3 Effective Ways to Bypass Activation Lock on Apple iPhone 12 mini

Ever since the launch of the first iPhone, both iPhone and Apple have seen tremendous growth year after year on account of the new features and capabilities Apple continues to add to the iPhone. Apple has placed the Apple iPhone 12 mini as a coveted product, somehow it transcends the feelings of having a smartphone and becomes something special. A lot of it is Apple marketing at work, but the marketers have had great products to work with, too.

Over time, Apple added something called Activation Lock to its devices to deter theft, since, you guessed it, Apple devices are a prime target for thieves. What is Activation Lock? Chances are, if you are reading this article, you are stuck at it, and want to know what to do to bypass Activation Lock on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. We start with a little primer on Activation Lock to give you a better understanding of what it is.

Part 1: Activation Lock Primer

Apple products are costly, and they are prized. When a 5-year-old Android device might be left alone without anyone stealing it, you cannot risk that with an iPhone 6S, even today. Apple has built an Activation Lock in its devices to deter theft and so far, as we know, it has largely succeeded. If your Apple iPhone 12 mini gets stolen, no one else can use it with their Apple ID unless they key in the credentials it was using previously (your credentials) and, even then, Apple has bolstered iCloud Find My Activation Lock to be more restrictive. You may have to key in a lot of information ranging from your device password (if you are also using the same Apple ID on a Mac) to your iOS device passcode too, obviously, your Apple ID password. It is a system that works in favor of Apple users.

Yet, in some cases, users want to get around the Activation Lock for genuine reasons, say, when you buy a used Apple device from someone. They may have forgotten to remove that device from their Apple account and Activation Lock would not let you use it. Or, you are an IT administrator, and you manage devices given out to employees. Some employees did not remove their accounts from their devices, and now those iPhones are riddled with Activation Lock. You can remove it using this step-by-step guide.

Part 2: Bypassing Activation Lock using official methods (Apple iPhone 12 mini)

An Activation Lock is not the end of the world, as Apple might have you believe. Nothing in the world is perfect, except for the world itself. As such, there are ways to bypass Activation Lock on an Apple device that you bought used, and the previous owner forgot to unlock or did so intentionally and is now trying to fleece you for more money to unlock it. Or an employee who just left the job surrendered their iPhone but forgot to erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device before submitting and consequently, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is still associated with their Apple ID, and you need to bypass Activation Lock for that Apple iPhone 12 mini to make it useable again. There are a few ways you can go about it.

Method 1. Bypassing Activation Lock Using Apple ID

Disabling Activation Lock on Apple iPhone 12 mini is easy if you have the Apple ID credentials that are associated with the iPhone.

• Step 1: Enter device Recovery Mode and Restore the Apple iPhone 12 mini device to factory settings.
• Step 2: When you set up the Apple iPhone 12 mini device again, you will be required to sign in to the Apple ID associated with the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Do that and you are golden!

Method 2. Bypassing Activation Lock from iCloud Website

You may also do away with Activation Lock using the Find My iPhone app in iCloud remotely by erasing the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and removing the Apple iPhone 12 mini device from the associated iCloud account.

• Step 1: Visit the iCloud website on a computer at https://icloud.com .
• Step 2: Sign In and go to Find iPhone.

• Step 3: Click All Devices and select the Apple iPhone 12 mini device that was sold to the user.
• Step 4: Click Erase iPhone and if the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is still there after the erase is complete, click Remove From Account.

This process requires that the data service be functional on the Apple iPhone 12 mini in question, otherwise, this will not work. When the process is done, restart the Apple iPhone 12 mini and set it up with your Apple ID to remove the lock.

Method 3. Bypassing Activation Lock Using Microsoft Intune

If you are an IT administrator and are using Microsoft services, you may have given employees iPhones. When employees leave or are made to leave, it is possible that the Apple iPhone 12 mini devices they leave behind are still signed in with a password only they know. There is a way Apple provides for Microsoft Intune to disable Activation Lock for corporate devices.

• Step 1: Sign in to the admin center on Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
• Step 2: Select Devices under Intune.
• Step 3: Select All Devices.
• Step 4: Locate the Apple iPhone 12 mini device you want to disable the lock for, and under the Hardware section, copy the Activation Lock Bypass Code given under Conditional Access.
• Step 5: Under the Overview pane of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, select Wipe.
• Step 6: When the Apple iPhone 12 mini device resets, it prompts for the Apple ID and password. Leave the ID blank and enter the bypass code as a password.

The device will be reset, and employees can set it up again with a new Apple ID.

Bonus Tips: Bypassing Activation Lock with a Professional Tool (iPhone 5S to iPhone X)

For iPhone 5S to iPhone X users who prefer an easier way to remove Activation Lock, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a suitable option.

Dr.Fone is a set of modules that cater to a myriad of requirements that phone users can have from time to time, and one of them is the need to be able to disable the Activation Lock for Apple devices when the need arises. A need never arises in our wildest dreams, until it does, at the most inopportune time. It has, hasn’t it?

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

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• Simple, click-through, process.
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Here is how to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to quickly circumvent Activation Lock and get on with setting up your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Who needs to wait to talk with the previous owner or go through all other time-consuming methods when you have Dr.Fone?

Step 1: Get Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) .

Step 2: From the list of modules on display, select Screen Unlock.

Step 3: Select iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

Step 4: Then select Start to initiate unlocking the iOS device’s Activation Lock.

Step 5: Follow the instructions to continue to jailbreak the iPhone.

Step 6: After the jailbreak, continue to agree to the terms of use and note the Apple iPhone 12 mini device details displayed are correct.

Step 7: As the final step, click Start Unlock.

After a while, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) will notify you of a successful bypass. You can now restart the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and use it. This option is restrictive in nature as you will be unable to use the Apple iPhone 12 mini to make calls or access cellular services including iCloud. This option is best for when you want to see/ recover some data from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device that you would otherwise lose.

Conclusion

Removing the Activation Lock is supposed to be as difficult as possible for the wrong people and as easy as possible for the right ones. This means that if you have the Apple ID credentials that were used to enable Activation Lock, you can simply use them to remove Activation Lock and unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini just as easily. However, things get increasingly difficult from that point on if you do not have Apple ID credentials. You can use iCloud to erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and remove the Apple iPhone 12 mini device from the Apple ID account it is connected to, remotely. If you are an IT administrator deploying Microsoft services, you can use Microsoft Intune to get around the Activation Lock easily.

If you are an iPhone 5 to iPhone X user, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is available as an option to bypass Activation Lock on the iPhone. It should be noted that this process will cause the Apple iPhone 12 mini device to be “rooted”, meaning that data services and iCloud will not function and phone calls cannot be made from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.

Best Ways to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on Apple iPhone 12 mini/iPad/iPod

Apple puts importance on making sure that all the Apple iPhone 12 mini users’ data and records are kept in tight and secured storage. Make sure that the only person that can access it is the owner of the mobile. However, there will be challenges if you have bought a used iPhone and if the owner has not logged out of his account on that phone. If you are in this situation, then you will need to either contact the previous owner or be locked out of your phone. The first one is a tedious option, and the latter would be the least one that we would want to happen.

There are, however, various ways how you can bypass the iCloud Activation Lock without having to contact its previous owner. We will share with you the different ways that you can do it on your own and remove the automated lock and continue using your phone leisurely.

Part 1: What Causes iCloud Activation lock?

The iCloud Activation Lock is a great feature that Apple has added to the “Find My iPhone” application which helps prevent other people aside from yourself from accessing your phone and files. Activating your iCloud Activation lock can be done in just a few steps, and this could even be done remotely if your phone is not within your reach. This is a great feature if you are a victim of theft and would like to remotely lock your phone to be sure that it cannot be accessed by the thief or anyone else.

You can follow the steps below to remotely lock your device:

• Step 1: Open the “Find My iPhone” on your browser while locking your phone remotely.
• Step 2: Log in with your credentials. Make sure it is the same credentials you use for iCloud.
• Step 3: Under the Apple iPhone 12 mini devices’ list, you can look and tap for the text that says “Lost Mode”.
• Step 4: From there, you can tap on actions, then choose to either tap on “Lost Mode” or “Erase Phone”.

Learn about all the solutions to unlock iPhone quickly through the video below:

If you forget the Activation Lock on your iDevice and fail to access it, you must bypass iCloud Activation Lock. This can be executed with the help of Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), an exceptional iCloud unlock tool. Read on for detailed steps on various ways to bypass iCloud Activation Lock or click the Download button below to try it free!

Part 2: 3 Ways to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad with iOS 16

Now you know how an iCloud Activation Lock works and how to remotely lock your phone in case of theft. However, what if you still want to be able the bypass the iCloud Activation Lock but are unable to contact the first owner for their credentials? There are multiple ways that you can do that, and we will share the ways with you below:

Method 1: Removing the Apple iPhone 12 mini device from the First Owner’s iCloud

Probably one of the easiest and fastest ways to bypass the activation lock is by contacting the owner to remove the Apple iPhone 12 mini device that you have from their iCloud. If you can still make contact with them, you can try this option and reach out to them.

Method 2: Contact Apple to Remove The Activation Lock

If you cannot contact the previous owner, you can then reach out to Apple directly and provide proof that you have inherited or purchased the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Documents such as receipts and death certificates if inherited, then you can reach out to their support team to unlock your device.

Method 3: Unlock your device using DNS

Instead of bypassing Apple directly, you can try to bypass the DNS server, and you can do this by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Restart your device.
• Step 2: Go through the process of setting up until you come across the “Choose Wi-Fi Network”.
• Step 3: Then choose “More Wi-Fi settings” and tap on “I”.
• Step 4: Choose “Configure DNS” and select “Manual”.
• Step 5: From there, choose “+Add server” then choose the address as per your location below and click “Save”.

1. USA: 104.154.51.7
2. Europe: 104.155.28.90
3. Asia: 104.155.220.58
4. Africa, Australia, and other locations: 78.109.17.60

• Step 6: Select “Ask to Join Networks” and enter the password then click on “Join”.
• Step 7: When it tries to activate, you can tap on the back button and proceed to set up the Apple iPhone 12 mini device as usual.

Part 3: The Fastest Way to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on iOS/iPadOS 12.0 - 16.6 Without Password

Now, if you want to bypass the activation lock on your own and without the need for a password, you can try Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This program helps unlock activation locks on iPhone (5S-X), iPad (3-7), and iPod touch (6-7) running iOS 12.0-16.6. Now you can remove iCloud activation lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch without jailbreak by using Dr.Fone.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Without Hassle.

• Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services.
• Simple, click-through, no tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
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Step 1: Log in Wondershare Dr.Fone and click Toolbox on the homepage. Then select Screen Unlock > iOS. Initiate the removal of the iCloud Activation Lock and click the Unlock Now button.

Step 2: Confirm the prompt on the next window and continue the process by tabbing “Got it!”

Step 3: Start to put device in DFU mode for the first time. During this process, the program will send a demand to the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.

Step 4: Put your device in DFU Mode for the Second Time. If your device is not detected by the platform, follow the on-screen instructions to put their iOS device in DFU Mode.

Step 5: Once the Apple iPhone 12 mini device has been processed under the DFU Mode, the computer’s screen will start displaying the removal of the iCloud Activation Lock. When it’s done, click Done in the next window.

For detailed guide: please check our official guide .

Conclusion

We hope that the tips that we shared will help you to remove the iCloud Activation lock on your phone without having to contact the previous owner or even need any password. For an efficient and effortless solution, you can utilize “Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) ” which just needs you to connect your phone to your laptop and in just a few taps. We understand how frustrating it can be to have to contact other people just to be able to use your phone. Follow our methods, and you will be able to use your phone right away.

New Guide: How To Check iCloud Activation Lock Status On Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Apple’s iOS is renowned for its robust security features, including the iCloud Activation Lock. This feature plays a crucial role in safeguarding Apple devices against unauthorized access. It’s a way to ensure that only the rightful owner can use and access the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Originally designed as a theft deterrent, the iCloud Activation Lock on used Apple Devices becomes especially important when buying or selling second-hand phones.

Understanding the status of this lock is essential to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction. In this 2024 guide, you’ll dive into how to check the iCloud Activation Lock status. It’s a critical step for anyone involved in the trade of used Apple devices online or otherwise.

Part 1: How To Check Activation Lock Status Before You Buy a Used Device

Understanding the iCloud Activation Lock is essential when purchasing a used Apple device. This security feature, designed by Apple, is activated when ‘Find My iPhone’ is enabled. It links the Apple iPhone 12 mini device to the owner’s Apple ID, preventing others from activating it without the owner’s permission. This lock is crucial for preventing unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices.

Before buying a used iPhone or iPad, checking the iCloud Activation Lock status is important. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Power on the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and unlock it. This step will confirm whether the Apple iPhone 12 mini device has been properly erased.

Note: If you’re greeted with the passcode Lock Screen or the Home Screen, it indicates that the Apple iPhone 12 mini device still needs to be fully erased. In this case, ask the seller to completely erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device before proceeding. It’s important to only take ownership of any used Apple device once it has been erased.

• Step 2: Start setting up the Apple iPhone 12 mini device as if it were new. This step is crucial in identifying if the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is still tied to the previous owner’s account.
• Step 3: During the setup, if the Apple iPhone 12 mini device prompts you for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, it’s a clear sign that the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is still linked to the account. Hand the Apple iPhone 12 mini device back to the seller and request them to enter their password.

If the previous owner is absent, ask them to remove their iCloud account from the phone through a web browser. This step is vital. Remember, always perform an activation lock check when buying second-hand phones.

Part 2: How To Check the iCloud Activation Lock Status of Your Devices

If you’re planning to sell your Apple iPhone 12 mini or are curious about the status of a lost phone, you should also perform an iCloud lock check. This feature, crucial for security, can prevent a new user from accessing the phone without your permission. Here’s how you can check the status:

Method 1: Check Within the Phone

The first way to check your devices’ iCloud activation lock status is through the Apple iPhone 12 mini devices themselves. There are two ways to do this, as presented in this section.

Method 1.1: Navigating to the Settings App

First, open Settings on your iDevice. At the top of its menu, tap on your profile name.

If you see an iCloud account listed here and you’re signed in, your device is still linked to that iCloud account. Thus, it will still be under the iCloud Activation Lock. If there is no iCloud activation lock, it should look like this:

Method 1.2: Check During Phone Activation

If you are setting up the phone afresh or after a factory reset, proceed with the initial setup steps. Suppose the Apple iPhone 12 mini device asks for an Apple ID and password previously associated with the Apple iPhone 12 mini device at any point during the setup. In that case, it indicates that the iCloud Activation Lock is still active. This occurs if the Apple iPhone 12 mini device was not correctly erased before the reset.

Method 2: Using IMEI Number

Every iPhone or iPad has its own IMEI number. It can be used to check details about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device remotely, including checking the iCloud Activation Lock. Here are the steps to use your IMEI number to check the iCloud Activation Lock status of your phone using third-party apps:

• Step 1: Open your Settings app on the iDevice.
• Step 2: Go to General, then choose About.
• Step 3: Find the IMEI number by scrolling down. It’s a 15-digit number that’s unique to your device.

• Step 4: Several third-party websites offer services to check iCloud Activation Lock status using the IMEI number. Some of these services are free, while others might charge a small fee. Make sure to use a reputable service to avoid scams.
• Step 5: On the chosen service’s website, enter your device’s IMEI number.
• Step 6: The service will provide details regarding the iCloud activation lock status.

Remember, if selling, always erase your device and sign out of iCloud to remove the activation lock. For buyers, always ensure your device is free from previous iCloud accounts.

Part 3: How To Remove iCloud Activation Lock

If you discover that the iCloud Activation Lock is still active on your iOS device, removing it is crucial, especially if you plan to sell or repurpose it. There are a few methods to do this, depending on whether you have physical access to the phone.

Method 1: Removing Apple ID Through Apple’s Means

The simplest way to remove the iCloud activation lock is by removing the Apple ID from the phone. You can do these in two ways, as will be outlined below:

Method 1.1 Removing Apple ID When You Have the Apple iPhone 12 mini device With You

When you have the iDevice with you, it’s easy to remove the Apple ID. Just follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your device.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile at the top of the app.
• Step 3: Tap on iCloud.
• Step 4: Find the Sign Out button. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password. After which, turn off your Find My by following the on-screen instructions.

Method 1.2. Removing Apple ID When You Don’t Have the Apple iPhone 12 mini device

Apple also provides a remote way to remove a device from your Apple ID. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to www.iCloud.com/find.

• Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID, email address, phone number, and password.
• Step 3: Choose the one you want to remove from the list of devices.
• Step 4: Follow the prompts to remove the Apple iPhone 12 mini device from your iCloud account.

If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, you’ll need to reset it. Visit Apple’s official Apple ID account page for password resetting instructions.

Method 2: Remove iCloud With Dr.Fone

In cases where you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password and need to remove the iCloud lock, third-party tools like Dr.Fone can be helpful. However, you should have physical access to the phone for this process.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is an all-in-one mobile solution that offers a range of features, including data recovery, system repair, and more. One of its key features is the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock tool of the Screen Unlock (iOS) feature, which can assist in removing iCloud Activation Lock.

Here’s how you can remove the iCloud Activation Lock with Dr.Fone:

• Step 1: Download, install, and launch Wondershare Dr.Fone.

• Step 2: Select Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS on the application’s interface.

• Step 3: Choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

• Step 4: On this page, click Start to start unlocking.

• Step 5: Connect your iDevice to your computer. You will be prompted by Dr.Fone.

• Step 6: At this juncture, you have to determine whether your phone is a GSM or CDMA device. You can see this through Settings > General > About. When it’s a CDMA device, the cellular/SIM compatibilities will be disabled. However, you can still use the phone for its other uses. Once you click Unlock Now, you’ll see this pop-up warning. Click Got it!

• Step 7: Next, you’ll have to Jailbreak your device for a full iCloud activation lock bypass. Click the Jailbreak Guide or the Watch Video button on this pop-up.

• Step 8: Once Dr.Fone confirms that your device is jailbroken, it will automatically start the bypass process.

• Step 9: Once the process is completed, click Done.

Conclusion

In this 2024 guide, you’ve explored various methods to check the iCloud Activation Lock status, an essential feature for iOS device security. Understanding how to verify this status, especially when buying or selling devices online. You’ve also learned how to remove them, so you know how to dispose of your devices properly. Managing your device’s iCloud Activation Lock status is key to ensuring its security and usability.

For those facing challenges with forgotten Apple ID credentials or needing to unlock their devices, Dr.Fone stands out as a reliable solution. It also has capabilities that extend beyond iCloud issues. Overall, it’s a valuable tool for a range of phone-related needs, so we recommend you to put it to use.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

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