How To Bypass iPhone Locked To Owner After Factory Reset

Getting stuck with an iPhone locked to owner after factory reset can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’ve purchased a second-hand device or forgotten your Apple ID. When an iPhone is locked to the owner, it means the device is protected by iCloud Activation Lock, a security feature that links the iPhone to the original owner’s iCloud account. Even after a factory reset, this lock persists, making the device unusable without the original owner’s Apple ID and password.

In this guide, we will explore 4 methods to unlock iPhone locked to owner after factory reset.

Why You Might Encounter an iPhone Locked to Owner

There are several common reasons why iPhone says locked to owner after factory reset:

Buying a second-hand iPhone: You purchased the device from someone else, and it was not properly removed from their iCloud account.
Forgotten Apple ID or password: If you’ve owned the iPhone but can’t remember your login details, this could lock you out.
Inherited or gifted device: Sometimes people inherit iPhones or receive them as gifts without realizing they are still linked to the previous owner’s account.

Can You Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner? The short answer is: Yes, but with limitations. Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock without the proper credentials is not straightforward and often involves risky methods. Additionally, bypassing this lock may breach Apple’s terms and conditions, and in some regions, it could be legally questionable. Anyway, here are 4 methods to solve this problem.

Method 1: Using MagFone Activation Unlocker Bypass iCloud Activation Lock

Whether you purchased a used iPhone/iPad or forgot your iCloud password, being locked out can make your device unusable. This is where MagFone Activation Unlocker comes into play. MagFone Activation Unlocker is specialized software designed to bypass iPhone locked to owner after factory reset without Apple ID or password, supports from iOS 12 to 16.7.5.

Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to bypass iCloud activation lock on iOS 15.0-16.7.5 using MagFone Activation Unlocker.

Step 1: Head to the official MagFone website and download the MagFone Activation Unlocker. Once MagFone is installed, connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. From the main interface, select the Remove iCloud Activation Lock option, make sure to read the disclaimer carefully. Meanwhile remember to view supported devices and iOS systems to make sure if your iOS device is supported. If you agree them, click the Start button.

Step 2: Once your device is detected by the MagFone software, A pop-up will inform you that your iPhone is entering recovery mode. Next, you will need to manually put your device into DFU mode. If you’re unsure how to do this, select your device model and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: When your device is successfully in DFU mode, it will automatically begin the jailbreak process. This may take some time. After the jailbreak is complete, click the Start button again and wait for your iPhone to enter recovery mode.

Step 4: You will need to manually put your device into DFU mode again. Once your device is in DFU mode, the MagFone software will initiate the process of removing the iCloud Activation Lock. This process typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

Method 2: Contact the Previous Owner

How to bypass iPhone locked to owner? This method is by far the simplest and most effective way to unlock your iPhone. If you purchased a used iPhone that is still locked, try contacting the previous owner. They can log into iCloud and remove the device from their account remotely. Here’s how they can do it:

Step 1: Go to iCloud.com and sign in with their Apple ID.

Step 2: Click on Find iPhone.

Step 3: Select the device in question and choose Remove from Account, and erase the iPhone as well.

Method 3: Use Apple’s Support to Unlock

If contacting the previous owner is not an option, you can reach out to Apple Support. They can help you remove the lock if you can prove you’re the rightful owner of the device. Apple typically requires a proof of purchase, such as a receipt from an authorized Apple store or reseller.

Make sure to have the following ready when contacting Apple:

Original purchase receipt
Your Apple ID
The device’s serial number or IMEI

Method 4: Bypassing iCloud Lock Using DNS

One of the most well-known workarounds is the DNS method. While it may seem appealing, this is not a permanent fix. The DNS method only offers limited functionality, allowing you to use some features like browsing the web, but most of the iPhone’s core functions will remain locked.

Here’s how the DNS method works to get iPhone locked to owner bypass:

Step 1: Restart your iPhone and start the setup process.

Step 2: Connect to a Wi-Fi network and enter a specific DNS server address.

Step 3: The phone bypasses the lock for limited use.

The Future of iCloud Activation Lock

Apple continues to strengthen its security systems, and the Activation Lock is likely to become even more robust. It’s essential to understand this feature when buying or selling iPhones, as it plays a critical role in keeping devices secure from theft and unauthorized use.