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Does a Factory Reset Remove the iCloud Activation Lock? Discover the Truth

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Nov 07, 2024 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions

Does a factory reset remove the activation lock from my iPhone? When many individuals are thinking about purchasing a used smartphone or recovering their iPhone, this is one of the questions that comes to mind.

To put it plainly no, a factory reset will not remove the iCloud activation lock. This will not remove or bypass the activation lock on an iOS device since it cannot locate the unique identifier and owner Apple ID associated with an iOS device. The activation lock is a security feature that prohibits access to the device after a factory reset.

This article will comprehensively answer this question and give you more viable solutions to help remove the iCloud lock.

Part 1: Does Factory Reset Remove Activation Lock or iCloud Lock on Your iPhone?

No, your iPhone's activation lock and iCloud lock will remain intact even after a factory reset. You need to be familiar with the inner workings of Activation Lock to grasp the reasoning behind it. Your Apple ID and passcode are safely stored on Apple's servers when you set one up for your device.

When you do a factory reset to remove the activation lock, Apple checks its records for the entered passcode. Gain access to the iPhone by verifying the passcode. Since your iPhone's activation lock is associated with Apple's servers, resetting it to factory settings will only fix problems on your device and not on Apple's end. Unlocking an iPhone that is iCloud-locked cannot be accomplished through a factory reset.

Part 2: How to Remove iCloud Activation Lock Without Factory Reset

You can unlock the iCloud Activation Lock without needing a factory reset. Here are the available methods:

Method 1: Use Your Apple ID and Password

If you restored your iPhone through iTunes without signing out of iCloud, you will see the Activation Lock screen. Simply enter your Apple ID and password to unlock the device.

forgot apple id or passowrd

Method 2: Contact Apple Support

If you are the rightful owner, you can reach out to Apple Support for help removing the Activation Lock. You have several ways to contact them, including the Apple Support App, Twitter, Live Chat, or the customer care number.

You'll need proof of purchase, and even if your device is out of warranty, Apple may not charge you for unlocking it.

apple support page

What If You Are the Second Owner

If you bought a second-hand iPhone, removing the Activation Lock will depend on whether you can reach the previous owner. Often, they may have forgotten to remove their Apple ID from the device. Here’s how to proceed:

Method 1: If You Can Meet the Previous Owner

If you can meet them in person, follow these steps to remove the Activation Lock:

  • Ask them to unpair any Apple Watch connected to the device.
  • Offset Find My iPhone under the Settings menu, then go to Apple ID.
  • To log out of iCloud and iTunes & App Store, click to Settings, choose Apple ID and press Sign Out.
  • Lastly, to erase all content and settings, enter the passcode and proceed to Settings, choose General, and click Reset.

reset settings

Once complete, the iPhone will be reset, and you can set it up with your own Apple ID or create a new one.

Method 2: If You Can Contact the Previous Owner Remotely

If meeting the previous owner is not possible, ask them to help remotely. They can remove the Activation Lock by:

  • Logging into iCloud.com, select All Devices, choose your iPhone, and click Erase iPhone followed by Remove from Account.
  • Alternatively, they can use the Find My app on another iOS device. After logging in, they need to select the iPhone, choose Erase This Device, and then Remove from Account.

remove activation lock via icloud

For these processes to work, ensure the device is connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or cellular data). Once done, you can set up the iPhone with your own Apple ID or a new one.

Part 4: Remove iCloud lock on iPhone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Are you curious if the activation lock is removed with a factory reset? Overcoming the iCloud lock may appear impossible if you purchased an iPhone from a previous owner and are unable to get in touch with them. If you've forgotten your Apple ID but still need to access your iPhone, don't worry—a strong tool is within your reach. Due to its remarkable success rate, this instrument automates the process.

Unlock Your iPhone with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS)

Activation Lock can be easily bypassed with the help of Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS). The program fixes several iCloud lock problems and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPods.

  • Bypassing iCloud Lock on iPod touch
  • Removing Activation Lock on iPhone without Apple ID
  • Unlocking iCloud-locked iPads
  • Turning off Find My without a passcode
  • Unlocking iPhones in Lost Mode
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Due to its cross-platform success rate, Dr.Fone is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Why choose Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS)

With Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), you won't have to worry about complicated instructions like with other tools. Technical terminology and difficult procedures will not be a problem for you. Even those who aren't highly proficient in technology should be able to utilize the tool with ease due to the detailed instructions included. Customer assistance is available 24/7 to help with any specific tasks if you face any difficulties.

Step 1: The first step is to get the latest version of Wondershare Dr.Fone software and install it on your computer. Launch the tool after the setup is complete. Select Screen Unlock from the Toolbox. To begin bypassing the activation lock, select iOS.

access drfone homepage

Step 2: Go to the next screen and click on the "Remove iCloud Activation Lock" button. Doing so will initiate the procedure of unlocking your iOS device.

lead to bypass activation lock

Step 3: You can start iCloud Unlock right away by clicking the Start button.

start process of bypassing activation lock

Step 4: Make use of a USB cable to connect your iOS device to your computer. The software will show the connection status and proceed to the next step automatically once a connection is established.

prompt to connect the device

Step 5: Find out if it's a GSM or CDMA device.

After the lock is bypassed, the mobile phone will continue to function normally, and the unlocking method will not impact its normal operations.

unlock gsm phone

Keep in mind that CDMA devices could have limited functionality (no calls or cellular connectivity, for example), but you can still use your Apple ID to access apps and other services.

unlock cdma phone

Please read the important instructions carefully, tick the agreement box, and then click "Got It" if you have a CDMA model.

warning for cdma phone

Step 6: This step is crucial if you haven't jailbroken your iOS device yet. The Jailbreak Guide is where you can find the instructions.

jailbreak ios device

Step 7: The activation lock can be removed using the tool once the device has been jailbroken. You can efficiently monitor the process with the help of the progress bar.

activation lock removal in progress

Step 8: There will be a confirmation message after the iCloud unlock is complete. When you have completed the procedure, just click "Done" to unlock your smartphone.

activation lock removed successfully

Conclusion:

This article has answered the question, Does factory reset remove activation lock? The answer is no. However, it also mentions some easy solutions to remove the iCloud lock without a factory reset.

To sum up, an iPhone factory reset cannot remove the activation lock; however, all personal data can be erased. It may be necessary to use expert tools like Dr.Fone or the original owner's credentials to unlock the device. Trusted Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a real tool that unlocks the device rather quickly, within a few straightforward steps, even if the user does not have access to the original Apple ID.

For a problem-free return to your device, make sure you pick the right solution for your circumstances.

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Alice MJ

staff Editor

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