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.

Bypass iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI Code On Apple iPhone XS Max

The iCloud IMEI Unlock method requires you to have your Apple iPhone XS Max IMEI number before proceeding with the iCloud lock removal process. When it comes to bypassing the activation lock, the IMEI code plays a very significant role as we’re going to see as we proceed.

In this article, I’m going to elaborate on how you can easily bypass the iCloud activation lock with the help of the iCloud IMEI unlock.

Part 1: Basic Information about IMEI

1. Understanding the IMEI Code

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code/number is a highly unique identifying 15-digit number that distinguishes one mobile device from the other. This IMEI number is present in each and every phone regardless of the make or model. It plays an imperative role since it can be used to unlock locked mobile devices, track lost devices, and at the same time, lock a stolen mobile device remotely.

2. How to Find Your IMEI Code

How to find your IMEI code depends on a number of factors such as your phone make, the model as well as the company behind your device. In most cases, you can find the code on your mobile device just under the battery casing, on the SIM Card tray, and in some situations, on the inside part of the bottom phone cover. If by chance, you still can’t locate your code, I would highly advise you to dial *#06# on your phone dial pad. This prompt dial-up happens to be the universal method used by each and every mobile company to locate the unique 15-digit IMEI number.

You can try to find your IMEI code through the other two methods: check it on your device, via iTunes or Finder, and package box.

Method 1: On your Apple iPhone XS Max device, directly go to Settings>General>About. Then you can find your IMEI code below.

Method 2: Click the “Device” icon in iTunes to access the “Summary” tab. To find the IMEI number on your Apple iPhone XS Max, tap “Phone Number” under your device name or navigate to the Apple iPhone XS Max device model.

Method 3: For Finder, locate your device from the left panel. Ensure that you’re on the “General” tab, then select “Phone Number” below your device name or model to locate the IMEI number.

Method 4: Retrieve the original box or packaging in which your device came when you purchased it. On the outside of the box, a label or sticker might include various details about the Apple iPhone XS Max device. Look for a section specifically mentioning the IMEI number. The IMEI number and other device details are typically printed on a label or sticker.

3. iCloud IMEI Check for iPhone

For you to access and use iCloud, you need to check IMEI iCloud to retrieve or confirm your unique IMEI code. For you to unlock your iCloud account or lock it swiftly, I would highly advise you to have this 15-digit code with you on a piece of paper. Each and every iPhone device comes with an iCloud account that is distinguished by this unique number. If your iCloud account is locked, the first thing you need to do is to go through the iCloud IMEI check process to retrieve your code. You can do this by using the methods mentioned in part 1.2.

Part 2: How to Bypass iCloud Activation with IMEI Free?

Many third-party services claim to offer solutions to bypass iCloud activation using the IMEI number. These services propose to unlock iCloud activation by altering or manipulating the IMEI number. They promise a free and swift solution to bypass iCloud activation. Follow these steps to bypass iCloud activation using IMEI:

Step 1. Begin with finding your device’s IMEI number. You can do it by using the *#06# code. Otherwise, you can get it from the phone box or in iPhone “Settings.”

Step 2. Now access a reliable iCloud Activation lock bypassing via IMEI number service. One example is IMEIUnlockSIM , where you can use the IMEI number to bypass the iCloud Activation lock.

This relevant service is typically provided by third-party companies and is not officially endorsed by Apple. It’s important to note that the legitimacy and reliability of such services can vary. Keep in mind that using unofficial unlocking services may come with risks, and it’s essential to research and choose a reputable provider if you decide to pursue this option. Additionally, be cautious about potential scams and ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of any service you use.

Part 3: How to Bypass iCloud Activation without IMEI Code?

Are you looking for a way to bypass the iCloud Activation lock without an IMEI code? Wondershare Dr.Fone provides a solution for unlocking iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch without a passcode. It is capable of removing various types of lock screens, which include your device’s passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID locks. Moreover, it can bypass the iCloud activation lock and Apple ID without requiring a password.

Additionally, it can bypass MDM (Mobile Device Management) and screen time settings without causing data loss. This software is compatible with iOS 17/iPadOS 17 and iPhone 15.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. It operates through a simple 3-step process, making it user-friendly.
2. You can use the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) without the need for any technical expertise.
3. Dr.Fone has the capability to disable the iTunes backup encryption setting without causing data loss.

Steps to Bypass iCloud Activation without IMEI Code via Wondershare Dr.Fone

You need to perform the following basic steps to bypass the iCloud Activation lock:

For iOS/iPadOS 12.0~14.8.1

Step 1: Access iCloud Activation Lock Removal

Install the newest Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and open it. Go to “Toolbox,” then choose “Screen Unlock” and select “iOS.” Next, pick “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” and click “Start” to initiate the unlocking process. Connect your iOS device using a USB cable when prompted. The window will display progress and move to the next step.

Step 2: Navigate To and Tap Unlock Now

Now, you need to check whether your device is GSM or CDMA. Bypassing the iCloud Activation lock on GSM devices doesn’t affect the Apple iPhone XS Max device functions. On the other hand, CDMA devices will lose the ability to be used for cellular purposes. Tap “Unlock Now,” and if you are unlocking a CDMA device, you will be presented with a warning prompt. Click “Got It” to agree to the warning and proceed further.

Step 3: Jailbreak Your Device and Complete the Process

Following this, follow the on-screen instructions to jailbreak your iDevice. Once you confirm that your iOS device has been successfully jailbroken, the process initiates automatically to remove the Activation Lock. The progress is indicated by a bar displayed on the screen. Upon completion of the process, a message will appear in the window indicating the conclusion.

For iOS 15.0~16.3

Step 1: Navigate to the Unlock Now Screen

Launch Dr.Fone, tap “Toolbox,” and access “Screen Unlock” to proceed. On the following screen, choose “iOS” and follow it by tapping “iCloud Activation Lock Removal.” Next, make sure your device is connected to a computer, and on Dr.Fone, tap “Unlock Now.”

Step 2: Put Your iOS Device into DFU Mode

Afterward, a message will pop up, cautioning the user about the process. Read through the details and checkmark the “I have read and agree” option. Tap “Got It” to proceed and follow the on-screen instructions to put the iOS device in DFU Mode. After the first attempt, the program will command the Apple iPhone XS Max device to restart. Click the right arrow to proceed to the further step-by-step procedures.

Step 3: Complete the Bypass Process of the iCloud Activation Lock

Then, repeat the steps to place the iOS device in DFU Mode for the second time. Once completed, the program will activate the Apple iPhone XS Max device, unlocking it. Finally, select “Got It!” to finish the process. Afterward, the computer screen will begin the iCloud Activation Lock removal process. Once finished, a completion message will appear where you need to click ‘Done.’

For iOS/iPadOS 16.4~16.6

Step 1: Connect Your Device to Dr.Fone and Jailbreak It

Dr.Fone offers a straightforward approach for iPhone or iPad users to remove the iCloud Activation Lock for iOS/iPadOS 16.4~16.6. It automatically retrieves and jailbreak your device without manual steps or external jailbreak tools.

Step 2: Commence and Complete the iCloud Activation Lock Bypass Process

Once the Apple iPhone XS Max device is jailbroken, Dr.Fone will commence the removal of the Activation Lock and exhibit a progress bar. Once the process finishes, a completion message will appear on the window. Simply click the ‘Done’ button to finalize the unlocking of the Activation Lock.

Bonus Tip: One-click Solution to Bypass iCloud Password without IMEI Code

Not just IMEI, you may also wish to bypass the iCloud account that is linked to the Apple iPhone XS Max device as well. To do this, you can take the assistance of Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) and follow a simple stepwise process. Ideally, the application is used to remove the lock screen of an iOS device, but it can also help you bypass an iCloud account. But, you need to unlock your device once in the process. If you are ready, just follow these steps to learn how to bypass the iCloud lock on your phone.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock Apple ID Without Password.

• Intuitive instructions to unlock iPhone without the passcode.
• Removes the iPhone’s lock screen, and Apple ID whenever it is disabled.
• Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Step 1: To start with, simply connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to the system and launch the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) application from it. From its home, you need to pick the option to unlock an Apple account.

Step 2: Now, simply enter the passcode on your phone to unlock it and tap on the “Trust” button when you get a new connection prompt on it.

Step 3: As your device would be detected, click on the “Unlock Now” button, and agree to the following warning message. Enter the displayed code to verify as the process will erase the existing data on your phone.

Step 4: Afterward, just unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max and go to its Settings > General > Reset. From here, you can choose to reset all device settings.

Step 5: That’s it! Once the Apple iPhone XS Max device restarts with its default settings, the application will take the needed steps to bypass its iCloud account. Kindly be patient and wait as Dr.Fone would complete the process.

Step 6: In the end, you will be notified when the unlock process is completed. You can now safely remove your device and access it without any iCloud account restrictions.

Some of the methods that have been listed above require little skills and time to bypass the activation lock. Also, the amount of cash required is minimal as compared to other methods, which can be quite expensive and complicated for some users. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a better solution that will take you a long way in terms of iPhone and iCloud use compared to others, and hence you should never be worried just because you can’t access your iCloud account.

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.