How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner on iPhone/iPad

If you get an iPhone or iPad with the activation lock on, you can not use it until you bypass the activation lock. You can check out this article for a workable solution to bypass the activation lock without a previous owner.

Can You Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

Yes, it is possible to remove an Activation Lock without a previous owner from an iPhone or iPad even if you don't have access to the previous owner's Apple ID or password — but your options depend on your specific situation. Whether you've purchased a second-hand device that's still linked to the previous owner's iCloud account, or you're trying to activate a device inherited from a deceased loved one, you can try a few methods.

In such cases, you will see a screen displaying "Activation Lock" or "iPhone Locked to Owner." This guide'll explore four solutions to bypass the Activation Lock screen with or without a computer.

Method 1. Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via EaseUS Unlocker Tool

If you can't reach the previous owner and need a practical way to bypass the Activation Lock, a third-party removal tool like EaseUS MobiUnlock can be a solution. (It may not support latest iOS and new iPhone models). With this iPhone locked to owner bypass tool, you can skip this iPhone activation lock screen and activate an iPhone or iPad successfully, even without an Apple ID password or iPhone passcode.

Requirements:

• Supported iOS versions: iOS 12.0 – iOS 16.4
• Supported devices: iPhone 5S to iPhone X
• Jailbreak required: Yes (performed automatically on iOS 15 or above)
• Needs computer and USB cable

Features:

• Unlock the iPhone screen with a forgotten password
• Delete Apple ID from iPhone without password
• Remove iCloud Activation Lock on specified iOS models and versions
• Disable screen time without a password
• Turn off encryption on iPhone
• Find saved passwords on an iOS device
• Remove SIM Lock

Here's how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner with this iPhone password unlocker:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS MobiUnlock on your computer and connect your iPhone or iPad to the PC. Click "Bypass Activation Lock." Check out the "Term of Use" and click "I Agree" to proceed if you agree with all content.

Step 2. Click "Start" to move to the next step - jailbreack your iPhone or iPad. Click "Jailbreak Tutorial" to see how to jailbreak your Apple device. (Note that if your iPhone is running iOS 15 - iOS 16.4, the EaseUS tool will jailbreak the device automatically.) If you already jailbroke your device, click "Jailbreak Completed" to proceed.

Step 3. Click "Bypass Now," and EaseUS MobiUnlock will start removing Activation Lock from your iPhone or iPad.

Step 4. Wait for the process to complete. After the process, click "OK" to confirm, and you can set up your iPhone or iPad without obstacles. 

It enables you to remove Activation Lock on iPad without Apple ID and password and access iCloud-locked devices. If you are confused about the jailbreak steps, refer to the EaseUS jailbreak tutorial: How to Jailbreak iOS 16. 

If you have the device password of the iPhone or iPad, you can fix the issue using the "Unlock Apple ID" feature, which works on almost all popular models of iPhone and iPad. And if not, you can use this tool to bypass iPad which is locked to owner.

Method 2. Bypass Apple Activation Lock Without Previous Owner Using DNS Bypass

If your device is not supported by removal tools or Apple can't help, you can try a DNS bypass method to temporarily get limited access to your iPhone or iPad. This won't completely remove the Activation Lock, but it may allow access to some features like Wi-Fi, camera, and limited apps.

Here's how to remove Activation Lock without previous owner without computer via DNS Bypass

Step 1. Restart the iPhone or iPad and begin the setup process.

Step 2. Choose your language and region.

Step 3. On the Wi-Fi screen, tap the i next to your network.

Step 4. Change the DNS to a bypass server (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for the US).

Step 5. Go back and connect to Wi-Fi.

Note that this unlock solution may allow limited access to apps like YouTube or Settings, but it doesn't actually remove the lock and won't let you use the phone normally.

Method 3. Bypass Activation Lock Without Previous Owner via Apple Support

Apple support is the second option you can rely on to bypass activation lock without the previous owner. If you can prove that you are the legitimate owner of the second-hand iPhone or have the requested legal document to access the decedent's Apple ID account, you can contanct the official Apple Team to help you freely bypass iPhone which is locked to owner.

If you have the purchase record to show you are the current owner of the iPhone, contact Apple support.

If you are trying to access the Apple ID account of a deceased family member, go to Apple service center for more information. It's a free way to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPod, iPod Touch, iPad, or iPhone.

Method 4. Ask the Previous Owner to Remove the Device from iCloud Remotely

If you're still in contact with the previous owner — even if they're in another location — the most effective and official way to remove Activation Lock is by asking them to unlink the device from their iCloud account remotely.

They don't need to access the phone physically. Instead, they can follow these steps from any browser:

Here's how to bypass Activation Lock on iPad/iPhone by removing the device:

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with their Apple ID.

Step 2. Click Find iPhone.

Step 3. Select All Devices, then choose the iPhone or iPad in question.

Step 4. Click Remove from Account or Erase iPhone > Remove from Account.

Once completed, the device will be removed from their Apple ID, and you'll be able to activate it with your own Apple ID. If you can't contact the previous owner or he/she is unwilling to help you, turn to other methods.

Bonus: How to Remove Activation Lock on Apple Watch Without Previous Owner

Just like iPhones and iPads, Apple Watch is also protected by Activation Lock once it's paired with an Apple ID. If you’ve purchased a second-hand Apple Watch and can't reach the previous owner, removing the lock can be tricky — but here's what you need to know.

What are your options to remove activation lock on apple watch?

1. 🔹Ask the previous owner to unpair it remotely: If you can contact them, ask them to go to iCloud.com, click Find iPhone > All Devices, select the Apple Watch, and click Remove from Account. This will fully disable Activation Lock.
2. 🔹Contact Apple Support: If you have proof of purchase, Apple may help remove the lock — even without access to the previous owner. Visit an Apple Store or contact support online with the original receipt.
3. 🔹No tools available: Unlike iPhones, there are no third-party tools that can reliably bypass Activation Lock on Apple Watch without Apple's involvement.

❗Important: Without the previous owner's help or original purchase proof, there is no guaranteed way to activate a locked Apple Watch. Avoid services claiming to unlock Apple Watch online — most are scams.

FAQs on How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner

1. Can I delete Apple ID from an iPhone without the previous owner?

If you own the iPhone, you can use EaseUS MobiUnlock's Unlock Apple ID to help you remove the Apple ID from the iPhone. But you need to know the device passcode to set up the iPhone.

2. How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner on iPhone 11/12/13...?

Most third-party tools (including EaseUS MobiUnlock) do not support iPhone 11 or newer models for bypassing the iCloud lock. This is mainly because these devices use more advanced hardware-based protections and are harder to jailbreak. If you have an iPhone 11 or newer devices and no access to the previous owner's Apple ID or password, Apple may help remove the lock officially as long as you have a valid proof of purchase and ownership (invoice, legal document).

3. Can Apple Support unlock a locked iPhone without data loss?

No. If you can provide purchase proof, you can contact Apple Support to remove the device passcode. But this will erase data on the iPhone.

4. How to remove Activation Lock without previous owner without computer?

Apple doesn't allow users to unlock the Activation lock without Apple ID password or passcode without computer. It is suggested to contact the Apple Support team for professional help, if you want to remove Activation Lock without previous owner for free. Click here to know how to remove Apple ID without password.

Conclusion

Removing Activation Lock without the previous owner is possible, but each method comes with its own limitations. If you’re dealing with a second-hand or inherited iPhone or iPad, the right solution depends on your situation: