How to Remove Activation Lock without Previous Owner [5 Ways]

When you have purchased an old or refurbished iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch from someone, chances are iPad/iPhone is locked to the owner due to Activation Lock on it. This Activation Lock prevents users from using the phone until they can log in to the iCloud account. Then, is it possible to remove the Activation Lock without the previous owner? Fortunately, yes. In this guide, we will explain in detail how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner using 5 proven methods. Just keep reading.

What Is Activation Lock & Why iPhone Locked to Owner?

Activation Lock on your device is a security feature that Apple built into its products. It protects your phone and your data when your phone gets stolen or lost. When someone gets your device and tries to use it, your phone will show the Activation Lock. If they attempt to reset it using the iTunes app, the app will ask for the previous owner’s login credentials.

If they cannot enter the iCloud login details, then the iPhone will be stuck on the Activation Lock screen. Essentially, the iPhone requires the account logins of the original owner to confirm that they are indeed the person who is trying to access the contents on the phone.

Considering you cannot acquire the iCloud login information from the previous owner, in this post, we offer you 5 effective solutions on how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner.

#1. Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via AnyUnlock

When it comes to how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner, AnyUnlock, a one-stop iPhone unlocker, is highly recommended. As a powerful iOS unlocking tool, AnyUnlock helps you remove iCloud Activation Lock and bypass the iPhone locked to owner screen without needing the Apple ID or password. With no technical skills required, you can regain access to an iPhone or iPad locked to its previous owner in just a few clicks. Beyond bypassing Activation Lock, AnyUnlock also supports unlocking iPhone screen passcodes, bypassing MDM, unlocking Apple ID, and handling other iOS locks easily and efficiently.

Main Benefits of AnyUnlock:

• Works on the latest iOS 26 and iPhone and iPad models.
• Offers a clean interface to bypass Activation Lock without technical skills.
• Provides fast & stable performance with a high success rate.
• Keeps unlocking process safe without risky system modifications.

Free install AnyUnlock – iPhone Password Unlocker on a Mac or Windows computer and follow the steps below to learn how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner.

Steps for Windows Owners:

Step 1. Launch AnyUnlock – iPhone Password Unlocker on your computer > Click the Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on the main screen.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable > Check the device information and read the Terms of Use. Click the Start Now button to initiate the process.

Step 3. Confirm your device information and disconnect your device from Wi-Fi and turn off cellular data > Tap on the Bypass Now.

Step 4. Now, AnyUnlock is bypassing iCloud Activation Lock, and please wait for a moment.

Step 5. When the iCloud Activation Lock is bypassed successfully, you can see the page below.

Steps for Mac Owners:

Step 1. Free download AnyUnlock on your Mac > Connect your iPhone with Mac > Choose Bypass iCloud Activation Lock and Start Now to get started.

Step 2. Now, you need to click the Start Jailbreak button if your device hasn’t been jailbroken yet. (Read the “Terms of Use” carefully before using and confirm). Follow the on-screen steps to put your iPhone into DFU mode, and then the program will start to jailbreak your iOS device.

Step 3. Once the device has been jailbroken, confirm your device information and tap on Bypass Now.

Step 4. Then, it will bypass the Activation Lock automatically. Do not disconnect your device until it restarts. Wait a minute, and you will see bypassed successfully page.

Now, you can enter your iPhone again, using App Store and iTunes Store as you need.

Video Tutorial on How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

#2. Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via DNS Bypass

If your iPhone happens to run an older version of iOS, you can try the DNS bypass trick as one way to explore how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner free. This method uses a loophole in the WiFi DNS settings of your device and tricks your iPhone into thinking it has been unlocked. However, this is only a temporary workaround. It does not fully unlock the device, may not work on newer iOS versions, and offers very limited functionality after bypassing. The following shows how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on your iOS device:

Step 1. Set up your iPhone as a new device and wait until you reach the WiFi settings page.

Step 2. When you are on the WiFi screen, connect to a WiFi network and then tap on the “i” icon next to your network name.

Step 3. On the screen that follows, tap on the Configure DNS option.

Step 4. Choose the Manual option at the top and then use one of the following DNS values.

• North America – 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

#3. Remove Activation Lock with Previous Device Passcode

If your device displays the “Unlock with Passcode” option on the Activation Lock screen, you can remove the lock using the previous device passcode. This feature allows the original screen passcode to unlock the device without needing the Apple ID and password. It is an official Apple-supported method and works instantly, as long as you have the correct passcode. However, this method requires you to obtain the previous screen passcode from the original owner. Follow the steps below to remove Activation Lock with previous device passcode:

Step 1. On the Activation Lock screen, tap “Unlock with Passcode.”

Step 2. From the pop-up options, select “Use Device Passcode.”

Step 3. Enter the correct screen passcode previously used on the device.

Step 4. Once verified, the Activation Lock will be removed instantly.

Step 5. Proceed with the setup process and sign in using your own Apple ID.

#4. Use iCloud Web to Remove iPhone Locked to Owner

Another way to remove iPad/iPhone locked to owner is via the iCloud website. If you cannot meet the previous owner but can get in touch with them somehow, you can actually ask them to remotely unlock your iPhone. Your iPhone comes with iCloud, which allows you to remotely perform actions on your device. This includes erasing and removing your device from your main account.

All that the previous owner needs to do is erase your iPhone and remove your iPhone from their account remotely. Once this has been done, the Activation Lock will be gone from your phone. You can then set up your device as a new phone without any issues. The following shows how you can get this done when your iPhone/iPad locked to owner：

Step 1. Launch a browser and head over to the iCloud website. Sign in to the iCloud account that is currently used on your locked iPhone.

Step 2. Once you are logged in, click on the option that says Find iPhone. This will let you remotely perform actions on your phone.

Step 3. Click on All Devices on the following screen and choose your iPhone.

Step 4. Click on Erase iPhone followed by Remove from Account.

#5. Contact Apple Support to Remove iPhone Locked to Owner

Apple support is the last way to learn how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner. This method requires you to provide valid proof of purchase that clearly shows the device’s serial number or IMEI. This may not be an easy process, but if you have the required documents (for the people who got proof of the purchase from the previous owner), the team will be able to remove the Activation Lock from your device.

If you bought the phone from your relative or someone who has passed away, then your other option to remove the lock is to present the proof of their death to Apple. Apple will then verify the details and might be able to unlock the phone for you. Ultimately, whether the Activation Lock can be removed depends entirely on Apple’s assessment and approval.

Bonus Tip. How to Avoid Stuck on the Activation Lock Screen

Now you may know how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner after reading the above contents. And to avoid getting stuck on the Activation Lock screen again, you can disable Find My iPhone function. Upon disabling Find My iPhone, your iPhone will become a completely brand new device, and you’ll never be restricted by any iOS locks such as iCloud Activation lock, Apple ID lock, Screen Lock, or Screen Time lock.

If you can recall the Apple ID password, you can try to turn off Find My iPhone in the Settings app:

Step 1. Navigate to Settings and click on your name at the top of the screen.

Step 2. Choose the Find My option and select Find My iPhone at the top.

Step 3. Turn off Find My iPhone by entering the Apple ID password.

FAQs About How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

Q1. Can you factory reset an iPhone that is locked to owner?

You can factory reset it, but the device will still require the previous owner’s Apple ID after the reset. Activation Lock cannot be removed through reset alone. You must use other methods such as passcode, Apple Support, or an unlocking tool.

Q2. How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner free?

The only free option is the DNS bypass, which works on some older iOS versions but only offers temporary, limited access. To fully unlock the device without previous owner, you will need more reliable methods like AnyUnlock.

Q3. How to remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch without previous owner?

You cannot remove Activation Lock on an Apple Watch without the original owner’s Apple ID unless Apple Support approves your request. You must provide valid proof of purchase or inheritance documents for Apple to unlock it.

Q4. How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPad?

To remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPad, you can try AnyUnlock, DNS bypass, the previous device passcode (if available), or Apple Support with proof of purchase.

The Bottom Line

In this article, we have talked about 5 solutions for how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner. Among these methods, AnyUnlock is the easiest and fastest way to bypass the Activation Lock without passwords. It also supports rescuing an iPad locked to owner bypass. Try AnyUnlock to unlock your device safely within minutes! If you find this post useful, please leave us a comment and share it with other iOS users.