Are you having trouble with a locked Apple device? Follow the instructions for bypassing Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple Watch. We’ll look at several steps, including an Activation Lock web tool from Apple that’s new in 2021.
Activation Lock is a security feature that is enabled when Find My is on. Here’s how Apple describes it:
Activation Lock helps keep your device secure, even if it is in the wrong hands, and can increase your chances of recovering it. Even if you wipe your device remotely, Activation Lock can prevent anyone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find My [device] enabled and remember your Apple ID and password.
This is different from an iOS / Apple Watch device passcode or your Mac’s password. You will see a screen like the image above asking for the Apple ID email address and password if you are having issues with Activation Lock.
How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, more
- If you don’t remember your Apple ID email address, look it up here
- If you don’t remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it here
- If you forgot your security questions to reset your Apple ID password, please call 800-APL-CARE (800-275-2273) or contact support.apple.com to see if there are other options to recover your account
- If you are in the US, there is a new Activation Lock web tool at the bottom of the landing page, there is an option to “Start an Activation Lock Support Request. Here are the conditions:”
- You must be the owner of the device – Proof of ownership documentation is required. The proof of ownership must include the product’s serial number, IMEI or MEID.
- Your data on the device will be erased – When Apple unlocks Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently erased. Note: Restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable Activation Lock.
- We cannot unlock a managed device – If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. We also do not accept bulk requests.
- Your device must not be in Lost Mode.
- In countries where the new Activation Lock tool is not available, go to an Apple Store with proof of purchase, it may be possible to remove the Activation Lock, but the device will be erased in the process
Outside of the steps above, there aren’t really any ways to turn off Activation Lock on Apple devices. There are instances of third-party companies popping up offering device unlocking services like GrayShift. However, these options usually cost thousands of dollars, are often for law enforcement purposes, and Apple could render the exploits useless with a software update.
An exception is DriveSavers, which claims to have a consumer-facing unlocking service for Apple devices. However, no prices are listed on the website and we cannot vouch for them in any way. Keep in mind that most other third-party “unlocking services” are either scams or workarounds.
The best solution is to go through the four steps above to recover your Apple ID and disable Activation Lock legitimately.
For more information on Activation Lock, see Apple’s support document here.
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