Activation locks have been around for quite and while, and between the two of us, they haven’t gotten any less problematic for people who buy a secondhand iOS device or lose their Apple ID credentials. What’s worse is having to prove to Apple that your device is, in fact, yours and wasn’t stolen. I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me simply because I can’t remember passwords. But I’ve learned through trial and error and am here to teach you how to bypass the iPad activation lock in 2024. So, let’s jump in!
Method 1: Bypass iPad Locked to Owner With The Owner
If you got your device from someone you can easily get in touch with, then removing the iPad activation lock should be a breeze. Here are two ways to get the job done.
Solution 1: Remove Using iCloud Find My
The first thing I’d like to clarify is that this process requires an Apple ID and its password at all costs. Once you have the credentials, you can use the Find My app to remove the activation lock. Here’s how:
- Open your browser and make your way to the iCloud website.
- Log in using the Apple ID credentials for the account that’s on your iPad.
- Now that you’re in, find the option that says Find My. It will be in the top right corner.
- Click on All Devices and choose the iPad that you want to unlock.
- Once you click on the device, select Erase iPad and confirm your action.
Alternatively, you can dictate this method to the owner of the device, and they can do it on their own and remotely as well. They don’t necessarily have to give you the credentials; just one party needs to be able to follow the process mentioned.
Solution 2: Remove Using Passcode
You could also do this much faster if you simply unlocked your iPad using the passcode. Here’s how to go about it:
- When you are on the display that says ‘iPad locked to owner, ’ search for the option to ‘Unlock with a passcode.’ Click this option.
- Now enter the passcode the previous owner gave you, and you should be able to bypass the activation lock.
It was really that simple. With a passcode, the owner doesn’t have to worry about you using their credentials for anything else.
Method 2: Bypass iPad Activation Lock without Previous Owner: using Unlockit iCloud Remover
If you do not get the Unlock with Passcode option, or the original Owner can’t or won’t help, do not panic, you just need a professional tool like Unlockit iCloud Remover, and you’re good to go. This tool is made especially to remove the activation lock from iOS devices and is compatible with almost all iPads running iOS 12 to iOS 16.6. Here’s how to use this awesome tool:
Step 1: Download the Unlockit iCloud Remover on your MAC and run the program once it’s been installed. Now connect your device via a lightning cable and read the disclaimer before clicking ‘Start.’
Step 2: If your iPad isn’t already jailbroken, the program will download a jailbreak package and put your device into Recovery Mode. You have to manually put it into DFU mode after this by following the instructions on the screen.
Step 3: Once the jailbreak is complete, your iPad should reboot. If it doesn’t, then you need to force restart it manually. Make sure the jailbreak process was a success. Repeat it if you have to, just to ensure success.
Step 4: Now confirm the details about your device and click ‘Start to Remove.’ The iCloud activation lock should be bypassed in a couple of minutes, depending on your internet strength.
Pros:
- It has an easy-to-navigate interface
- It supports the latest iOS update of 16.6
- It is a paid and trustworthy tool
- It has good customer support to help with issues
- It has a high success rate and is fast
- It comes with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- It requires a computer for the process
- It is only compatible with Mac and not Windows
- It requires your iPad to be jailbroken.
Method 3: Use DNS Bypass
If you’re not big on using paid tools and don’t have the credentials for your iPad either, there’s a third method that you can use. This is called a DNS bypass. It basically tricks the device by redirecting its activation signals to a third-party bypass server instead of the Apple server.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Restart your iPad and go through with the setup process.
- Once you reach the ‘add a Wi-Fi network’ page, tap on the ‘i’ symbol next to the Wi-Fi network.
- Now click on the ‘Choose DNS’ menu and pick ‘Manual’ as your option.
- Click on ‘+Add server’ and then enter the following details with respect to your geographical location:
- USA: 104.154.51.7
- Europe: 104.155.28.90
- Asia: 104.155.220.58
- South America: 35.199.88.219
- Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23
- Other: 78.100.17.60
- Now click the ‘Back button’ on the page and wait a few seconds while it bypasses the activation lock on your iPad.
Conclusion
Well, that’s a wrap. Now you know how to bypass the iPad activation lock in 2024. But which of the three methods works for you? Well, if you have the Apple ID credentials or access to the owner, just get them to remove it. If you’re not tech-savvy and aren’t willing to wait, just get a paid bypass tool like Unlockit iCloud Remover. They’re trustworthy, efficient, and save time. However, if you’re good at tech hacks and don’t mind some hardcore instructions, simply go for a DNS bypass as your first approach. Depending on the success of your chosen methods, you can choose another one or simply enjoy your iPad.
