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Having an iPhone that is stuck on an activation lock can be very frustrating. You can purchase a secondhand iPhone, and when you want to reset it, it may be locked, and you will need the previous owner’s details, which you might not have. The activation lock is a security feature put in place by Apple to protect the user’s data from theft. Once it gets stuck, it will prevent you from accessing your iPhone. In this blog, we will go over the methods that you can use to fix iPhone stuck on activation lock.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Fix iPhone Stuck on Activation Lock
There are various reasons why you should fix your iPhone’s stuck activation lock, and some of which are:
- It prevents you from using your device.
- It may lead to data loss and make your iPhone useless.
- You cannot use certain features like iCloud, FaceTime, or iMessage.
- You may not have access to your photos, messages, notes, and other data.
Method 1: Use iCloud to Remove Activation Lock
Using iCloud to remove the activation lock is one of the easiest methods to fix the activation lock issue. This is done by removing the activation lock remotely, and all you need is your Apple ID and password. Follow these steps:
- Sign in to iCloud.com using your Apple ID and password.
- Click on "Find iPhone" and select the device that is stuck on the activation lock.
- Click on "Erase iPhone" to wipe your iPhone clean and remove the activation lock.
- Enter your Apple ID and password to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone.
- Wait for some time as the process may take a few minutes, and your iPhone will be reset.
Pros:
- It is an easy and convenient method to remove the activation lock.
- You can do it remotely from anywhere.
- You only need your Apple ID and password to fix the issue.
- It is a secure method that guarantees the safety of your data.
Cons:
- You may experience some delays during the activation lock removal process.
- If someone else has your Apple ID and password, they may access your device and erase your data.
- Your iPhone must be connected to the internet to remove the activation lock using iCloud.
Method 2: Use iTunes to Remove Activation Lock
Using iTunes to remove the activation lock is another effective method to fix the issue. However, this method requires a computer with iTunes installed. Follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Launch iTunes and select your device.
- Click on "Summary" and select "Restore iPhone."
- Click on "Restore" to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone and remove the activation lock.
- Wait for some time as the process may take a few minutes, and your iPhone will be reset.
Pros:
- It is an effective method that guarantees the removal of the activation lock.
- It is a secure method that guarantees the safety of your data.
- You can do it even if your iPhone is not connected to the internet.
Cons:
- You need a computer with iTunes installed for this method to work.
- You may experience data loss during the process.
- This method will remove all data, including your photos, music, and videos.
Method 3: Ask the Previous Owner to Remove the Activation Lock
If you cannot remove the activation lock using either of the above methods, you can contact the previous owner of the iPhone to remove the activation lock. They may also help you with the Apple ID and password associated with the device. Follow these steps:
- Contact the previous owner and request them to remove the activation lock.
- They will need to enter their Apple ID and password to remove the activation lock.
- Once the activation lock is removed, reset your iPhone and set it up as a new device.
Pros:
- It is a quick method to remove the activation lock.
- You may not lose any data during the process.
- You can use the iPhone once the activation lock is removed.
Cons:
- You may not have access to the previous owner, and they may not be willing to help you.
- You need to trust the previous owner as they may access your device and data.
- If you purchase a secondhand iPhone with a stuck activation lock, you may have lost your money as it may be impossible to contact the previous owner.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Tool to Remove Activation Lock
If the above methods do not work, you can try using a third-party tool to remove the activation lock. However, you need to be cautious as some third-party tools may damage your device or steal your data. We recommend using trusted tools like iMyFone iBypasser. The tool is easy to use and can remove the activation lock without requiring you to enter the previous owner’s Apple ID and password. Follow these steps:
- Download iMyFone iBypasser and install it on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Click on "Start," and the tool will start to bypass the activation lock.
- Wait for some time as the process may take a few minutes, and your iPhone will be reset.
Pros:
- It is an effective method to remove the activation lock.
- You do not need the previous owner’s Apple ID and password.
- You can use the iPhone once the activation lock is removed.
Cons:
- The tool is not free, and you need to purchase it before using it.
- Some third-party tools may damage your device or steal your data.
- You need to have some technical knowledge to use third-party tools.
What to Do If You Cannot Use Any Method to Fix iPhone Stuck on Activation Lock
If all the above methods fail to remove the activation lock, you can contact Apple Support for assistance. They will guide you on what to do and may provide you with a solution to fix the issue if possible.
Bonus Tip
Always make sure that you purchase your iPhone from a trusted seller, and if you buy a secondhand iPhone, make sure that the previous owner has removed the activation lock before handing it over to you.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use any third-party tool to remove the activation lock?
A: No, you must ensure that the third-party tool you choose is trustworthy and has a high success rate.
Q2: Can I remove the activation lock on iCloud if my iPhone is not connected to the internet?
A: No, your iPhone must be connected to the internet for you to remove the activation lock using iCloud.
Q3: Will I lose my data if I use the iTunes method to remove the activation lock?
A: Yes, the iTunes method will erase all data, and you will lose your photos, music, and videos.
Q4: What should I do if the previous owner is not available to remove the activation lock?
A: You can try contacting Apple Support for assistance or try using a third-party tool to remove the activation lock.
Q5: Can I fix the iPhone stuck on activation lock issue on my own?
A: Yes, you can fix the issue on your own by using any of the methods listed above or contacting Apple Support for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Having an iPhone stuck on activation lock is a common issue that occurs when you purchase a secondhand iPhone or forget your Apple ID and password. The above methods can help fix the issue and give you access to your iPhone. It is essential to choose the method that works best for you and ensures that you follow the steps correctly to avoid any issues. If all the methods fail, contact Apple Support for assistance.