bypass the Apple Activation Lock: 

Via the Bypass Application Lock Code

If your company uses Apple Business Manager or Apple Profile Manager within a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform to manage company-owned devices, you can get an authorization code to reset a device protected by Activation Lock. This allows administrators to recover and reassign managed hardware that is part of the corporate inventory. Here is how you can get the Activation Lock bypass code: 

• Sign in to your company’s Apple Business Manager or Apple Profile Manager portal.
• Find the device using its serial number or asset tag.
• Copy the bypass code shown for that device.
• Erase the device remotely through your MDM software or manually via Recovery Mode.
• On the device’s lock screen, enter the bypass code when prompted.
• Set up the device for a new user.

Bypass Activation Lock Using iCloud Credentials

The most straightforward method to remove Activation Lock is to log in to the iCloud account that is tied to the device. However, ensure that you’re aware that these steps are only possible if you have the correct Apple ID login credentials.

If you do have these credentials, take a look at the tutorial below showing you how to disable Activation Lock by detaching the device from your iCloud account: 

• Head to iCloud.com and log in using the Apple ID credentials that were originally linked to the locked device.
• Click on “Find My iPhone”. If you have a newer iCloud version, click on “Find Devices.”
• From the list of all devices, select the specific iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is locked.
• If the device shows as online, select the “Erase” option and confirm the remote wipe. 
• Once the erasure is complete, select “Remove from Account” to permanently delete the account from your Apple ID.
• Restart the device or begin setting it up. If successful, the Activation Lock screen will no longer appear. After that, you will be prompted to sign in with a new Apple ID. If it still requests the old credentials, repeat the previous steps.
• After entering new Apple ID details, ensure you enable “Find My” to re-activate Activation Lock protection for the device under the new account.

Bypass Lock via Apple’s Activation Lock Support

If you lose contact or fail to contact the original owner of the locked device and have tried everything else to no avail, your only official recourse is through Apple itself. 

This isn’t a 100% guarantee, but it’s the licensed process for legitimate owners without the password.

However, you will need to provide proof of purchase. Apple is extremely particular about situations like these and will need the original receipt or invoice. It can be from the Apple Store, a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, or an authorized retailer. 

More importantly, the receipt you provide needs to show the device’s serial number or IMEI that matches the locked device. You will not be able to use a PayPal screenshot or a handwritten note from a friend, which won’t cut it.

With that in mind, here is how you can get started: 

1. Head to Apple’s official Activation Lock support page (support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365). 
2. Select “Start an Activation Lock support request.”
3. You’ll be prompted to enter the device’s serial number and upload a digital copy of your proof of purchase.
4. An Apple support advisor will review your submission. 
5. If approved, Apple will remotely remove the lock from its servers. You’ll then be able to set up the device as new.

Please note that this procedure can take up to several business days. 

How to Enable the Apple Application Lock

Now that you know how to bypass Application Lock on a used iPhone or iPad, you should learn how to enable the Activation Lock feature to prevent others from entering. Here is how you can set it up on your iPhone: 

• Go to your “Settings” on your iPhone. 
• Select “Find My” > “Find My iPhone” and enable the feature. 

Now, just in case you’ve lost your device, you can mark it under Activation Lock. Here’s what to do: 

• On your phone, go to “Settings” > “Find My”.
• Select “Device” or “Items.” 
• Now, enable the toggle next to “Lost Mode.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

We’ve discussed the risks and methods of how to bypass Activation Lock on Apple devices and what procedures can’t be used, considering how strict Apple security is. However, if you follow the processes mentioned, and still to no avail, it’s best you contact Apple customer support and keep the essential documents/proof of device payment ready.