How to Remove Activation Lock On the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Without Previous Owner?

Refurbished iPhones or iPads have been a viable option for more and more people, especially with the major cell phone manufacturer, Apple, offering official purchase channels. However, there are many people who buy used phones through non-acquaintances who trade in their own Apple devices. So, the question arises: How to remove the Find My iPhone activation lock without a previous owner? It has become the focus of people’s attention.

The reason can vary, but the recovery process can be exasperating. Fortunately, there are several right approaches and alternatives that can help with the situation. This article will introduce to you some simple and effective tricks to remove the activation lock, even if you lose help from previous owners.

Here is a video for you to learn how to remove Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch:

Why Apple Devices Get locked by Activation Lock? [A Simple Overview]

In case some users don’t know Activation Lock, we are giving a simple introduction to it. According to Apple, “Activation Lock is a feature that’s designed to prevent anyone else from using your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch if it’s ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone. Even if you erase your device remotely, the Activation Lock can continue to deter anyone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find My iPhone turned on and remember your Apple ID and password.”

Admittedly, it has a good side to follow, but it does have drawbacks to specific people. Here are the pros and cons of Activation lock.

Pros

• Locate and play a sound by Find My iPhone on missing Apple devices, like iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc
• Protect data if a device is stolen

Cons

• Make the first using process more troublesome if you cannot acquire the iCloud login information from the previous owner, after buying a second hand iPhone

To solve this small problem, in this post, we provide you with four effective solutions to help you remove Activation Lock without a previous owner.

Method 1: Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner Using Dr.Fone [iOS 12.0 and up]

Without the credential, or iCloud login information from the previous owner, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) could do a big favor. It applies to both MacBook and Windows, and it is a professional bypass tool for an iCloud activation lock. The following steps will help you to remove the iCloud activation lock.

Dr.Fone will access your iOS devices with a couple of clicks. Follow the video instructions below to remove find my iPhone/ iPad activation lock without a previous owner:

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Remove Remove Activation Lock without Password in Minutes

• Remove Apple ID/iCloud Account efficiently.
• Save your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max quickly from the disabled state.
• Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.
• Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services.
• Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

Step-by-step guide for Windows users

• Step 1. Launch and install Dr.Fone on your PC, and select Screen Unlock from its home page.
• Step 2. Select “_iOS” mode, and click “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” to bypass the iCloud Activation Lock. Then, tap “Start”_.

• Step 3. If your iOS device is running iOS/iPadOS 15.0 to 16.3, you can follow this process. However, for iOS/iPadOS 12.0 to 14.8.1, you must first jailbreak your device by following the Jailbreak Guide .

• Step 4. Then, please carefully read the agreement, confirm and tick it before start removing the iCloud activation lock.

• Step 5. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to put your iOS device to enter DFU mode twice. And make sure your USB connection is stable, and you’ve unlocked the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device screen.  When it is done, select Got It! button to continue.

• Step 6. Then, Dr.Fone Screen Unlock will start the unlocking process, just take some minutes to its completion. After a while, it will show the following interface as below when it gets finished.

Method 2: Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner by Apple Official Support

This method could be very useful, but not that easy because you need to get proof of the purchase from the previous owner first. Once you get the required documents, everything goes simple. Go and contact Apple Support , Apple staff will be able to support you. They will verify the original owner of the phone and then help you unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. In addition to proof of purchase, they may ask for other documents as well as your identity cards. They will remove the Activation Lock from your device if your purchase documents are legit.

There are two ways to ask for Apple support:

• Offline method: Visit the Apple Store along with the purchase proof.
• Online method: Call Apple Support or visit its official website for remote assistance in removing the Activation Lock.

Their representatives will provide you with the necessary support and assistance during the process.

Method 3: Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via DNS

Activation locks are difficult to get through, but fortunately, few methods work. DNS method can also help you bypass the activation lock and access your device. The best part is, you don’t need the previous owner or proof of purchase.

DNS method is an effective technique to remove find my iPhone activation lock without the previous owner. It works for the operating system running in the older versions. It is a simple technique for a technical person, and it works for both iPhone and iPad. This method utilizes the Wi-Fi DNS settings of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Set up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max as a new device.
• Step 2: Connect to a Wi-Fi network on the Wi-Fi settings page. And tap the “_i_” icon next to your network name.

• Step 3: On the next screen, tap on the Configure DNS option.

• Step 4: Choose the “_Manual_” option from the page as below.

• Step 5: Tap “**+** Add Server”, and try one of the following DNS values:

• USA: 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

• Other: 78.100.17.60

• Step 6: Your phone will be unlocked.

Pros

• This process can be manually done by devices’ Wi-Fi settings.
• It doesn’t need any external device or software.

Cons

• The process might be a little complicated for a non-technical person to operate.
• The method may not work for the latest versions of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPad.

Method 4: Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via the iCloud Web

If you can not reach the previous owner, but you are still in touch with them, they can still unlock your phone remotely by following a set of instructions. This whole process can be performed remotely with the help of iCloud web. If your previous owner cooperates, they can help with the process.

The process will involve a few steps to remove your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max from their account remotely. After this process, you can set your device as a new phone. The activation lock will be permanently gone from your phone.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on removing my iPhone/iPad activation lock without the previous owner using the iCloud web. You can share these steps with the previous owner :

• Open iCloud website in a browser.
• Sign in to the existing iCloud account in use with the locked iPhone.
• Once you are logged in, click on the option that says Find iPhone.

Now you can remotely perform actions on your phone. Further :

• Click on the drop-down named All Devices and choose your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
• Click on Erase iPhone.

Final Words

By now, you are familiar that there are many ways to bypass activation lock. So, If you face a situation with the activation lock, you will have a couple of options to get through the situation. Just decide the correct method and approach according to your circumstances and availability of resources. If you are a seller, you should disable the activation lock before selling your phone. Erasing the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device back to factory settings will not put the buyer in any trouble.

To Disable Activation Lock

• Go to settings > Tap your name at the top of the list > Tap iCloud > Tap Find My iPhone > Toggle the “Find My iPhone” > Type your Apple ID password.

To Reset The Device

• Go to settings > General > Reset > Click “erase all settings” >Give confirmation > Wait until the process is complete.

We hope this post will help you figure out the right way to remove the Find My iPhone/ iPad Activation Lock without a previous owner. If you have any questions, please leave us in the comment section below.

How to Fix iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Stuck On Activation Lock?

Every iOS device comes with the default activation lock feature to prevent devices like iPhone or iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max from any theft or data leakage. When your device is locked, it becomes almost impossible for the users to unlock it without having an authorized username and password details. Moreover, they won’t reset, erase or even modify the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device to make it work again. To solve this issue, you can try bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock, which could be hard but not impossible. This article will provide you all the means for bypassing your activation lock, which you can find below.

Part 1: Why is the iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max stuck on the activation lock?

This usually happens with the users who purchased the second-hand iOS device that came locked. And the original owner failed to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device; then, your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device got stuck on the activation lock.

Part 2: How to bypass when the iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is stuck in activation lock?

For bypassing the activation lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, here you can try three different ways given below:

Bypass with iCloud when iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is stuck in activation lock:

This could be your first trick using iCloud for unlocking the iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is stuck in the activation lock. And for using this trick, there will be few essential details such as username and password regarding your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max that you will need. So, if you have purchased a second-hand iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can ask for the details from its first owner.

And now, if you got the required details, then for unlocking your device, you can follow the below steps:

• Firstly, open ‘iCloud.com.’
• Now sign in using the Apple ID username and password details that you received from the previous owner or which you might have created if you are the first owner.
• Now press the ‘Find iPhone’ button.
• Then choose the ‘All Devices’ option.
• After this, simply pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device you require to bypass by identifying its name and model number.
• Then choose ‘Erase iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.’
• After this, select the ‘Remove From Account’ option.

If you have followed all the given steps, then your device would be unlocked as you might have successfully bypassed the activation lock by deleting your device identity from Apple ID.

Bypass via DNS when iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is Stuck in Activation Lock

Here for unlocking your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device via Domain Name System (DNS), you can go with the given step by step guide:

• Firstly, you need to restart your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.
• Then pick your country and language.
• And then, you will be asked to enter the new DNS server, which you can add based on the following:

For Europe, you can use: 104.155.28.90

For the USA/North America, you can use: 104.154.51.7

For Asia, you can use: 104.155.220.58

And for the Rest of the World, you can use: 78.109.17.60

• Then go to the back button.
• Now connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max with a Wi-Fi connection.
• Then press ‘Done’.
• Then click ‘Activation Help’.

Here, one message will blink on your screen that will say you are successfully connected to the server.

• Now press the ‘Menu’ button.
• You can preview the apps available on the screen and then choose one of them for fetching the previous owner’s account details.

Permanently Bypass iCloud when iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is Stuck in Activation Lock

Here is the above-mentioned solution that is unlocking the stuck iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max via DNS (Domain Name System) is absolutely effective. Still, it could only give you a temporary solution that does not work persistently. And when you activate your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device with the above-given solution, then even after unlocking your device, you will only be able to use the major functions only.

Now, for accessing most of the functions from your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, you can permanently bypass the iCloud activation lock with the following steps:

• Firstly, click on the ‘Menu’ button.
• Then go to ‘Applications.’
• Then select the ‘Crash’ option.

This will make your device restart.

• Now set your country and language as well.
• Then press the Home button.
• Here, select More Wi-Fi Settings.
• Then click the ‘i’ symbol shown just next to the Wi-Fi network.
• After scrolling down, you will reach the ‘Menu.’ So, press the button.

Now you are required to clean out the address bar completely.

• Then click on the ‘Globe’ icon.
• After this, you need to tap on nearly 30 characters in the Port zone.
• Then again, press the ‘Back’ button.
• Now select the ‘Next’ option.

After this, you are again going to view the language option and unlock the screen as well. So, you only need to keep sliding both of these screens until and unless you can see the home screen.

Part 3: How to recover an iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max that is activation locked?

The next solution you can adopt for activating your screen lock on your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software, which is the ultimate and most reliable solution for solving your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max stuck on an activation lock issue.

This software tool is powerful enough to provide guaranteed solutions and satisfactory results for all kinds of technical issues.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove Activation Lock on iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Without Password

• Unlock Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID without password.
• Bypass the iCloud activation lock without hassle.
• Remove iPhone carrier restrictions for unlimited usage.
• No tech knowledge required, Simple, click-through, process.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

Here let’s discuss how can you utilize this well-defined solution for solving your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max stuck in activation lock issue:

Step 1: Launch the Software:

First, you will be required to launch the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software on your computer. Then pick the ‘Screen Unlock’ module from the given ones.

Step 2: Choose the Required Option:

Here, from the given screens, you need to pick the ‘iCloud Activation Lock Removal’ option.

Step 3: Jailbreak Your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Device:

Now before finally proceeding towards the iCloud account, here you will be required to jailbreak your device. So, click on the ‘JailBreak Guide’ and follow the instructions given on the screens. After that, click ‘Agree’ and accept the warning.

Step 4: Verify Your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Device Details:

After completing jailbreaking your iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max , Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software will identify your device. So, here you need to confirm your device details.

Step 5: The Unlocking Process:

Once you confirm your device details, the software will eventually start the unlocking process of your device.

Step 6: Bypass Activation Lock Successfully:

Here, when the software successfully bypasses the iCloud lock , you will receive a success message on your screen. So, you can check whether you have bypassed the activation lock or not.

Part 4: FAQ about iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max stuck on activation lock

• How do I remove the activation lock without the previous owner?

The iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max activation lock can be removed by adopting third-party software like Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), where you will no longer require the first owner’s Username and Password details.

• Is there an official way to bypass the activation lock?

You can officially bypass the activation lock on an iPad or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device using iCloud. And for that, you certainly will be required to have the authorized username and password as well.

Conclusion

In the above content, we have provided effective solutions to easily bypass the activation lock by adopting various solutions; you can also adopt software solutions such as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) , where you will no longer be required to have the authorized User ID and Password. So, try this magical solution and unlock your device as well.

How to Remove Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Activation Lock

It is always better to purchase a second-hand iDevice over a brand-new one. A second-hand iPhone or iPad may seem appealing to people on a tight budget. However, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device may already be linked to an iCloud account after it’s brought. Therefore, the absence of the correct password makes it impossible to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.

The new owner needs to contact the original owner to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. However, if the person has forgotten the password, this issue may cause serious problems. This article will offer insight into Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max activation lock removal and the mechanisms necessary to unlock it in the absence or presence of the original owner.

Part 1: What is Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Activation Lock? A Quick Look

iPhone activation lock is one of the prominent features of Apple’s “Find My iPhone.” Once the “Find My iPhone” feature is activated, this feature gets automatically switched on. This activation lock guarantees device data and information safety at all times.

It also restrains anyone from reactivating the stolen device, even after erasing it. Below are some of the significant benefits of turning on the apple activation lock.

• For devices covered by the AppleCare+ Theft and Loss package, it is crucial to keep the “Find My Device” enabled on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device when it is stolen or lost.
• It allows iPhone users to track the physical location of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. This may be done by playing a sound on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. The user may also activate the Lost Mode via Find My iPhone.

The user may also reset the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max password via iCloud when the activation lock feature is turned on.

Part 2: How to Bypass Apple Activation Lock?

Scenario 1: If you can’t get in touch with the previous owner

1. Professional iPhone Activation Lock Removal Tool [Highly Recommended]

An iCloud lock activation bypass tool is highly recommended to remove the activation lock screen without any password on iPhone. It allows the user to reactivate the locked device without entering the iCloud username and password.

Using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is recommended for this scenario. This tool removes the screen passcodes in minutes. Follow the steps shown below to bypass the Apple activation lock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove iPhone Activation Lock without Any Hassle.

• Intuitive instructions to unlock the activation lock without the passcode.
• Removes the iPhone’s lock screen whenever it is disabled.
• Easy to use with detailed guide.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS system.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Step 1: For iCloud unlock, begin by installing the activation lock removal software tool which is Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock. Install and launch the tool on the computer underuse. Choose the “Screen Unlock” option.

Step 2: Connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to the PC upon selecting the Unlock tab.  The user will be directed to a new screen. On this page, click on the option that says “iCloud Activation Lock Removal”.

Step 3. On this page, it’s time to start the process of bypassing activation lock.

Step 4. There’re 2 types of devices, GSM and CDMA, which lead to different results after bypassing activation lock

(GSM device won’t set obstacles to your user experience, and you can still use all functions of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max after the activation lock is bypassed.)

(But, if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is a GSM device, you can only this iPhone as an iPad that cannot call or use cellular as you will see as follow.)

Step 5: Now, you need to jailbreak the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max before removing the activation lock. If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max hasn’t been jailbroken, you can follow the “Jailbreak Guide “ for it.

Step 6: After jailbreaking the iPhone, you can start the iPhone activation lock removal process.

Step 7: When the process is over, you will see a message notifying the successful process.

Note: The process will delete all your data, so make sure to use this method if you have a backup of your device or if you don’t want the data on your device.

safe & secure

2. Online Activation Lock Bypassing Service

Several online services are available that claim to remove activation lock from iPhone. Some of these services are available at absolutely no cost. One cannot expect a high success rate in comparison to the premium paid services. Besides, one may not even receive any warranty for any data or hardware loss or damage due to the service.

There is no need to download any additional tools and programs or hardware for this purpose. Getting started with an activation lock online bypassing service is straightforward.

Step 1: Begin by entering the details of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max model.

Step 2: Fill out the contact information and device details like the user’s country and the IMEI number. The service underuse may take a minute to verify the elements as well.

Upon confirming the information details, click on “Confirm Order”. If the service is free, no order payment page will show up. Instead, a pop-up window may show. This solution is pretty permanent and allows users to set new credentials like a new device.

3. A Loophole: DNS Bypass

Most iPhones today run on the latest iOS versions. However, if the user has an iPhone running on an older version of the operating system, the DNS method can be used to bypass the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device activation lock. This technique uses a loophole in the Wi-Fi DNS settings on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. It tricks the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max into thinking that it is unlocked.

Listed below are the steps to be followed to remove the “Find My iPhone” activation lock in the absence of the previous iPhone user.

Step 1: Start by setting up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max as a new device. The user must wait until they reach the Wi-Fi settings page.

Step 2: On opening the Wi-Fi screen, connect to a strong Wi-Fi network. Next to the chosen network name, tap on the “I” icon available on the right-hand side.

Step 3: From the following screen, tap on the shown “Configure DNS” option.

Step 4: The next step is to choose the manual option available at the top of the page and use one of the DNS values mentioned below.

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

This must get the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max unlocked by now.

4. The Official Approach - Apple Support

Using the official Apple support never goes out of the list of possible approaches for activation lock removal . Call Apple support by phone and offer the following list of details in this situation.

• AppleCare agreement number
• iPhone receipt
• A serial number of the user’s iPhone.

This approach is straightforward and needs no additional cost. If the user can provide the necessary details, the activation lock on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device will get removed without any functional limitations.

However, this support system doesn’t cover iPhone purchased through second-hand vendors. Besides, upon providing relevant details, it may still be subject to Apple Support’s discretion for unlocking the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.

Scenario 2: If you can get in touch with the previous owner

1. Apple Activation Lock Removal with Screen Passcode

This situation is possible if the new owner can physically contact the original owner of the iPhone. Ask the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max owner to enter their screen passcode and unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. Exit the used Apple ID and remove the apple activation lock upon opening it.

2. Ask to Remotely perform iCloud Unlock through iCloud.com

At times, the previous owner may not be physically resent near the new iPhone owner. In that scenario, having the person’s contact information may come in handy. Next, ask the person to remove their device from iCloud. It may be done remotely by following the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Make use of their Apple ID and passcode to sign in to the iCloud website. Or ask the owner to do so.

Step 2: The user needs to click on the “Find My” button. Next, select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max devices to form the “All Devices” menu.

Step 3: Click on “Erase Device” from the available options appearing on the screen, click on “Erase Device”. Now follow the steps to erase all data and settings on the respective device.

Step 4: Choose “Remove from Account”. Finish setting up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, and the new user will start using it normally.

Part 3: FAQs

1. What to do not buy iPhone with an activation lock?

Before buying a used phone, check whether you can erase and disable the Find my feature of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. If you can do so, you are good to go.

2. Can I remove the activation lock by erasing data?

To erase the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, you should have the password if it has the activation lock. So technically, you can’t remove the activation lock by simply erasing your device.

3. Can Apple support help me to remove the activation lock?

You can start a request (application) on the Apple support website. After assessing your case, they might help you remove the activation lock iPhone.

Conclusion

By now, users may be accustomed to the possible options to remove activation locks from their iPhone devices. The possibilities are available based on whether or not the original owner and passcode are in the vicinity. In addition, users can now altogether remove the apple activation lock and get restarted on their device.

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