How to Remove Activation Lock From the iPhone 12 Without Previous Owner?

How to Remove Activation Lock From the iPhone 12 Without Previous Owner?

Lydia Lv12

How to Remove Activation Lock On the Apple iPhone 12 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, 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.”

icloud activation lock

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 quickly from the disabled state.
  • Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.
  • Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services.New icon
  • 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”_.

drfone remove active lock

  • 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 .

jailbreak on iPhone

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

confirm bypassing agreement

  • 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 device screen.  When it is done, select Got It! button to continue.

connect iOS devices with PC

  • 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.

completed unlocking process

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 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 device. Follow the steps:

  • Step 1: Set up the Apple iPhone 12 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.

wifi settings wlan

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

configure dns

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

configure dns manually and add server

  • 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 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 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.
  • 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 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 Unlock iCloud Activation Lock and iCloud Account On Apple iPhone 12?

Phone security has become vital these days as it contains almost all the details of an individual, personal and official. Apple has the best security system, and the iCloud Activation Lock feature takes care of your Apple devices. You have secured your phone but now don’t remember the password and are stuck with the iCloud activation unlock the screen; how are you going to proceed?

What if you have purchased an iPhone and wish to start using it right away; you wish you could, but you cannot since the Apple iPhone 12 device is looking for an iCloud activation unlock. Ready for more about how to unlock the iCloud activation lock.

Part 1: Basic knowledge about iCloud activation lock

What is the iCloud activation lock?

An activation lock has been developed to stop others from using your Apple iPhone 12, iPad, iPod, or Apple Watch if it is stolen or lost. Your Apple iPhone 12 should be iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, SE, 6, 6S, or 6S + to have the services of the iCloud activation lock. For phones on iOS 7 and above versions, the activation lock is auto-enabled once the Apple iPhone 12 is switched on.

What is the iCloud activation lock used for?

An iCloud lock is basically for the security of an individual’s phone to not misuse and your details are safe. Once the ‘Find My iPhone’ feature is enabled on your Apple devices, Apple’s activation server saves your Apple Id. Henceforth whenever your phone is turned off or performs any type of action such as erasing the Apple iPhone 12 device or reactivating the Apple iPhone 12 device, then your device will ask for unlocking iCloud activation.

How do I know My Apple iPhone 12 was iCloud activation locked?

If you are purchasing an iPhone or any other Apple device from someone, you need to make sure that the Apple device is no longer linked to the prior owner’s account. To make sure you are on the safe side, you could check it for yourself. There are two ways to check:

1. You can visit https://icloud.com/activationlock from any Computer or MAC to check the present Activation Lock status of the Apple iPhone 12 device.

2. Follow the steps below to be sure that you can use your Apple iPhone 12 device hassle-free:

  1. Switch on the Apple iPhone 12 device and slide to unlock it.

If the screen displays a passcode lock screen or you can see the Home Screen, the Apple iPhone 12 device you have purchased has not been erased. The seller will go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Ensure the seller clears the phone before he hands it over to you for use.

erase all content and settings

  1. Set up your device.

Once you have selected the language, country, and connected to a network, the Apple iPhone 12 device will start activation. If the Apple iPhone 12 device prompts you for the previous owner’s

Apple ID and password, the Apple iPhone 12 device is still linked to an earlier used account. You should go back to the seller and ask them to give you their password. If the previous owner of the Apple device cannot be located or is not present, the seller can try to remove the Apple iPhone 12 device by going to https://www.icloud.com/find .

activate iphone

Once this is done, and your device prompts you for ‘Set up our iPhone/iPad/iPod’ as you turn it on, then you know your device is ready for use.

set up our iphone/ipad/ipod

However, some sellers might try jailbreaking, which might hamper the warranty of your device, which is why you must unlock iCloud activation from a reputed company.

Part 2: How to unlock iCloud with a useful tool – Dr.Fone

The most reliable way to unlock iCloud is to use a tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . The tool makes sure to provide guaranteed results and satisfy the users. Let us know how you can use this without further ado.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlock iCloud activation lock in a few minutes

  • Unlock iCloud activation lock and iCloud account without iTunes.
  • Effectively remove the Apple iPhone 12 lock screen without the passcode.
  • Works for most models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
  • Fully compatible with most iOS versions.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Step 1: Get the Software

Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer in the first place. Install and launch the tool now. Now, select the “Screen Unlock” module from the main interface.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Option

Once you select the Unlock tab, you will get into the new screen. Here, you need to click on the “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” option.

new-interface

Step 3: Click “Start” to unlock iCloud

remove icloud activation lock

Step 4: Start to unlock

unlock icloud activation - start to unlock

Step 6: Bypass activation lock successfully.

When the program unlocks iCloud, a successful message window will appear. Here, you can check if you bypass your activation lock.

unlock icloud activation - successfully

Unlocking an iCloud Locked iPad and Apple iPhone 12

iCloud Lock, or Activation Lock, is an additional layer of security added to the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 in the Find My feature. It improves the security of your device. Simultaneously, it might create problems if you fail to remember your Apple ID credentials.

If you try to delete a lost iPad and Apple iPhone 12 or set it as Lost Mode and find it back in a little while, the Activation Lock page will appear on your iPad. Also, if you purchase a second-hand iPad, it might become an iCloud-locked iPad. You should fill in the Apple ID or device password to complete the process.

With practically no credentials mentioned here, you should turn to expert software to help unlock this iPad. We will teach you how to unlock iCloud-locked iPad in different ways.

Part 1: Can We Unlock iCloud Locked iPad and Apple iPhone 12 Without Password?

Method 1. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

How about we come to the most difficult situation you will be in? You get the iCloud-locked iPad and have no information about the Apple account. You can’t get the Apple ID and password. Furthermore, you don’t keep or have the receipt or proof to show the Apple Store you are the buyer of this iPad. It implies you must bypass this iCloud activation lock page for iPad and Apple iPhone 12 iCloud unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) by Wondershare is the right iOS unlocker you want at present. The tool can assist you with removing the iCloud-locked interface with no password. Moreover, using Dr.Fone is not difficult; you only need to follow the steps underneath with care. And the process is safe as Dr.Fone takes care of user privacy. But you’d better have a backup because of data loss during unlock process.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Bypass iCloud activation lock in any scenario

  • Forgot the password and icloud locked on iphone.
  • Purchased a second-hand iPhone or iPad and Apple iPhone 12 locked to owner.
  • Got a gifted iPhone or iPad and Apple iPhone 12 that is activation locked.
  • Device got lost or stolen and need to disable icloud activation lock.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

Step 1. Install the Dr.Fone application on your PC, launch it, and continue to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to initiate the tool for bypassing Activation Lock.

bypass activate lock

Step 2. Pick the “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” option from the interface, then select the button of “Start”.

bypass activate lock

Step 3. Please remember to make your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 jailbroken; if not, the process can’t go well.

make your device jailbroken

Step 4. Start removing the lock and wait. After following these steps, your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 will turn into a normal one with no lock.

Step 5. That will remove the activation lock in a flash. Presently, your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 has no activation lock.

remove the activation lock

Method 2. Apple iPhone Unlock

The Apple iPhone Unlock tool will rapidly remove the iCloud activation lock from the old user’s account. However, we are not sure if this tool will work across the globe with all variants of iOS. But this is a simple and consistent tool for removing this lock to set your own. Here’s how:

Step 1. Visit the Apple iPhone unlock website from a browser.

Step 2. Enter the Apple iPhone 12 device IMEI or the serial number of your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 and send it.

enter serial number

Step 3. Wait for an affirmation message informing you that the iCloud lock has been removed.

Step 4. Presently, make another iCloud account and start using your iPad.

Method 3. iCloud DNS Bypass

Since your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 is locked, you cannot access anything until you unlock your Apple device. One method for unlocking an iCloud-locked device is to use the DNS bypass by following the steps underneath:

Step 1. Take your iPad, and remember that on the “Activate iPhone” screen, press the home button and afterward press the “Wi-Fi” settings. Close to the Wi-Fi image, tap on the “I” symbol. Now you need to change the current DNS settings of your iPad. The DNS settings you want to type are as per the following:

  • For users in the USA, type in 104.154.51.7
  • In Europe, type 104.155.28.90
  • In Asia, type 104.155.220.58
  • For other parts of the world, key in 78.109.17.60

Step 2. Click the “Back” button, then Done. Then, click the “Activation help” option. You will see a message saying you have connected to my server whenever you do that. You will get to various iCloud services if you tap on the menu. Furthermore, you can access the User’s Chat, Mail, Social, Video, YouTube, and other things from there.

Part 2: How to Unlock iCloud Locked iPad and Apple iPhone 12 with Apple ID and Password?

The least demanding way is to use the Apple ID username and password initially used to activate the Apple iPhone 12 device. Follow these steps to finish the Activation Lock bypass:

  • Please turn on the Apple iPhone 12 device and enter the first Apple ID credentials when it gets to the Activation Lock screen (or ask the individual who sold you the iPad).
  • It will permit the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 to boot up. At the point when the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 gets to the home screen, sign out of iCloud.

On iOS 10.2 and older, tap Settings > iCloud > Sign Out.

On iOS 10.3 and newer, go to Settings and tap on your name > Sign Out.

sign out

  • When the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 requests the user’s ID credentials, please enter them.
  • Presently, eradicate any leftover information and settings on the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 by tapping Settings. Go to the General tab and Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

erase all content

  • The iPad and Apple iPhone 12 will restart. You shouldn’t see the Activation Lock screen this time and should have the option to set up the iPad and Apple iPhone 12 like new.

activation lock removed

Conclusion

Here are the different ways you can utilize iPad and Apple iPhone 12 iCloud unlock. If there is an opportunity to reset your Apple ID, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) will be an incredible and straightforward choice. However, when you attempt this technique, notice that your iPad and Apple iPhone 12 will not have the option to utilize cell data after jailbreak. So make sure to choose the method best suited for your situation.


Also read:

  • Title: How to Remove Activation Lock From the iPhone 12 Without Previous Owner?
  • Author: Lydia
  • Created at : 2024-12-18 18:42:19
  • Updated at : 2024-12-21 19:04:35
  • Link: https://activate-lock.techidaily.com/how-to-remove-activation-lock-from-the-iphone-12-without-previous-owner-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.