The iPhone is one of the most expensive devices, but there is a reason why the company continues to make exceptional sales. The iOS software on iPhones offers the best security features to secure the smartphone and the data saved. What Does iCloud Locked Mean? Here are five ways to unlock an iCloud lock.
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The iCloud feature on iPads and iPhones is integral to storing and securing data on any device running iOS 7 or later. The iCloud feature is a standard installation program that helps iOS users save, sync, and secure valuable data like documents, contacts, videos, music, and calendar files.
The security level of the iCloud feature on iOS devices is so tough to override without the proper authorization. What does “iCloud locked” mean? Below is the ultimate guide to the iCloud lock on iOS devices and five ways to unlock a locked device.
What is iCloud Activation Lock?
The iCloud activation lock is an innovative iOS feature that secures end-user data and prevents unauthorized access to an iPhone/iPad. The iCloud lock is a prerequisite registration stage requiring every user to create/register with a legitimate Apple ID account before enjoying any Apple store services.
You can enable the iCloud activation lock feature when registering your new iPhone/iPad device and prevent unauthorized access to your device when stolen or lost. An iOS device becomes locked once you enable the activation lock feature, and other users must enter the original Apple ID credentials even after formatting the device.
How to Enable iCloud Activation Lock on a New iOS Device
It is advisable to enable the iCloud activation lock feature on new iOS devices to prevent unauthorized access to the device if it gets lost or stolen. Below is how to enable the iCloud activation lock feature on your new iOS device.
Step 1: Start by booting your new iOS device and following the on-screen initial setup process.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen initial setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data section.
Step 3: Select the Set Up as New iPhone/iPad or Restore from the iCloud Backup option.
Step 4: Complete the iCloud registration process before launching the Find My application.
Step 5: Ensure the toggle button next to the Find My iPhone/iPad option is on.
Step 6: Scroll until you locate the Activation Lock section and ensure the toggle button is also on to complete enabling the iCloud lock feature on your device.
How to Unlock the iCloud Activation Lock on iOS
It is time to highlight the various methods for unlocking the iCloud activation lock now that you know what the security feature does and how to enable it to secure data on your device. The content below provides a detailed guide on how to deal with the iCloud activation lock.
Method 1: Sign-Out Using Apple ID
You can use this method if you have a used iOS device from a legitimate owner. However, you must contact the legitimate owner and have them sign out of their Apple account before using a new Apple ID on the device. Follow the prompts below to sign out using Apple ID and unlock iCloud.
Step 1: Turn on the iOS device and have the legitimate owner sign in using their Apple ID.
Step 2: The next step is signing out of iCloud by navigating to Settings > iCloud > Sign Out on iOS 10.2 and older OS or to Settings > [previous owner name] > Sign Out on iOS 10.3 and higher OS.
Step 3: Tap the Sign Out option and ask the previous owner to re-enter their Apple ID sign-in credentials.
Step 4: Ensure you tap the Delete from My iPhone or Turn Off option after signing out of the previous Apple ID.
Step 5: The last step is formatting the phone by navigating Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings options.
Method 2: iCloud Unlocking Service
You can use this method to unlock iCloud using the previous Apple ID credentials on iCloud.com.
Step 1: Start by contacting the previous owner before asking them to visit iCloud.com online portal.
Step 2: The previous owner can enter Apple ID credentials to access the online iCloud service.
Step 3: The previous owner can then navigate the Find MyiPhone > All Devices
Step 4: The next step is selecting the Erase iPhone tab before tapping the Remove from Account option to unlock iCloud.
Step 5: Reboot your iOS and sign in using your Apple ID credentials.
Method 3: Third-Party iCloud Unlocking Software
You can use a third-party iCloud unlocking software to bypass the Apple ID verification process on your iOS device. The procedure for unlocking iCloud using third-party software may vary depending on the type of software you are using. Top iCloud third-party software includes iCloud Assistant Pro, iCloud Unlocker, Open My iCloud, and UltFone Activation Unlocker.
Method 4: Bypass iCloud DNS
Bypassing the iCloud DNS is not a 100% guaranteed method and may fail to work on some devices. Follow the prompts below to tweak iCloud DNS configuration and unlock iCloud.
Step 1: Start by connecting your iOS device to a reliable WiFi connection before navigating Settings > WiFi
Step 2: Tap the “i” (information) icon next to the WiFi connection on your device.
Step 3: The next step is tapping the Configure DNS option and tweaking the DNS configuration settings.
Step 4: You can use one of the following DNS configurations based on location (Europe: 104.155.28.90, USA: 104.154.51.7, Asia: 104.155.28.90, or Others: 78.100.17.60).
Step 5: The last step is saving the DNS configuration before tapping the Activation Help icon and following the on-screen instructions to unlock your device.
Method 5: Contact Apple Customer Service
You can also contact the Apple Store customer service or visit an authorized Apple service provider to help remove the iCloud lock on your device. However, you must provide a valid receipt (s) showing the legitimate owner(s) and change of ownership before an Apple customer service provider can help remove the iCloud lock. The ownership verification process is strict and can fail to recognize receipts from e-commerce platforms like eBay.
Conclusion
The most efficient method to remove the iCloud lock on any iOS device is having the previous owner sign out and erase all the data from their Apple ID account. You should always check the iCloud lock status before purchasing an iOS device to save yourself the hustle of bypassing the most secure security feature in the smartphone market.
