New Guide: How To Check iCloud Activation Lock Status On Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple’s iOS is renowned for its robust security features, including the iCloud Activation Lock. This feature plays a crucial role in safeguarding Apple devices against unauthorized access. It’s a way to ensure that only the rightful owner can use and access the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. Originally designed as a theft deterrent, the iCloud Activation Lock on used Apple Devices becomes especially important when buying or selling second-hand phones.

Understanding the status of this lock is essential to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction. In this 2024 guide, you’ll dive into how to check the iCloud Activation Lock status. It’s a critical step for anyone involved in the trade of used Apple devices online or otherwise.

Part 1: How To Check Activation Lock Status Before You Buy a Used Device

Understanding the iCloud Activation Lock is essential when purchasing a used Apple device. This security feature, designed by Apple, is activated when ‘Find My iPhone’ is enabled. It links the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device to the owner’s Apple ID, preventing others from activating it without the owner’s permission. This lock is crucial for preventing unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices.

Before buying a used iPhone or iPad, checking the iCloud Activation Lock status is important. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Power on the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device and unlock it. This step will confirm whether the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device has been properly erased.

Note: If you’re greeted with the passcode Lock Screen or the Home Screen, it indicates that the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device still needs to be fully erased. In this case, ask the seller to completely erase the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device before proceeding. It’s important to only take ownership of any used Apple device once it has been erased.

• Step 2: Start setting up the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device as if it were new. This step is crucial in identifying if the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device is still tied to the previous owner’s account.
• Step 3: During the setup, if the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device prompts you for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, it’s a clear sign that the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device is still linked to the account. Hand the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device back to the seller and request them to enter their password.

If the previous owner is absent, ask them to remove their iCloud account from the phone through a web browser. This step is vital. Remember, always perform an activation lock check when buying second-hand phones.

Part 2: How To Check the iCloud Activation Lock Status of Your Devices

If you’re planning to sell your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or are curious about the status of a lost phone, you should also perform an iCloud lock check. This feature, crucial for security, can prevent a new user from accessing the phone without your permission. Here’s how you can check the status:

Method 1: Check Within the Phone

The first way to check your devices’ iCloud activation lock status is through the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max devices themselves. There are two ways to do this, as presented in this section.

Method 1.1: Navigating to the Settings App

First, open Settings on your iDevice. At the top of its menu, tap on your profile name.

If you see an iCloud account listed here and you’re signed in, your device is still linked to that iCloud account. Thus, it will still be under the iCloud Activation Lock. If there is no iCloud activation lock, it should look like this:

Method 1.2: Check During Phone Activation

If you are setting up the phone afresh or after a factory reset, proceed with the initial setup steps. Suppose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device asks for an Apple ID and password previously associated with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device at any point during the setup. In that case, it indicates that the iCloud Activation Lock is still active. This occurs if the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device was not correctly erased before the reset.

Method 2: Using IMEI Number

Every iPhone or iPad has its own IMEI number. It can be used to check details about the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device remotely, including checking the iCloud Activation Lock. Here are the steps to use your IMEI number to check the iCloud Activation Lock status of your phone using third-party apps:

• Step 1: Open your Settings app on the iDevice.
• Step 2: Go to General, then choose About.
• Step 3: Find the IMEI number by scrolling down. It’s a 15-digit number that’s unique to your device.

• Step 4: Several third-party websites offer services to check iCloud Activation Lock status using the IMEI number. Some of these services are free, while others might charge a small fee. Make sure to use a reputable service to avoid scams.
• Step 5: On the chosen service’s website, enter your device’s IMEI number.
• Step 6: The service will provide details regarding the iCloud activation lock status.

Remember, if selling, always erase your device and sign out of iCloud to remove the activation lock. For buyers, always ensure your device is free from previous iCloud accounts.

Part 3: How To Remove iCloud Activation Lock

If you discover that the iCloud Activation Lock is still active on your iOS device, removing it is crucial, especially if you plan to sell or repurpose it. There are a few methods to do this, depending on whether you have physical access to the phone.

Method 1: Removing Apple ID Through Apple’s Means

The simplest way to remove the iCloud activation lock is by removing the Apple ID from the phone. You can do these in two ways, as will be outlined below:

Method 1.1 Removing Apple ID When You Have the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device With You

When you have the iDevice with you, it’s easy to remove the Apple ID. Just follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your device.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile at the top of the app.
• Step 3: Tap on iCloud.
• Step 4: Find the Sign Out button. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password. After which, turn off your Find My by following the on-screen instructions.

Method 1.2. Removing Apple ID When You Don’t Have the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device

Apple also provides a remote way to remove a device from your Apple ID. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to www.iCloud.com/find.

• Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID, email address, phone number, and password.
• Step 3: Choose the one you want to remove from the list of devices.
• Step 4: Follow the prompts to remove the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device from your iCloud account.

If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, you’ll need to reset it. Visit Apple’s official Apple ID account page for password resetting instructions.

Method 2: Remove iCloud With Dr.Fone

In cases where you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password and need to remove the iCloud lock, third-party tools like Dr.Fone can be helpful. However, you should have physical access to the phone for this process.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is an all-in-one mobile solution that offers a range of features, including data recovery, system repair, and more. One of its key features is the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock tool of the Screen Unlock (iOS) feature, which can assist in removing iCloud Activation Lock.

Here’s how you can remove the iCloud Activation Lock with Dr.Fone:

• Step 1: Download, install, and launch Wondershare Dr.Fone.

• Step 2: Select Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS on the application’s interface.

• Step 3: Choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

• Step 4: On this page, click Start to start unlocking.

• Step 5: Connect your iDevice to your computer. You will be prompted by Dr.Fone.

• Step 6: At this juncture, you have to determine whether your phone is a GSM or CDMA device. You can see this through Settings > General > About. When it’s a CDMA device, the cellular/SIM compatibilities will be disabled. However, you can still use the phone for its other uses. Once you click Unlock Now, you’ll see this pop-up warning. Click Got it!

• Step 7: Next, you’ll have to Jailbreak your device for a full iCloud activation lock bypass. Click the Jailbreak Guide or the Watch Video button on this pop-up.

• Step 8: Once Dr.Fone confirms that your device is jailbroken, it will automatically start the bypass process.

• Step 9: Once the process is completed, click Done.

Conclusion

In this 2024 guide, you’ve explored various methods to check the iCloud Activation Lock status, an essential feature for iOS device security. Understanding how to verify this status, especially when buying or selling devices online. You’ve also learned how to remove them, so you know how to dispose of your devices properly. Managing your device’s iCloud Activation Lock status is key to ensuring its security and usability.

For those facing challenges with forgotten Apple ID credentials or needing to unlock their devices, Dr.Fone stands out as a reliable solution. It also has capabilities that extend beyond iCloud issues. Overall, it’s a valuable tool for a range of phone-related needs, so we recommend you to put it to use.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How to Unlock iCloud lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPad?

Part 1: Is it possible to unlock the iCloud lock on iPhone

At the start of 2014, apple introduced what they call “iCloud Activation Lock”. This means that your iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch is now locked to your iCloud account unless you decide to share your login details with someone. Therefore, the only way you can access your device is by entering the iCloud user ID and password. Essentially what this means is that your Apple device is useless unless you find a way to unlock it. The good news is that it is possible to unlock the iCloud lock on iPhone or iPad even if you don’t have the credentials using third-party software.

safe & secure

Part 2: One-click to unlock iCloud ID with a convenient tool

Sometimes, getting some penny spent is a great idea. And in case you want to unlock the iCloud locked device, spending is indeed a perfect idea. We would here like to suggest to you Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) – a tool that assures unlocking iCloud ID in a few clicks and gives satisfying results.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Remove iCloud Lock from Any iPhone and iPad without Hassle.

• Unlock iCloud activation lock on iPhones and iPads without an iCloud account.
• Save your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max quickly from the disabled state.
• Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.
• Completely unlinked from the previous iCloud account, it won’t be traced or blocked by it anymore.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Pros

• User friendly; anyone can handle it.
• No need for an IMEI number or email ID/security answers.
• Can easily unlock iCloud without a password.
• Support for a wide range of iOS devices and works fast.
• Can bypass activation lock in a trouble-free way.

Cons

• No free version

Step 1: Download Dr.Fone and open the Screen Unlock (iOS)

To begin with, get the tool downloaded and installed on your PC. Launch it and click on the “Screen Unlock” option from the main screen. Connect your device to the computer now.

Step 2: Choose the option “Unlock Apple ID”

From the following screen, press the “Unlock Apple ID” button.

Step 3: Select “Remove Active Lock”

Step 4: Start to unlock

If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has been jailbroken, click the button “Finished Jailbreak”. For those who haven’t done it, you can follow the jailbreak guide to go on.

Confirm the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device model and start to unlock safely.

Step 5: Unlock completed.

Lastly, all you need is to check if you succeeded in unlocking the iCloud lock. This can be done on the new window that appears.

Part 3: How to Free Unlock the iCloud Lock on iPhone

Since your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is locked, you will not be able to access files until you unlock iCloud on your Apple device. One way to unlock iCloud locked phone is to bypass the iCloud activation lock by following the steps below

Step 1. Take your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and while on the “Activate iPhone” screen, press the home button and then press the “Wi-Fi” settings. Next to the “Wi-Fi” symbol, tap on “i”. Now you need to change the existing DNS settings. The DNS settings you need to type are as follows:

1. If you are in the USA type in 104.154.51.7
2. In Europe, type 104.155.28.90
3. In Asia, type 104.155.220.58
4. The rest of the world, please type in 78.109.17.60

Step 2. Tap on the “Back” button then click “Done”. Next, click “Activation help”. Once you have done that, you will see a message that says: You have successfully connected to my server.” If you tap on the menu, you will be able to access different iCloud services such as iCloud Locked User Chat, Mail, Social, Maps, Video, YouTube, Audia, and games, among others.

Part 4: How to unlock iCloud lock by Apple iPhone Unlock

Sometimes it may not be possible to completely unlock your iCloud Lock. For instance, the free method of unlocking your iCloud Lock only works on iOS 9 and iOS 8 for iPhones. Anything else will not work properly. Moreover, you may not be able to know how to unlock iCloud lock-free if you are in certain countries. That is when you can think of using the Official iPhone Unlock service which will completely unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max without any hassle. The iCloud Activation Lock Removal tool will quickly remove the iCloud activation lock from the previous owner’s account. In short, this is an easy and seamless tool for removing the iCloud lock to set your own.

Step 1 - Visit the Apple iPhone unlock by clicking on this link.

Step 2 - Enter the IMEI/Serial number of your device and send it.

Step 3 - Just wait for a confirmation message telling you that the iCloud Lock has been removed.

Step 4 - Now create a new iCloud account and start using your device

This tool works on all iPhone 6, 6+, 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4, and iPad 4, 3, 2 Air 2 and also works on iOS, and it doesn’t matter why you are unlocking it from.

Wrap it up

Unlike the free iCloud Lock unlock solution, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iCloud Activation Lock Removal) tool provides a permanent solution to the problem of how to unlock iCloud locked irrespective of your country. It will only cost you a couple of dollars pounds to unlock your Phone. This is a small price to pay because you might have spent hundreds of dollars to purchase a new iPhone or iPad.

The Ultimate Guide to Bypassing iCloud Activation Lock on Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

For many iPhone users, the dreaded iCloud activation lock can be an unnerving barrier to getting the most out of their devices. Whether you’ve encountered it after purchasing a second-hand iPhone, or you’ve simply forgotten your login credentials, this lock demands attention and often a bit of digital gymnastics to unlock. This comprehensive guide is for you, equipped with detailed instructions on various methods to bypass the iCloud activation lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

If you’re ready to take back control of your device, read on. We’ll walk you through the process step by step and arm you with the knowledge to access your smartphone’s full potential.

Part 1: How to bypass iCloud activation on iPhone through the DNS method?

This method is one of the oldest tricks in the guide, and while it still works for some users with specific models and iOS versions, it doesn’t guarantee universal success. Here’s a brief overview of how to proceed:

In the activation window, press the home button and then select Wi-Fi settings and then tap on the ‘I’ bonded by a circle. Now it’s time to remove the existing DNS server and put a custom one in motion. Now, let’s follow the steps below to bypass iCloud activation on iPhone.

How to bypass iCloud activation lock?

Step 1: Start the Setup Process

Turn on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and start the setup process until you reach the page where you’re asked to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Select a Custom DNS Server

When prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network and input a password, select “i” on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max screen, which will take you to a menu with network details. Tap “Configure DNS” and choose “Manual”.

Enter a DNS server address based on your geographic location:

• For USA/North America, enter 104.154.51.7
• For Europe, enter 104.155.28.90
• For Asia, enter 104.155.220.58
• For any other area, enter 78.109.17.60

Step 3: Proceed with iCloud Bypass

Return to Wi-Fi settings and select your desired network. You might need to enter a password, but instead, you can skip this step and continue. Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max will try to activate with these new settings and may allow you to bypass the activation lock.

Video Guide: How to bypass iCloud activation through DNS?

Note: The DNS method is an experimental and non-guaranteed way to bypass the iCloud activation lock. It is worth trying if you prefer not to use third-party tools, but be prepared for the possibility that it may not work for your specific device or iOS version.

Tips: During iCloud, we use it most for data backup to avoid data loss. But if you can’t access your iCloud, maybe you are supposed to back up your iPhone data to the computer .

Part 2: How to bypass iCloud activation on iPhone with a smart tool? [iOS 12.0~16.6]

A fast and safe tool to unlock locked iCloud

While talking about a suitable tool to bypass iCloud activation, missing out on Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) doesn’t make any sense as it is the most trusted and loved tool by millions of users. Available for Windows and Mac operating systems, it offers an extremely easy process to make the work of bypassing iCloud done. Many other tools don’t hesitate to make false promises, but Wondershare has always managed to upkeep the security and trust of the users and does what it says. Let us bring you closer to this iCloud bypass tool.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlock iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch screen and Activation lock within minutes

• Easy for the users to unlock locked iCloud by providing a really easy interface.
• Exceptional speed for unlocking i.e., works in less than a minute.
• Compatible with iPhone 5S to iPhone X, iPad 4 to iPad 7, and iPod touch 7 to iPod touch 9 running iOS 12.0 to iOS 16.6.
• Effectively remove the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max lock screen without the passcode.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Check out the following guide to know how to use this tool to bypass iCloud activation in detail.

Bypass iCloud activation on iPhone with Dr.Fone

Step 1: Click the “Download Now” button above to download Dr.Fone on your computer

Connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to the system and launch the Dr.Fone. From its home, select the ‘Screen Unlock’ section.

Just choose the feature ‘iCloud Activation Lock Removal’ to unlock the Activation lock of an iOS device to continue.

Step 2: Confirm device information

You will see your device information. Click ‘Unlock Now’ after confirming all device details are correct.

Step 3: Put your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max into DFU mode or jailbreak your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max properly

For iPhone users running iOS 15.316.3, to bypass the iCloud activation lock, you need to follow the instruction you will see to put your device into DFU mode. For iPhone users running iOS 12.014.8.1 or iOS 16.4~16.6, you should follow textual guidelines for jailbreaking your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max .

Step 4: Remove iCloud activation lock successfully

Dr.Fone will bypass activation lock automatically after your device is in DFU mode. Wait patiently to complete the bypass process.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) provides a hassle-free experience, consistently working across multiple iPhone models and iOS versions. It ensures that you can bypass the activation lock without password .

An optional tool to bypass iCloud activation lock

There are a limited number of functional tools available that can come in handy in bypassing the iCloud activation for your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPad. One of the names is ‘iCloud activation bypass tool version 1.4’. The tool’s name abides by what it says and is a really easy tool to use.

Below are the steps to bypass iCloud activation by using this tool.

1. Download and install the program on your desktop.

2. Launch the application and connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPad via the USB cable to your desktop.

   

3. The tool will now scan your device and reads its IMEI number.

4. Click on the ‘Bypass Activation Lock’ button and patiently wait for the procedure to be completed. The tool, with the help of your devices IMEI code will connect to the Apple servers from where it will terminate and delete all linked iCloud accounts of your device.

5. Once the process is complete, disconnect your phone and reboot it. You will notice that the iCloud lock has been permanently removed and hence no prior activation is required to use the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.

Tips: If you’d like to know more about iCloud bypass tools, you can just read this article: Top 8 iCloud Bypass Tools .

Part 3: How to bypass iCloud activation on iOS 11 devices?

Starting with iOS 11, Apple has introduced a bizarre bug in their Activation mechanism that allows you to bypass iCloud activation completely (with SIM card working) in certain conditions. The bug relies on the passcode activation method and requires Second Factor Authentication (2FA) to be enabled on the account to which the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device is locked. As of iOS 11, the passcode activation option appears for the iCloud Locked devices if 2FA is on.

The bug allows a user to input a false passcode “0000” or “0000” if the requirement is for a 6-digit passcode a few times, then leave the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device to rest for ~1 hour, so that the session with the Apple Activation Server (albert.apple.com) expires. After that, the user would input the false passcode a few more times and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device will skip the activation part, essentially disabling Find My iPhone server-side.

A video tutorial on how to apply this method can be followed here:

Note: You can only follow this tutorial on iOS 13/.x. iOS 10 and iOS 9 versions do not have the “Activate with passcode” option. Apple has patched this bug on the newer firmware, so it is recommended to try on iOS 11.1.1 and lower.

If 2FA is not enabled in the account, you will not see the “Activate with Passcode” option under the Username and Password fields. Instead, you will see an option called “Activation Help”.

Part 4: How to erase data remotely from your lost iPhone?

If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is lost or stolen, one of the first steps you should take is to erase the data remotely. This not only protects your personal information but also removes the activation lock.

Note: Before proceeding, one should know that once all the data is erased from your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, you will no longer be able to use ‘Find my iPhone’ and all your data will be erased.

Steps to erase data remotely from your lost iPhone

1. Launch Find My iPhone on any iOS device and enter your account credentials. You can use any iOS device for this procedure.

   

2. Once you log in, you’ll be able to view all the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max devices linked to your account. Select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device you wish to erase.

3. Please note that your device will be viewable only if the Find my iPhone feature is on your lost device and is active.

   

4. Tap on the actions button on the bottom and tap on erasing.

   

5. You will be asked for confirmation to erase your lost iPhone and will then require you to fill in your account credentials for one last time.

   

6. Now you will require to fill in a contact number that would appear on your lost iPhone along with a suitable message. This way, a generous person could get in contact with you to help you retrieve your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

   

7. Once the required information is obtained, the erasing of data will start and you’ll be notified when it completes.

Video Guide

It’s pretty easy to keep your iCloud account safe if you know the simple tricks. Whether you are using iCloud on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or any other Apple device, following these steps will ensure that your information is kept secure. And it’s really easy to bypass iCloud activation!

Part 5: How to unlock iCloud on activated iPhone / iPad / iPod?

How to remove iCloud activation lock for all iOS 13/12/11/x, iPhones 100%, and lower-version devices?

Here is how:

1. Download first the customized iTunes backup without iCloud (“Find my iPhone” should be turned OFF).

2. Connect your locked device to iTunes. Then follow the instructions in the video below, and you can add a new iCloud ID account and use the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPad as normal.

Note: This method will not remove iCloud from the Apple server. If you check your IMEI, you still have iCloud ON. This method, however, will remove iCloud from the local device iPhone / iPad / iPod.

Besides, Apple only offers 5GB of free storage for each iCloud account. If your iCloud storage is full or getting close, you will get annoying popups every day. You can follow these 14 simple hacks to fix iCloud storage full on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max/iPad.

Conclusion

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max from the iCloud activation lock requires patience, precision, and tech-savviness. Choose a method that suits your comfort and device specifics: DNS servers, tools like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) , or Apple’s support. Evaluate methods, watch out for scams, and trust reliable solutions. The journey to an iCloud-free iPhone may have twists, but many have succeeded—so can you. This guide aims to help you reclaim your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s functionality and demystify iCloud locks. Remember, patience, research, and the right approach are key.

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