Having trouble with a locked Apple device? Follow along to learn how to bypass the activation lock on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple Watch. We’ll look at several steps, including an Apple activation block web tool that’s new for 2021.
Activation Lock is a security feature that is enabled when Find Mine is enabled. Here’s how Apple describes it:
Activation Lock helps keep your device safe, even if it’s in the wrong hands, and can improve your chances of recovering it. Even if you wipe your device remotely, the activation lock can still prevent anyone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find My [device] connected and remember your Apple ID and password.
It is different from the password of an iOS / Apple Watch device or the password of your Mac. You will see a screen like the image above requesting your Apple ID email and password if you are having problems with activation lock.
How to bypass activation lock on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and more
- If you can’t remember your Apple ID email, look for it here
- If you don’t remember your Apple ID password, reset it here
- If you don’t remember the security questions for resetting your Apple ID password, call 800-APL-CARE (800-275-2273) or support.apple.com to see if there are other options for recovering your account
- If you are in the US, there is a new activation lock web tool at the bottom of the landing page, there is an option to “Initiate an activation lock support request. Here are the conditions:
- You must be the device owner – Documentation of proof of ownership is required. Proof of ownership must include the product’s serial number, IMEI or MEID.
- Your data on the device will be erased – If Apple unlocks the Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently deleted. Note that restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable Activation Lock.
- We cannot unlock a managed device – If your device is owned by a company or educational institution, contact your IT department or manager. We also don’t accept bulk requests.
- Your device must not be in lost mode.
- In countries where the new activation lock tool is not available, visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase, it may be possible to remove the activation lock, but the device will be deleted in the process
Outside of the steps above, there is really no way to disable Activation Lock on Apple devices. There are cases of third-party companies that offer device unlocking services like GrayShift. However, these options typically cost thousands of dollars, are usually intended for law enforcement, and Apple can make exploits useless with a software update.
One exception is DriveSavers, which claims to have a consumer-facing unlock service for Apple devices. However, no price is listed on the website and we cannot guarantee this in any way. Remember that most other third party “unlock services” will be scams or temporary solutions.
The best solution is to follow the four steps above to recover your Apple ID and legitimately disable the activation lock.
To read more about the activation lock, check the Apple support document here.
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