What is Activation Lock on iOS Devices? How to Remove It

Posted by Paula Pailaga to iOS Unlocker Feb 28, 2024

In case you don’t know, Activation Lock is an extension of the Find My feature that Apple has developed. It prevents iOS devices from various unauthorized access when they are lost. However, despite having that benefit level, it will be completely locked down if you forget the proper credentials to open it. If it happens to you, continue reading this post, for it features brief information about what Activation Lock is and ways to remove it. Explore them below!

What is Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod [Update to iOS 17/18]

Want to know more about what an iPhone Activation Lock is and how it works? Reading the information below would be beneficial if you haven’t heard about Activation Lock. So, without any further ado, start diving below!

So, what is an Activation Lock? Activation Lock on the Find My feature is another type of Apple security feature added to all iOS devices for extra protection. This security feature prevents unauthorized access to a lost or stolen device. One of its powerful capabilities is that the Activation Lock will be your iPhone’s first line of defense when someone tries to erase your device remotely. This feature makes any unauthorized access impossible without the proper credentials.

Now, how does Activation Lock work? When the Find My feature is enabled, the Activation Lock security feature is also automatically enabled. This security feature links your devices to your Apple ID and some specific credentials. So, when that security feature locks your device, you can only unlock it by entering your Apple ID and password.

How to Remove the iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone with Lost Mode

That’s it! Those are brief explanations about what the iPhone Activation Lock is and how it works! Now, if you are asking if removing the iCloud Activation Lock on the iPhone is possible? It is possible; however, you still need the password to make it happen. If you know the password and want to stop iCloud Activation Lock on your iPhone, then here are the steps you must follow:

Step 1Launch your iPhone’s "Settings" app, tap your "Apple ID" at the top, access the "Find My" option, and turn it off by tapping its "Switch" button.

Step 2Next, enter your Apple ID password; after that, wait for a few seconds, and that’s it; you have now removed the iCloud Activation Lock on your iPhone.

What if you don’t own your iPhone and bought it secondhand from a legit seller and wanted to remove the Activation Lock? Then, you can ask the former owner’s assistance to follow the steps below to remove the iCloud Activation Lock on his previous iPhone that you already owned. Here are the steps he needs to follow:

Step 1Visit "iCloud’s official website" on a computer or mobile browser and sign in with an Apple ID and password.

Step 2Next, select all the devices on the Find My iPhone option, click the "iPhone" you wish to remove, and click the "Remove from Account" button. Then, the Activation Lock on the iPhone will be removed.

Step 3Afterward, you can use your Apple ID once the previous owner performs the above steps.

The Best Way to Help Remove Activation Lock when Forgetting Password

There you have it! Those are the information about what is Activation Lock on iPhone and ways to remove it. What if you set up the Find My feature on your iPhone, which brings you to the Activation Lock screen, and unfortunately, you forgot the password to unlock it? The best option to remove the Activation Lock is using the 4Easysoft iOS Unlocker tool! This tool supports various features that enable you to remove various password restrictions. It can wipe screen passcodes, remove iCloud ID passcode restrictions, Turn Off Find My iPhone, etc.

How to Use 4Easysoft iOS Unlocker Tool to Remove Activation Lock when Forgetting Password:

Step 1Download and install the 4Easysoft iOS Unlocker on your Windows or Mac computer. Then, launch the tool, click the "Remove Apple ID" option, connect your iOS device to the computer using a USB cord, and tap the "Trust" button on your iPhone screen.

Step 2Now, since the Activation Lock is associated with the Find My feature (meaning, Find My is currently On), you need to follow the steps below depending on your iOS device version:

• If you are using iOS 11.3 or earlier - Launch your iOS device’s "Settings" app, access the "General" option, tap the "Reset" button, and select the "Reset All Settings" button to remove Apple ID.

• Otherwise, if you are using iOS 11.4 or later - open your "Settings" app, tap your "Name" at the top, select the "Password & Security" button, and turn on the "Two-factor authentication" button.

Step 3Afterward, head to your computer, enter the "0000" on the input field, and click the "Confirm" button. Then, check whether your iOS device’s information is correct and click the "Start" button to download the "Firmware Package" to remove the Activation Lock.

Step 4Once the firmware package is downloaded, enter the "0000" again on the input package, and click the "Unlock" button to initiate the removal process of the Activation Lock on your iOS device.

FAQs about iCloud Activation Lock Function

• Can factory reset remove the Activation Lock function?

  Unfortunately, it can’t. Even if you bring your iOS device to factory reset, the Activation Lock feature will still lock your iOS device until you login with valid credentials.

• How long will Apple unlock my iPhone locked by Activation Lock?

  If you seek help from Apple to unlock your iPhone locked by Activation Lock, it will take up to 10 business days for them to unlock your device. Now, Apple will ask for your proof of purchase; if you can’t present any, it will take another at least 5 days for them to finish the service.

• Can I enable Find My without turning on the Activation Lock?

  No, you can’t. Once you enable the Find My feature on your iPhone, the Activation Lock is also automatically enabled. Vice versa, once you turn off your Find My, the Activation Lock will also be disabled.

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