How to Remove Activation Lock On the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch if it’s ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone. Even if you erase your device remotely, the Activation Lock can continue to deter anyone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find My iPhone turned on and remember your Apple ID and password.”

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

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

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

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

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

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Remove Remove Activation Lock without Password in Minutes

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

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

Step-by-step guide for Windows users

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

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

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

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

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

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

This method could be very useful, but not that easy because you need to get proof of the purchase from the previous owner first. Once you get the required documents, everything goes simple. Go and contact Apple Support , Apple staff will be able to support you. They will verify the original owner of the phone and then help you unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 device. Follow the steps:

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

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

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

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

• USA: 104.154.51.7

• South America: 35.199.88.219

• Europe: 104.155.28.90

• Asia: 104.155.220.58

• Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23

• Other: 78.100.17.60

• Step 6: Your phone will be unlocked.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Ultimate Guide on Apple iPhone 12 Pro iCloud Activation Lock Bypass

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s iCloud unlock is an absolute need for each client of a locked smartphone who needs to give a second life to their iDevice. You could have bought a pre-owned iPhone from another person or failed to remember your Apple ID credentials. Circumstances can be unique, yet the process is something very similar.

You want to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro Activation Lock as quickly as possible. Furthermore, there are numerous ways for Apple iPhone 12 Pro iCloud bypass! Typically, a user enters the credentials of the iCloud account to which the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is connected and becomes unlocked immediately.

However, this fast strategy is good just for the first owner. If you don’t know about the iCloud account connected to your account, keep following this guide to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Part 1:3 Useful Ways to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro iCloud activation lock

1. Remove activation lock with the previous device owner

The first thing you can attempt to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro is to contact the person you bought this device from. Ask the seller about other Apple ID details so you can enter them on the activation lock screen.

Likewise, you can ask the seller (the previous owner) to enter the details all by himself. This way, you won’t get embarrassed by asking them about such crucial details regarding their account.

This method applies if the owner lives nearby and you can meet face to face. In particular, they must still remember their Apple account password. It is a very straightforward approach to bypassing Apple iPhone 12 Pro since it doesn’t require any technical knowledge. Moreover, you don’t need to run the extra mile by paying for unlocking service since you can attempt this method for free.

So, if you are into this method, follow the given steps:

Step 1. Enter the Apple ID details on the activation lock screen when it shows up.

Step 2. After removing the activation lock, unpair any Apple accessory connected to your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Step 3. Log out of iTunes, App Store, and iCloud.

Step 4. At last, erase all content and settings of your device from the Settings application. Explore the General tab and click Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

2. Use iCloud DNS Bypass

iCloud DNS Bypass is to bypass an iCloud activation lock by manipulating the DNS server. In particular, it means redirecting the activation process of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro from Apple servers to some other servers for confirmation.

Why Use iCloud DNS Bypass?

When you purchase a second-hand Apple iPhone 12 Pro, you might find that the phone has an activated lock. Before you can set up your Apple iPhone 12 Pro, the phone will request the Apple server to activate it. The method for getting around this lock is entering the correct Apple ID.

iCloud DNS bypass proves beneficial when you want to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro but know nothing about the past owner. It’s likewise effective if you can’t recall your iCloud credentials.

Pros of iCloud DNS Bypass:

• You can physically change the DNS address in WIFI settings.
• If it works, you can use various features and applications on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro/7.

Steps to Bypass Activation Lock via DNS:

The steps in DNS Bypass iCloud Activation are basic; here is how to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

Step 1. When you switch on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro, pick your preferred language and region from the menu.

Step 2. Click “Continue” to enter the WiFi settings page. Whenever requested to connect, search for the “I” symbol near the WiFi tab.

Step 3. Presently, disconnect the WiFi, go to “Connection Settings,” and snap “Forget this Network.”

Step 4. Click the “I” and enter a DNS server IP address to bypass the iCloud activation lock. You can browse yours according to your area:

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
• Different Regions: 78.100.17.60

Step 5. Presently, click the “Back” choice on the left half of your screen. Turn on WiFi, select your WiFi from the rundown, and enter your password.

Step 6. Click “Next Page” and snap “Back” to enter the iCloud bypass screen.

Step 7. Set up your apps and use your Apple iPhone 12 Pro/7 as you like.

3. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

The easiest way is to use an expert activation lock bypass tool to stop the issue. This method doesn’t require you to be technical or learn new concepts. You only need to search for the best available tool in the market and download it. You can do the rest of the job by just following the guidelines given by the software company.

Therefore, we recommend you use Dr.Fone Scree Unlock to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Dr.Fone is a professional tool with multiple iOS options. It can unlock the screen lock, Google FRP lock, and activation lock in a matter of minutes.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro iCloud Activation Lock Without Hassle!

• Simple, click-through, process.
• Unlock screen passwords from all iPhones and iPads or bypass the activation lock.
• No tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
• Support most iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and most iOS versions fully!

4,395,217 people have downloaded it

Many software require jailbreak before bypassing the IOS activation lock, but Wondershare Dr.Fone Screen Unlock (IOS) stands out for the solution without jailbreak. If your device is between iOS 12.0 to 16.3, follow the steps provided below. To bypass the activation lock, follow a few easy steps and adhere to the guidelines. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about device security while using this program. It is the best tool available for all Apple iPhone 12 Pro/7 users who wish to remove the iCloud lock without delay. The steps below will guide you on how you can use this tool for Apple iPhone 12 Pro iCloud bypass:

Step 1: Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone and go to Toolbox>Screen Unlock>IOS.

Step 2: Connect your device to the computer and select “iCloud Activation Lock Removal”.

Step 3: Click Unlock Now button on the pop-up window.

Step 4: You will see a prompt show up. Read the details carefully and checkmark “I have read and agree the agreement”. Tapping “Got it!” button.

Step 5: Put iDevice in DFU Mode for the first time: the program will send a command to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device and it will restart.

Step 6: Then you need to put the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device in DFU mode for the second time. When it’s done, the program will activate the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.

Step 7: If your device is not detected by the platform, follow the on-screen instructions to put their iOS device in DFU Mode.

Step 8: Once the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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.

Your iPhone will start like a default phone without any activation lock. You can access and utilize the Apple iPhone 12 Pro now. Possibly, remember that you can’t utilize your new Apple ID’s phone call, cellular, and iCloud feature after that process.

Part 2: FAQs

1. What is Find My?

The Find My feature is an incredible method for keeping your Apple iPhone 12 Pro from getting lost, as it permits you to find and lock it, regardless of whether you have it. For instance, when Find My iPhone is initiated, you can see where your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is. You might use it to show your location to others or play a sound on your lost device, making it easier to find.

To utilize this feature, you need to initiate this feature on your device and utilize a PC or another phone to find, reset or lock your lost iPhone. If you’re selling your Apple iPhone 12 Pro or gifting it to someone else, you should first switch off the Find My feature. It becomes very awkward for the next user if the past owner’s Find My iPhone feature is still activated.

2. How to turn off Find My?

If you want to reset your Apple iPhone 12 Pro to erase every one of the data and return it to its default condition, Apple expects you to switch off Find My in advance. Also, experts at the Apple store frequently expect you to switch it off before they can repair it.

Switching it off will not erase any of your data, so you don’t have to stress over that. It’ll simply make it difficult to track down your Apple iPhone 12 Pro on a map when lost.

The best way to switch off the Find My feature is very direct. The following steps will tell you how to make it happen:

• Open the Settings of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro and tap your name or profile.
• Explore the “Find My” option and go for “Find My iPhone.”
• If the Find My iPhone feature is initiated, the toggle button on top of the page should be green. Switch the “Find My iPhone” toggle key to turn it off.
• Enter your Apple ID details.
• Affirm your activity, and that’s all you need to turn this feature off.

3. Can I bypass iOS Devices like iPad or iPods?

Yes, you can bypass the activation lock on iPhones like iPad and iPods. However, the method is a bit different regarding Apple Watches.

The Bottom Line

We hope you are now in a position to bypass Apple iPhone 12 Pro activation lock. This guide mentions the best methods you can employ to bypass this issue, but we all know each method has its pros and cons. Even if no other method works in your case, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) will still help you. This tool is built to provide safe iOS unlocking solutions for our readers.

Best Ways to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on Apple iPhone 12 Pro/iPad/iPod

Apple puts importance on making sure that all the Apple iPhone 12 Pro users’ data and records are kept in tight and secured storage. Make sure that the only person that can access it is the owner of the mobile. However, there will be challenges if you have bought a used iPhone and if the owner has not logged out of his account on that phone. If you are in this situation, then you will need to either contact the previous owner or be locked out of your phone. The first one is a tedious option, and the latter would be the least one that we would want to happen.

There are, however, various ways how you can bypass the iCloud Activation Lock without having to contact its previous owner. We will share with you the different ways that you can do it on your own and remove the automated lock and continue using your phone leisurely.

Part 1: What Causes iCloud Activation lock?

The iCloud Activation Lock is a great feature that Apple has added to the “Find My iPhone” application which helps prevent other people aside from yourself from accessing your phone and files. Activating your iCloud Activation lock can be done in just a few steps, and this could even be done remotely if your phone is not within your reach. This is a great feature if you are a victim of theft and would like to remotely lock your phone to be sure that it cannot be accessed by the thief or anyone else.

You can follow the steps below to remotely lock your device:

• Step 1: Open the “Find My iPhone” on your browser while locking your phone remotely.
• Step 2: Log in with your credentials. Make sure it is the same credentials you use for iCloud.
• Step 3: Under the Apple iPhone 12 Pro devices’ list, you can look and tap for the text that says “Lost Mode”.
• Step 4: From there, you can tap on actions, then choose to either tap on “Lost Mode” or “Erase Phone”.

Learn about all the solutions to unlock iPhone quickly through the video below:

If you forget the Activation Lock on your iDevice and fail to access it, you must bypass iCloud Activation Lock. This can be executed with the help of Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), an exceptional iCloud unlock tool. Read on for detailed steps on various ways to bypass iCloud Activation Lock or click the Download button below to try it free!

Part 2: 3 Ways to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad with iOS 16

Now you know how an iCloud Activation Lock works and how to remotely lock your phone in case of theft. However, what if you still want to be able the bypass the iCloud Activation Lock but are unable to contact the first owner for their credentials? There are multiple ways that you can do that, and we will share the ways with you below:

Method 1: Removing the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device from the First Owner’s iCloud

Probably one of the easiest and fastest ways to bypass the activation lock is by contacting the owner to remove the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device that you have from their iCloud. If you can still make contact with them, you can try this option and reach out to them.

Method 2: Contact Apple to Remove The Activation Lock

If you cannot contact the previous owner, you can then reach out to Apple directly and provide proof that you have inherited or purchased the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device. Documents such as receipts and death certificates if inherited, then you can reach out to their support team to unlock your device.

Method 3: Unlock your device using DNS

Instead of bypassing Apple directly, you can try to bypass the DNS server, and you can do this by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Restart your device.
• Step 2: Go through the process of setting up until you come across the “Choose Wi-Fi Network”.
• Step 3: Then choose “More Wi-Fi settings” and tap on “I”.
• Step 4: Choose “Configure DNS” and select “Manual”.
• Step 5: From there, choose “+Add server” then choose the address as per your location below and click “Save”.

1. USA: 104.154.51.7
2. Europe: 104.155.28.90
3. Asia: 104.155.220.58
4. Africa, Australia, and other locations: 78.109.17.60

• Step 6: Select “Ask to Join Networks” and enter the password then click on “Join”.
• Step 7: When it tries to activate, you can tap on the back button and proceed to set up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device as usual.

Part 3: The Fastest Way to Remove iCloud Activation Lock on iOS/iPadOS 12.0 - 16.6 Without Password

Now, if you want to bypass the activation lock on your own and without the need for a password, you can try Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This program helps unlock activation locks on iPhone (5S-X), iPad (3-7), and iPod touch (6-7) running iOS 12.0-16.6. Now you can remove iCloud activation lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch without jailbreak by using Dr.Fone.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod Without Hassle.

• Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services.
• Simple, click-through, no tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
• Expert team with over 17 years of expertise & has helped over 50 million users.

4,395,218 people have downloaded it

Step 1: Log in Wondershare Dr.Fone and click Toolbox on the homepage. Then select Screen Unlock > iOS. Initiate the removal of the iCloud Activation Lock and click the Unlock Now button.

Step 2: Confirm the prompt on the next window and continue the process by tabbing “Got it!”

Step 3: Start to put device in DFU mode for the first time. During this process, the program will send a demand to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.

Step 4: Put your device in DFU Mode for the Second Time. If your device is not detected by the platform, follow the on-screen instructions to put their iOS device in DFU Mode.

Step 5: Once the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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.

For detailed guide: please check our official guide .

Conclusion

We hope that the tips that we shared will help you to remove the iCloud Activation lock on your phone without having to contact the previous owner or even need any password. For an efficient and effortless solution, you can utilize “Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) ” which just needs you to connect your phone to your laptop and in just a few taps. We understand how frustrating it can be to have to contact other people just to be able to use your phone. Follow our methods, and you will be able to use your phone right away.

Also read: