How to Remove Activation Lock from Apple Devices [Step by Step Tutorial]

Check this guide to learn what to do if you are locked to the Activation Lock screen on your Apple devices like iPad and iPhones. If this is your case, read our guide to learn more details.

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Gorilla

Updated on Feb 27, 2024

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The Activation Lock is a security feature to secure your device while improving the chance of recovering it when it gets lost or stolen. Even if you erase the device remotely, this feature can continue to deter anyone from reactivating your device without permission. 

We can't deny Activation Lock's contribution to securing your device, but it comes with some challenges in certain situations. A typical exam is when you bought a second-hand Apple device, be it an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, but find it is still connected to the previous owner's iCloud account. 

Thus, you may need some tips and tricks to remove the Activation lock on your Apple devices, thus regaining full control over your device. That's why we write this post, in which you will know how to remove Activation Lock.

Part 1. How to Remove Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch

Apple official has offered solutions for you to remove Activation Lock on Apple devices, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. That is to turn off your device's "Find My" feature. This method is more suitable for people who own the device and remember the Apple ID and password used to set up the device. If you don't remember that, just reset your Apple ID password

If, for whatever reason, you can't reset your Apple ID, try other solutions introduced in this guide instead. Now, check the below tips for Activation Lock removal on Apple devices. 

On an iPhone and iPad:

Step 1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap on [your name] > iCloud > Find My [device], turn off the toggle.

Step 3. If asked, enter your Apple ID password and tap on the "Turn Off" button.

Turn off Find My iPhone

On an Apple Watch:

Step 1. Put your Apple Watch and iPhone close together and open the Watch app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap the "My Watch" tab, and then tap "All Watches" at the top of the screen.

Step 3. Tap the info button next to your Apple Watch, and tap "Unpair Apple Watch."

Step 4. Enter your Apple ID and password. Next, tap "again" to confirm.

Turn off Find My Apple Watch

On a Mac:

Step 1. Open your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preference > Apple ID.

Step 2. Select iCloud from the sidebar, then disable Find My Mac from the right panel.

Turn off Find My Mac

Pro Tips: If you don't have access to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac, using a web browser to remove Activation Lock is also a nice option. This method applies to all Apple devices. 

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

Step 2. Click "All Devices" from the top menu.

Step 3. Select the device you wish to remove from iCloud.

Step 4. Click "Remove from Account."

Part 2. How to Remove Activation Lock on iPhone or iPad Without Apple ID

As discussed earlier, you can easily remove Activation Lock on your device with your Apple ID credential. However, what if you want to get rid of the Activation Lock on your device but don't remember the Apple ID and password for whatever reason? 

To be honest, this is not easy. But if you utilize the right unlocker, things become easy. EaseUS MobiUnlock, an iPhone and iPad Activation Lock removal, is the iCloud unlock service you need. As one of the most popular iPhone unlockers, EaseUS MobiUnlock has helped millions of people remove iOS locks, including screen lock, Activation Lock, Apple ID lock, screen time lock, and decrypt iTunes encryption. 

Thus, you can get into a locked iPhone without a passcode or Apple ID. Or you can also use its password manager to save and manage passwords on your iPad and iPhone. 

To remove Activation Lock on iPhone or iPad:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch EaseUS MobiUnlock. Select "Bypass Activation Lock" to proceed.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 1

Step 2. Once your device is connected, click "Start." This will bring our Terms of Use, explaining the conditions that apply to your use of the service. Click "I Agree" and "Start" again to move to the next step.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 2

Step 3. Then, you'll need to jailbreak your device by following the Jailbreak tutorial given on the screen (if your iOS device runs iOS 15 - 16.4, the software will jailbreak the device automatically). Or you can jailbreak your device with other jailbreak tools instead.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 3

Step 4. After a successful jailbreak, click "Bypass" to start bypassing iCloud Activation Lock.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 4

Step 5. Once done, your iCloud Activation Lock of your iPhone or iPad will be successfully bypassed. 

Remove Activation Lock - Step 5

The Bottom Line

You've learned how to bypass Activation Lock on Apple devices. As you can see, it's easy to do it if you remember the Apple ID and password. And this applies to any change you plan to make on your device. If you don't remember the Apple ID and password, you have to ask for the help of EaseUS MobiUnlock.

Having EaseUS MobiUnlock installed on your computer, you no longer have to worry about being locked out of your device. So don't hesitate to have it installed on your computer. 

Apple Activation Lock Removal FAQs

No matter what device you use, you can use the tips introduced above to remove the Activation Lock. To help you dive into this topic more deeply, we collected some frequently asked questions about Apple Activation Lock. 

Can you remove Apple ID Activation Lock without the previous owner?

Of course, you can. If you can reach out to the previous owner of your device for whatever reason, then you can use EaseUS MobiUnlock to help you remove Apple ID Activation Lock quickly and safely. Alternatively, you can also try contacting your device's original owner to see if he can help you remove your account. Refer to How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner for more information.

How do I turn off the Activation Lock without Apple ID?

You can't turn off the Activation Lock if you can't remember your Apple ID, but you can remove this lock without Apple ID using some third-party unlockers like EaseUS MobiUnlock. Or you can also use some online services, but this might cost you a small fortune. If you don't mind, you can search for some services from Google by inputting Turn off Activation Lock online or iCloud Activation removal service online. Then, select a suitable service from the results. 

How much does it cost for Apple to remove the Activation Lock?

It doesn't cost anything to remove the Activation Lock from your iPhone or iPad if you ask for the help of Apple Support. But they require you to provide evidence of purchasing that device. Such evidence might be your sale receipt, a form of personal identification, or other proof of purchase. 

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Updated by Gorilla

Gorilla joined EaseUS in 2022. As a smartphone lover, she stays on top of Android unlocking skills and iOS troubleshooting tips. In addition, she also devotes herself to data recovery and transfer issues.

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