How to Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac

This wikiHow teaches you how to use your computer to remove the iCloud activation lock from an iPhone or iPad.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Asking the Previous Owner to Unlock

  1. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 1
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    Have the previous owner sign in to https://www.icloud.com in a web browser. If the previous owner is willing to complete the steps in this method, the activation lock will be removed from your iPhone or iPad.
    • If the previous owner is not already signed in with their Apple ID, they should do so now.
  2. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 2
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    Click Find my iPhone. It's the icon that resembles a radar.
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  3. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 3
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    Click All Devices. It’s a drop-down menu at the top of the page. A list of associated devices will expand.
  4. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 4
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    Click the locked device. This is the device the person sold or gave to you.
  5. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 5
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    Click Erase iPhone/iPad. This erases the contents of the iPhone or iPad. Once complete, the previous owner can move to the next step.
  6. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 6
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    Click Remove from Account. This removes the activation lock.
  7. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 7
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    Turn the iPhone or iPad off and then back on. Once the phone or tablet restarts, you can begin the setup process as though it is brand new.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Paying a Service to Remove the Lock

  1. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 8
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    Search the internet for an iCloud Activation Lock removal service. It’s important to find a company that’s reputable to avoid scams. If you find a service that claims to be free, it’s likely a scam.
  2. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 9
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    Get your iPhone’s IMEI number. You’ll need to provide this number to the unlocking service.
    • The IMEI is usually printed on the back of the iPhone or iPad.
    • If the IMEI is not there, you’ll find it on the SIM tray. Use the SIM removal tool (or the end of a paperclip) to pop out the tray, then find the IMEI on the tray’s outer edge.
    • If you still have the receipt or original box, you should be able to find the IMEI printed somewhere.
  3. Image titled Unlock iCloud Activation Lock on PC or Mac Step 10
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    Follow the on-screen instructions on the unlocking service’s website. The instructions will vary by service, but they’ll all require you to enter the IMEI, and usually the model (e.g. iPhone 6s, iPhone X, etc).
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 21,344 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: October 12, 2018
Views: 21,344
Categories: ICloud
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