How to Remove Activation Lock On the Apple iPhone 7 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 7, 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 device. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Set up the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 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 7 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 7.
• 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 7 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.

3 Effective Ways to Unlock iCloud Account Without Password On Apple iPhone 7

Did you discover that your Apple iPhone 7’s iCloud is locked? Well, if you just bought your phone from eBay, a second-hand vendor, or a friend, the chances are that its iCloud account is locked; that is, the new user will not able able to use it unless you know the username and password of the previous owner. Luckily, there is a way to unlock the iCloud account lock on your Apple iPhone 7 if you cannot reach or convince the previous owner to reset the iCloud lock on your Apple iPhone 7.

Part 1: How do I know My Apple iPhone 7 has an iCloud account lock on it?

If your Apple iPhone 7 has an iCloud account lock on, it simply means that you cannot use it unless you unlock it.

At the beginning of 2015, Apple added a new security feature to iOS that changed how iCloud accounts are managed via Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, iPod, and iWatch. The security feature was known as iCloud Activation Lock . What this meant is that your Apple device is now locked to your iCloud account. In other words, you have to enter your user ID and password whenever you want to access your device’s files, features, and functions.

This is not supposed to be a big issue if you bought a brand new iPhone, iPad, or iWatch. However, things start getting thick whenever you buy a second-hand iPhone from eBay, a colleague, a friend, and so on. Of course, you could ask your friend (if you bought the Apple iPhone 7 device from them) to give you the username and password. Unfortunately, some may not be cooperative, while others might not be reachable.

It doesn’t matter what you do with your Apple iPhone 7. Whether you jailbreak it, reset it or pay someone to hack it, you will still not gain access to your device and use it. This could be a very frustrating experience, especially if you just parted with something like $550 to acquire your Apple iPhone 7.

If you cannot use your Apple iPhone 7 or iPad because iCloud is locked, then it means your Phone is iCloud-locked. The only way to deal with this problem is to unlock the iCloud account and set up a new iCloud account.

Further Reading: How to sign out of Apple ID without a password?

Part 2: How to unlock the iCloud account by iCloud Bypass Tool

iCloud Bypass Tool is an iCloud unlock tool that can help you bypass the iCloud Lock or even remove the problematic iCloud account altogether. The tool is compatible with iPhone, iPod, and iPad with iOS 15/14/13. It supports the following versions of the iPhone: iPhone 13/12/11/X.

Pros

Well, the iCloud Bypass Tool is very popular, thanks to its multi-functional purposes. Most people who have used this tool say it works with almost all versions of iPhone and iOS.

Cons

Although there haven’t been many complaints about using this tool, it continues to receive low ratings.

Part 3: Unlock iCloud account with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

One always needs to be aware of the best things around them. And in case of iCloud account unlock, you should place trust on Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . From a pool of programs available in the market, this stands as one of the highly reliable tools. It knows well how to unlock any screen lock in an iPad or iPhone easily. It has maintained its reputation ever since it is established. Within a few clicks, one can easily attain the results they wanted. Let us put more light and understand this tool in a detailed way.

Pros

• It has an extremely easy-to-use interface.
• You don’t have to be a technical expert in using this tool to unlock an iCloud account.
• Having a fast speed is its specialty, so if you want to know how to unlock an iCloud account in a few seconds, this tool is just for you.
• Free your SIM to work on any carrier worldwide.
• You can change to a different Apple ID or can create a new one without the need for an IMEI number or security questions
• Post unlocking the iCloud account, your device can’t be tracked from the previous ID.
• Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can remove activation lock , Apple ID , MDM , etc.
• Also, there is no need to worry about compatibility as it supports all iOS devices easily.

Cons

• Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is not free for unlocking.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Fix “iPhone Is Disabled and Can’t Connect to iTunes or Finder” Error in 5 Minutes

• Welcoming solution to fix “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes.”
• Effectively remove the Apple iPhone 7 lock screen without the passcode.
• Bypass the iCloud activation lock without hassle.
• Works for all devices, and models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Follow the steps below to remove the iCloud activation lock:

Step 1. Download and install Dr.Fone.

Step 2. Open Screen Unlock, select iOS > iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

Step 3. Follow the jailbreak guide and make sure it has been jailbroken.

Step 4. Start to unlock.

Step 5. Bypass activation lock successfully.

safe & secure

Part 4: How to unlock the iCloud account by GadgetWide

Although this tool works just like the iCloud Bypass Tool outlined above, it is one of the most popular tools.

The following steps outline how to unlock an iCloud account using GadgetWide.

Step 1 - Visit GadgetWide’s website and download the zip file. Once you download it, extract it, and install the program inside.

Step 2 - Once the installation is complete, you can now go to your desktop icon and double-click it. Agree to the terms as shown below

Step 3 - On the next screen, fill in your details and click “Register Now”.

Step 4 - Go to the desktop GadgetWide icon and click “Continue”.

Step 5 - The following window will appear, Click Start Now

Once that is down, your iTunes will be automatically launched, and all you need to do is connect your Apple iPhone 7 to bypass iCloud Lock.

Pros

This software is free to download and use. It is easy and loved by many people.

Cons

The process of downloading and installing the tool is quite lengthy, compared to Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock. which might confuse amateurs.

Wrap it up

As you can see, their many ways you can use when it comes to how to unlock an iCloud account. Now two methods are the same. The one you use depends on many factors, such as your Apple iPhone 7/iPad/iPod model, iOS version, budget, and location. Choose one that you think works for you.

safe & secure

New Guide: How To Check iCloud Activation Lock Status On Your Apple iPhone 7

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 7 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 7 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 7 device and unlock it. This step will confirm whether the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 device still needs to be fully erased. In this case, ask the seller to completely erase the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 device as if it were new. This step is crucial in identifying if the Apple iPhone 7 device is still tied to the previous owner’s account.
• Step 3: During the setup, if the Apple iPhone 7 device prompts you for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, it’s a clear sign that the Apple iPhone 7 device is still linked to the account. Hand the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 device asks for an Apple ID and password previously associated with the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 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 7 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.

Click here


• 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 7 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 7 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 7 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!