In 2024, How to Remove Activation Lock On the iPhone 12 Pro Max Without Previous Owner?

In 2024, How to Remove Activation Lock On the iPhone 12 Pro Max Without Previous Owner?

Lydia Lv12

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.”

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 Pro Max 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 Pro Max 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 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.

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 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.

The Most Effective Ways to Bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Activation Lock

Activation lock enables when you enable the Find My feature on your iDevices. This feature securely stores your connected device to Apple’s activation servers. You will see an activation window on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max when you reset your device. However, to remove the iPad activation lock, you first need to enter the connected account.

Still, there are times you might need to know how to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Activation Lock. Perhaps you may fail to remember your iCloud credentials, or the screen isn’t responsive. Most frequently, a phone is second-hand or gifted, and the first user forgets to remove it from their iCloud account.

Whatever your reason, we’ll walk you through Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud bypass. Also, we will give you the best tools available in the market for your case.

Part 1: 5 Best Ways to Bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Activation Lock

1. Ask the previous device owner for Apple ID and passcode

For an iPhone activation lock bypass, you’ll require a couple of data:

The owner’s Apple ID email and secret word. If you want to know how to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone or iPad, it’s frequently just about as straightforward as signing into the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. It would help if you had the Apple ID credentials of the past owner.

The owner’s four or six-digit passcodes. You might see the passcode screen instead of the activation lock if a device isn’t deleted.

owner id

The following steps show the way to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max activation lock:

  • Turn on your phone and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device (language, WiFi, and so forth.)
  • When you see the “Sign In with Apple ID” screen, enter the Appl ID credentials of the previous owner.
  • With the correct credentials given, the process can proceed.
  • On the other hand, if you see the passcode screen, you can type it and set up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device without Apple ID.

With the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device fully set up, access your device’s Settings and sign out of the iCloud account. You can now make one more ID and sign into it.

2. Remotely bypass activation lock by the previous owner

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud bypass is likewise possible through iCloud. This method is helpful when the phone owner isn’t with you and can’t sign into their Apple ID. You’ll require their Apple ID details, and they might have to verify the login activity through a different device.

Yet iCloud is a great choice for remotely bypassing a device from a client’s Apple ID. The steps below will guide the owner on how they can remotely bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max through iCloud:

  • Visit the official iCloud website, i.e., iCloud.com, through a web browser.
  • Sign in with the Mac ID details (Note: If you are performing these steps, the owner might have to verify your login is real through an iPhone or iPad related to their ID).
  • Select the “Find iPhone” symbol (Note: This is the “Find My” feature; Apple hasn’t changed the name on iCloud.com. However, it works for all Apple devices).
  • On the guide, select the blue spot related to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max you want to sign into.
  • Select the “Erase iPhone” option.
  • Pick the “Remove from Account” option.

remove from account

3. iForgot website to reset Apple ID and passcode

  • Go to Apple’s iForgot site, enter your Apple ID credentials, and tap Continue.

sign in

  • Apple shows phone numbers related to the Apple ID (the numbers are covered up, and just the last two digits can be seen). Enter the mobile number associated with your Apple ID and snap the Continue button.
  • Likewise, with a two-factor authentication login, a popup window appears on your devices. A list of all your connected Apple devices shows on the site. Click “Allow” in the Reset Password section to bypass the lock.

allow the apple device

  • Enter your device password or macOS passcode and snap Continue.
  • Please create a new password, retype it in the Verify field, and click Next or Change. Your password will now be different. You might have to retype it on various devices.

4. Use iCloud DNS Bypass

This technique requires a SIM card and requests that you change your DNS settings. But this strategy takes care of Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max bypass for many users. However, it tends to be complicated for non-technical users. Also, it requests that you change the DNS settings, which can cause issues for your different settings. This technique is very tricky, yet all at once, not hard. Let’s check it out:

  • On the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device’s setup, pick the country you’re currently in.
  • On the Wi-Fi network screen, tap the “I” icon.
  • Select “More Wi-Fi Settings” (Note: You can’t be associated with the web while playing out these steps, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device must have the SIM card installed.)
  • Select the “I” icon once more.
  • Enter one of the below IP addresses in the “DNS” section (according to your region):

North America: 104.154.51.7

Asia: 104.155.220.58

Europe: 104.155.28.90

South America: 35.199.88.219

Other regions: 78.100.17.60

  • Select the “back” button on the upper left of the screen.
  • Pick your Wi-Fi network from the different networks available on your screen. Then enter your Wi-Fi code to connect.
  • On the following screen, select the “Back” option. The next screen that shows is the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud bypass screen.

dns bypass

5. Use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

You can’t remove the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max activation lock without Mac ID credentials. If you use an activation bypass program to bypass the lock, you will effectively unlock it. Therefore, if your device is in any circumstances above, you want an expert tool.

Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one such hassle-free and proficient program to bypass the activation lock on Apple iPhone 12 Pro Maxs.

As one of the most well-known tools, Dr.Fone would be the best answer for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud bypass. This software is not difficult to work with. You can easily bypass the iCloud iPhone and utilize your device in a matter of moments. It is viable with all the most recent iPhone devices. Likewise, it additionally helps you with removing the Find My iPhone option.

Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone and launch it. Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > IOS and then connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to the computer and select “iCloud Activation Lock Removal”.

download Wondershare Dr.Fone

Step 2: In the next window, click Unlock Now button.

click unlock button

Step 3: You will see a prompt appear, and please read the details, and checkmark “I have read and agree the agreement”. Tapping the “Got it!” button.

confirm prompt

Step 4: Put iDevice in DFU Mode for the first time and the program will send a command to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device and it will restart.

Step 5: Then you need to put the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device in DFU mode for the second time. When it’s done, the program will activate the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.

put in DFU mode for second time

Step 6: Once the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device has been processed under the DFU Mode, the computer’s screen will start displaying the removal of the iCloud Activation Lock. When it’s done, click Done in the next window.

process done

Part 2: FAQs

1. What can iCloud activation lock do for us?

Activation Lock assists you with keeping your device secure, regardless of whether it’s in the wrong hands. Moreover, it can increase your possibility of recovering the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. Regardless of whether you delete your device remotely, the activation lock can keep on stopping anybody from reactivating your device without your consent.

However, you should keep the Find My feature enabled. Also, it would help if you remember your Apple ID credentials.

With WatchOS 2, the activation lock can safeguard your Apple Watch. What’s more, macOS Catalina or later and Mac PCs with the Apple T2 or Apple Silicon chip can utilize the activation lock to keep your computer safe.

2. Can all iPad/iPod/Apple Watch/Mac activation locks be bypassed?

As mentioned above, one can remove the activation lock with a few simple steps. Moreover, if none of these methods work, Dr.Fone is still there for the rescue. You can use their advanced tools to unlock all locks on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPad, iPod, or Apple watches.

3. How to turn off Find My?

  • Open the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Settings and tap your name.
  • Explore “Find My” and go to “Find My iPhone”.
  • If Find My iPhone is enabled, the toggle button on top of the page should be green. Switch the button to turn it off.
  • Enter your Mac ID password to confirm, and you’re ready.

Conclusion

That is all on the best methods for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud bypass. Even though it’s very baffling to run over such issues on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, multiple routes are available to assist you in bypassing the activation lock. Here we discussed all reliable and easy ways, and our best suggestion for you is to attempt Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) .

3 Easy Methods to Unlock iCloud Locked Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max/iPad/iPod

You bought a second-hand iPhone for less than half the market value, and you were really happy about your purchase. But then you try to operate it, and you are asked for an Apple ID and password.

Can you identify with the above-given situation? It doesn’t have to be exactly like that, maybe you were given an iPhone as a gift by someone, or maybe you just accidentally got your iPhone iCloud locked. If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is locked, your primary concern should be how to bypass the activation lock on an iPhone, like the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max SE. It would help if you were careful about the techniques you use to unlock iCloud-locked iPhone. There are a lot of companies and software out there that promise results but don’t deliver.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different safe iCloud removal or iPhone SE iCloud bypass methods. So read on if you have an iCloud-locked iPhone, iPad, or iPod with you!

Part 1: Basic information about iCloud lock

What Does iCloud Lock Mean?

Part of the normal process of setting up a new iPhone is to register the phone with an Apple ID. Each phone has a unique number, an IMEI. Also, to fully use the services offered by Apple, each user needs to have an Apple ID, which is an iTunes account. When setting up a new phone, you should enable ‘Find My iPhone.’ When you do that, the unique details are logged to the Apple account, and the phone is referred to as being iCloud locked. Your account details are linked to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and stored on Apple’s servers; therefore, iCloud is locked. If you do not know the details of the account, the email, and the password used to register the new phone, it is a problem, and you may find it useful to know how to bypass the iCloud activation lock.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you have an iCloud-locked iPhone, which you do not know the account details for, you can still use it. Many websites will tell you that you cannot use it at all, but you can still use it as long as the phone isn’t passcode protected. However, you cannot turn off Find My iPhone on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, you cannot erase the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device, and you cannot reactivate the phone to set it up with your details. Most significantly, if the phone is connected to the internet, it is traceable, and the person whose account it is registered to can, at any time, wipe the phone clean and lock you out of it in any way at all. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is not much use then unless you can find a way to unlock iCloud activation.

Now that you know everything you need to know about an iCloud-locked iPhone, read on to find out how to unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone.

Part 2: How to Unlock iCloud Locked iPhone/iPad/iPod Safely and Efficiently? [iOS 12.0~16.6 Supported]

One of the reliable and permanent solutions that can unlock iCloud-locked iPhones/iPad/iPods is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This program aims to get all the lock screens unlocked in 5 minutes. One can easily bypass iCloud locked iPhone via this tool, no matter if they aren’t tech-savvy at all. However, the two mentioned permanent solutions in this section vary a little. Let us know how they differ from each other through the following table.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove iCloud Locked iPhone/Pad/iPod without hassle.

  • Bypass iCloud activation without a password to fully enjoy your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features.
  • Save your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max quickly from the disabled state.
  • Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
  • Fully compatible with the latest iOS.New icon
  • Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Follow the steps to bypass iCloud account verification below:

  • Step 1. Download and install Dr.Fone (Windows /Mac ) on your computer.
  • Step 2. After installation, proceed to the “Toolbox” and select “Screen Unlock”. From there, choose “iOS” to access the tool for bypassing Activation Lock.
  • Step 3. Choose “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” on the following screen for a specific purpose.

drfone unlock Apple ID

  • Step 4. Click on the “Start” button to begin the process of unlocking the Activation Lock on your iOS device.

start to unlock

completed unlocking process

Part 3: How to Unlock iCloud Locked iPhone/iPad Using DNS Quick Solution?

Below you’ll find the quickest possible solution to bypass iCloud activation. So read on to find out how to unlock iCloud locked iPhone/iPad using the quick method:

  • Step 1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Click on the ‘i’ next to the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.

  • Step 2. Remove the DNS settings and enter a new one according to your location:

  • USA/North America: 104.154.51.7

  • Europe: 104.155.28.90

  • Asia: 104.155.220.58

  • Other areas: 78.109.17.60

  • Step 3. Tap ‘Back,’ and then go to ‘Activation Help’.

unlock iCloud locked iPhone

Once the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max SE iCloud bypass is complete, you’ll get a message saying, “You have successfully connected to my Server”. Now you have successfully been able to unlock iCloud locked iPhone. However, you should know that while this is a quick-fix solution, it isn’t a permanent one. If you want a permanent means by which to unlock iCloud locked iPhone, read the next part.

Part 4: How to Unlock iCloud-locked iPhone/iPad/iPod for Free?

If you’re the original user of the iPhone, and you think it’s unfair to shell out extra money to unlock an iPhone that should already be unlocked, then you can visit the Apple Store. You may have forgotten your iCloud details, which include your Apple ID or your password. To get your details back, you can visit the Apple Store and follow the steps to retrieve your details. If you bought an iPhone from a seller, endeavor to ask them if it’s a second-hand iPhone and get the right details from the user.

This might seem like an easy solution. However, it is quite difficult and time-consuming. Apple is extremely difficult about its security. As such, you’ll have to be the original owner of the iPhone, and you’ll need to have all your details if you want to be able to carry out this method. You can try to go about this method, but the chances are strong that you’ll give up soon, in which case you should revisit some methods mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of options with which to unlock iCloud-locked iPhone/iPad/iPod. There is a quick method, which is temporary. There is a permanent method, which is easy and safe. Finally, there’s also the free method, but that is extremely complicated.

You can feel free to choose the most suitable method for you, but my recommendation is that you use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) because in that case, a third party takes over the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max SE iCloud bypass and all you have to do is wait a while.

Safe download safe & secure


Also read:

  • Title: In 2024, How to Remove Activation Lock On the iPhone 12 Pro Max Without Previous Owner?
  • Author: Lydia
  • Created at : 2024-12-12 17:30:19
  • Updated at : 2024-12-19 19:23:03
  • Link: https://activate-lock.techidaily.com/in-2024-how-to-remove-activation-lock-on-the-iphone-12-pro-max-without-previous-owner-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.