Stuck on Locked to Owner? A Clear Guide to iOS 18 iCloud Unlock

Part 1. Can iCloud Activation Lock Be Unlocked on iOS 18?

That “iPhone Locked to Owner” page isn’t a local password problem. It’s Activation Lock, tied to Apple’s servers through Find My. Apple even flags it plainly on devices protected by Activation Lock. Apple Support

So before you try anything, separate the layers:

• Screen passcode: stops you from opening the phone when it’s already set up.
• Apple ID sign-in: blocks you from using iCloud services inside Settings.
• Activation Lock (“Locked to Owner”): blocks setup after erase/restore, even if the device is completely wiped. Apple Support

That last one is why people keep searching for unlock iCloud iOS 18 after a reset and still end up stuck.

When it’s possible

• You know the Apple Account email/phone number and can complete recovery/2FA.
• The previous owner is reachable and willing to remove the device from their account.
• You have valid proof of purchase, and Apple approves an unlock request.

When it’s not

• The device is linked to someone else’s account, and they won’t remove it.
• The device is under MDM/school/company ownership, and you’re not the admin.
• The device is reported lost/stolen (Apple generally won’t help unlock it in that case. Apple’s own guidance warns against taking ownership of used devices that show Activation Lock.

Part 2. How to unlock Activation Lock on iOS 18 using legitimate paths that actually work

Not every method works in every situation. Some remove the lock entirely. Others only erase the phone and still require the Apple ID afterward. The sections below explain each option clearly, including when it helps and when it doesn’t.

Method 1: Remove the Device from iCloud Using the Apple ID

If you can still access the Apple ID linked to the phone, this is the cleanest path.

Steps:

1. Open a browser and sign in to iCloud.com
2. Go to Find Devices
3. Select the iPhone or iPad from the list
4. Choose Remove from Account

Once the device is removed, the next setup attempt will no longer request the old Apple ID. This works even if the phone is not physically with you.
This method fully resolves iCloud unlock on iOS 18 when credentials are available.

Method 2: Ask the Previous Owner to Remove It Remotely

For second-hand devices, this is common.
The previous owner doesn’t need the phone. They only need to:

1. Sign in to their Apple ID
2. Open Find My
3. Remove the device from their account

After that, the phone can be set up normally.
If you bought a used phone and want to bypass iOS 18 searches, this step alone solves most legitimate cases.

Method 3: Restore with Finder or iTunes (Erase Only)

This is useful for removing a screen passcode, not ownership.

Steps:

1. Connect the device to a computer
2. Enter recovery mode
3. Choose Restore

The phone will erase and reinstall iOS 18. During setup, Activation Lock will still appear if Find My was enabled.
This explains why many iCloud iOS 18 unlock attempts loop back to the same screen.

Method 4: Apple Support (Proof Required)

In rare cases, Apple may remove Activation Lock if you can prove ownership.
This requires:

• Original purchase receipt
• Matching serial or IMEI
• Review by Apple Support

Approval is not guaranteed, but it’s the only official route when credentials are gone.

Method 5: Use Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) When Account Access Is Gone

When the Apple ID can’t be reached, the usual options narrow fast. Apple’s own flow for Activation Lock is built around signing in with the linked account, or getting support help with proof of purchase.
That’s the point where some people stop trying to “reset again” and start looking for a tool that focuses on the lock itself. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one of the better-known desktop options for this situation because it’s built around removing locks on iPhone and iPad rather than just reinstalling iOS. It also lists support for the iPhone 17 lineup and iOS 26 / iPadOS 26.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock iPhone/iPad Lock Screen Without Hassle.

• Simple, click-through, process.
• Remove screen passcodes, Face ID, Touch ID and Apple ID with ease.
• Bypass iCloud Activation Locks without Password.
• Bypass MDM and screen time without data loss.
• Supports the latest iOS version fully!

Available on: Windows Mac

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Step-by-Step: Removing Activation Lock with Dr.Fone

Step 1. Open the Screen Unlock tool
Install the latest Dr.Fone on your Windows or Mac computer, launch it, then go to Toolbox → Screen Unlock → iOS to enter the unlock section.

Step 2. Pick the Activation Lock removal option
On the next screen, choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal (the wording can be slightly different, but it will clearly mention Activation Lock / iCloud).

Step 3. Start the process
You’ll be taken to a new window. Click Start to begin the Activation Lock bypass flow.

Step 4. Connect the device and confirm the details
Plug your iPhone/iPad into the computer with a USB cable. Once it’s detected, the tool will show device information (model/system). Check that it matches your device, then click Unlock Now.

Step 5. Read the notice and agree
A warning/notice screen will appear with important notes. Read it, tick the agreement checkbox (like “I have read and agree…”), then press Got It! to continue.

Step 6. Wait while the driver installs
Dr.Fone will automatically download and install the required driver for your device. Keep the phone connected and let it finish.

Step 7. Let the bypass run (don’t touch the device)
You’ll see the progress on screen. Keep the iPhone/iPad plugged in the whole time, and avoid using it while the bypass is running.

Step 8. Finish and continue the setup
When it completes, you’ll get a success message. After the final reboot, you should be able to enter the device normally and move forward with setup.

Where it fits: when you want to unlock iOS 18 because a restore didn’t change anything, and the phone still shows “Locked to Owner” during setup.
If the device is reported lost/stolen, or you don’t have permission to use it. Activation Lock exists specifically to block that.

Features:

Rather than listing everything the software does, these are the parts that are relevant specifically to iOS 18 iCloud unlock situations:

• Handles Activation Lock and Apple ID removal, not just data wipes
• Supports newer hardware, including iPhone 17 models
• Compatible with recent system versions, including iOS 26 / iPadOS 26
• Provides device-specific instructions instead of generic recovery steps

Part 3. Comparison: Choosing the Right iOS 18 iCloud Unlock Path

By the time people reach this point, the confusion is about which one actually fits the situation. Most failed attempts happen because the wrong tool is used for the wrong lock state.

Part 4. Conclusion

Activation Lock on iOS 18 is not random, and it isn’t caused by repeated resets. It appears during setup because Apple checks ownership at activation, not on the device itself. Once that’s clear, the path forward becomes practical instead of frustrating. If the linked Apple ID or previous owner is available, removal is usually clean and permanent. When those options are gone, restoring them only repeats the same result.

In that gap, Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock is designed to address Activation Lock directly. It offers a structured way to move past the block during iOS 18 iCloud unlock, especially on newer devices and recent system versions.

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