How to Remove Activation Lock On the Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS Max device. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Set up the Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 Bypass Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad?

Apple has long been famous for providing sound devices, with nifty safety and user-friendly features. With that said, if you just purchased a used iOS device, you may be required to bypass the activation lock on your device using iCloud, or the previous user’s account. Before we take a look at how to bypass an activation lock on an Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad, let’s examine what an activation lock on an Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad entails.

Part 1. What is Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad?

This theft deterrent feature is cool for the sole reason that it helps keep your data safe, in case of misplacement or thievery. Without access to the owner’s Apple ID and/or password, accessing the Apple iPhone XS Max device becomes impossible. Unfortunately for used purchases, you may have procured a used item legitimately, but have no access to said device.

This feature is enabled by default when the Find My Apple iPhone XS Max option is selected on an iOS device. It is necessary when a user needs to erase data on an iOS device, set it up using a new Apple ID, or turn off Find My Apple iPhone XS Max. Knowing the activation lock is enabled on an Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad is easy, as the screen prompts you to input a user ID and password.

Part 2. How to Bypass Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad with Previous Owner’s Account?

Using a valid Apple ID and password is the easiest way to bypass the activation lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini. In any case, if you legitimately purchased the Apple iPhone XS Max device from the previous owner, they should have no qualms giving you these details. If it’s a new device, and you are the original owner, you will have this information ready to use for activation. Whatever the case, follow the steps below to remove the activation lock to Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini.

• Step 1. Have the previous owner enter their details on the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini, or request them to send the same to you.
• Step 2. Fire up the Apple iPhone XS Max device and when prompted on the Activation Lock Screen, enter the Apple ID and password.
• Step 3. Within a few minutes, the home screen should appear on the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad.
• Step 4. Upon reaching this page, navigate to the settings tab to sign out of iCloud.

A note for users before we proceed with the bypass steps:
Users on iOS 12 or earlier can locate this option on settings, navigating to iCloud, then signing out. For iOS 13 or later, click on settings, then your name, and sign out.

• Step 5. Chances are, the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad will prompt you to enter the original user’s ID and Password. Simply enter the details available to you.
• Step 6. Finally, the best part of the unlocking process; navigate to the settings tab to erase all data. Open up settings, click reset and proceed to erase all content, including settings.
• Step 7. At this point, your Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad will restart/reboot, allowing you to set up the Apple iPhone XS Max device anew.

There are a few web-based resources and tricks that facilitate this procedure. Suffice to say, these methods, known as Jailbreaking, do not work when activation lock is enabled. Stick to using credible methods like the one listed above. Alternatively, you can use iCloud to bypass the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini activation lock. It does, however, require the original owner’s iCloud information. Assuming they are in contact with you, have them use the following steps to bypass the activation lock.

Part 3. How to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Without Password Using Dr.Fone?

This cool software program is available for use with every iOS device out there. It offers utility for all matters security, revamping or repairing as well as unlocking of iOS devices. On removing Apple ID and activation lock without a password, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one of the few recommended programs.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove Activation Lock from iPhone/Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad without Password

• Remove the 4-digit/6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID.
• Bypass iCloud activation lock and Apple ID without password.
• Remove mobile device management (MDM) iPhone.
• A few clicks and the iOS lock screen is gone.
• Fully compatible with all iOS device models and iOS versions.

4,395,216 people have downloaded it

Follow the guide to remove activation lock on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad without a password:

• Step 1. Click the “Start Download” button above to Download Dr.Fone onto your computer. Once the interface pops up, select the Screen Unlock option.
• Step 2. Then select iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

• Step 3. Start the Remove process, and connect your Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad to your computer.

• Step 6. Wait a moment for the removal process.

Part 4. How to Bypass Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini Activation Lock Using iCloud.com?

• Step 1. The original user (or yourself) should proceed to iCloud and sign in using a valid Apple ID and password. Goes without saying that they have to be valid details.
• Step 2. Click on the option to Find iPhone.
• Step 3. Select All Devices, and a screen should appear similar to the one below.

• Step 4. Select the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini that you need to unlock.
• Step 5. Click on the option to erase the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad, then proceed to remove the Apple iPhone XS Max device from the account.
• Step 6. Completing this process will remove the Apple iPhone XS Max device from the previous user’s account, subsequently removing the activation lock from your Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad. Restart the Apple iPhone XS Max device and a different interface should appear, without the activation lock screen.

A popular query regarding the activation lock on an Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad Mini is why access is denied if you are not the original owner? This is explained in detail below.

Conclusion

Having an iOS device is a unique and satisfying experience, one that many smart device users wish they could have. On that note, activation locks on Apple iPhone XS Max or iPads and other iOS devices are meant to protect user information and ensure privacy. Furthermore, using shady programs downloaded from the web may lead to the destruction of a device. Use the handy methods suggested above to fully enjoy the features on your iOS device.

How to Fix iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS Max device; then, your iPad or Apple iPhone XS Max device got stuck on the activation lock.

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

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

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

This could be your first trick using iCloud for unlocking the iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS Max that you will need. So, if you have purchased a second-hand iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS Max device you require to bypass by identifying its name and model number.
• Then choose ‘Erase iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS Max is Stuck in Activation Lock

Here for unlocking your iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS Max is Stuck in Activation Lock

Here is the above-mentioned solution that is unlocking the stuck iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS Max that is activation locked?

The next solution you can adopt for activating your screen lock on your iPad or Apple iPhone XS Max device is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software, which is the ultimate and most reliable solution for solving your iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS 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 XS Max Device Details:

After completing jailbreaking your iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS Max stuck on activation lock

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

The iPad or Apple iPhone XS 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 XS 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.