How to Fix iPad Stuck On Activation Lock?

Every iOS device comes with the default activation lock feature to prevent devices like iPhone or iPad from any theft or data leakage. When your device is locked, it becomes almost impossible for the users to unlock it without having an authorized username and password details. Moreover, they won’t reset, erase or even modify the device to make it work again. To solve this issue, you can try bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock, which could be hard but not impossible. This article will provide you all the means for bypassing your activation lock, which you can find below.

• Part 1: Why is the iPad stuck on the activation lock?
• Part 2: How to bypass when the iPad is stuck in activation lock?
• Part 3: How to recover an iPad that is activation locked?
• Part 4: FAQ about iPad stuck on activation lock
• How do I remove the activation lock without the previous owner?
• Is there an official way to bypass the activation lock?

Part 1: Why is the iPad stuck on the activation lock?

This usually happens with the users who purchased the second-hand iOS device that came locked. And the original owner failed to unlock the device; then, your iPad device got stuck on the activation lock.

Part 2: How to bypass when the iPad is stuck in activation lock?

For bypassing the activation lock on your iPhone device, here you can try three different ways given below:

Bypass with iCloud when iPad is stuck in activation lock:

This could be your first trick using iCloud for unlocking the iPad, which is stuck in the activation lock. And for using this trick, there will be few essential details such as username and password regarding your iPad that you will need. So, if you have purchased a second-hand iPad, you can ask for the details from its first owner.

And now, if you got the required details, then for unlocking your device, you can follow the below steps:

• Firstly, open ‘iCloud.com.’
• Now sign in using the Apple ID username and password details that you received from the previous owner or which you might have created if you are the first owner.
• Now press the ‘Find iPhone’ button.
• Then choose the ‘All Devices’ option.
• After this, simply pick the device you require to bypass by identifying its name and model number.
• Then choose ‘Erase iPad.’
• After this, select the ‘Remove From Account’ option.

If you have followed all the given steps, then your device would be unlocked as you might have successfully bypassed the activation lock by deleting your device identity from Apple ID.

Bypass via DNS when iPad is Stuck in Activation Lock:

Here for unlocking your iPad device via Domain Name System (DNS), you can go with the given step by step guide:

• Firstly, you need to restart your iPad device.
• Then pick your country and language.
• And then, you will be asked to enter the new DNS server, which you can add based on the following:

For Europe, you can use: 104.155.28.90

For the USA/North America, you can use: 104.154.51.7

For Asia, you can use: 104.155.220.58

And for the Rest of the World, you can use: 78.109.17.60

• Then go to the back button.
• Now connect your device with a Wi-Fi connection.
• Then press ‘Done’.
• Then click ‘Activation Help’.

Here, one message will blink on your screen that will say you are successfully connected to the server.

• Now press the ‘Menu’ button.
• You can preview the apps available on the screen and then choose one of them for fetching the previous owner’s account details.

Permanently Bypass iCloud when iPad is Stuck in Activation Lock:

Here is the above-mentioned solution that is unlocking the stuck iPad via DNS (Domain Name System) is absolutely effective. Still, it could only give you a temporary solution that does not work persistently. And when you activate your iPad device with the above-given solution, then even after unlocking your device, you will only be able to use the major functions only.

Now, for accessing most of the functions from your iPad device, you can permanently bypass the iCloud activation lock with the following steps:

• Firstly, click on the ‘Menu’ button.
• Then go to ‘Applications.’
• Then select the ‘Crash’ option.

This will make your device restart.

• Now set your country and language as well.
• Then press the Home button.
• Here, select More Wi-Fi Settings.
• Then click the ‘i’ symbol shown just next to the Wi-Fi network.
• After scrolling down, you will reach the ‘Menu.’ So, press the button.

Now you are required to clean out the address bar completely.

• Then click on the ‘Globe’ icon.
• After this, you need to tap on nearly 30 characters in the Port zone.
• Then again, press the ‘Back’ button.
• Now select the ‘Next’ option.

After this, you are again going to view the language option and unlock the screen as well. So, you only need to keep sliding both of these screens until and unless you can see the home screen.

Part 3: How to recover an iPad that is activation locked?

The next solution you can adopt for activating your screen lock on your iPad device is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software, which is the ultimate and most reliable solution for solving your iPad stuck on an activation lock issue.

This software tool is powerful enough to provide guaranteed solutions and satisfactory results for all kinds of technical issues, and it fully supports iOS 26. 

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove Activation Lock on iPad Without Password

• Unlock Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID without password.
• Bypass the iCloud activation lock without hassle.
• Remove iPhone carrier restrictions for unlimited usage.
• No tech knowledge required, Simple, click-through, process.

Available on: Windows Mac

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3,981,454 people have downloaded it

Unlock your iPhone (XR through iPhone 17 series) or iPad (2019 or later) with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), our advanced solution that bypasses the iCloud lock featuring:

• Full System Support – Compatible with all iOS/iPadOS versions from 17.0.1 to 26.1
• No Jailbreak Required – Simple, beginner-friendly process anyone can follow
• Instant Unlock – No waiting, fast local processing
• Safe & Secure – Local unlock ensures your data privacy

• Step 1. Launch Dr.Fone and Select Unlock Feature

Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS, then select iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

• Step 2. Connect Device and Verify Information

Click Start, then connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer. Once the tool diagnoses your device and displays its information, confirm the details are correct and click Unlock Now.

• Step 3. Accept Agreement and Install Driver

Read the warning prompt carefully, check I have read and agree to the agreement, and click Got It!. The tool will automatically download and install the necessary driver for your device.

• Step 4. Wait for Bypass Process to Complete

Monitor the real-time progress on screen. Keep your device connected and do not operate it during the bypass. Your device will reboot several times—this is normal.

Note: Multiple reboots are part of the normal process. Do not disconnect your device.

• Step 5. Unlock Complete – Enjoy Your Device!

When the success message appears and your device completes its final reboot, the Activation Lock has been removed. You can now access your device normally—no technical skills required, completed in minutes on your local computer with complete security.

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Part 4: FAQ about iPad stuck on activation lock

• How do I remove the activation lock without the previous owner?

The iPad activation lock can be removed by adopting third-party software like Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), where you will no longer require the first owner’s Username and Password details.

• Is there an official way to bypass the activation lock?

You can officially bypass the activation lock on an iPad device using iCloud. And for that, you certainly will be required to have the authorized username and password as well.

Conclusion

In the above content, we have provided effective solutions to easily bypass the activation lock by adopting various solutions; you can also adopt software solutions such as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), where you will no longer be required to have the authorized User ID and Password. So, try this magical solution and unlock your device as well.

safe & secure