“iPhone Locked to Owner” during setup? You’ve hit Apple’s iCloud Activation Lock. Designed to deter thieves, it often locks out legit owners, especially if credentials are forgotten or a second-hand device wasn’t properly unlinked. Skip the panic, this guide will walk you through how to bypass iCloud activation lock, explore different solutions, and show you how to use an effective iPhone unlocker to resolve the issue, without needing the Apple ID or password.
Why Does My iPhone Say It’s Locked to the Owner?
When your iPhone shows the “Locked to Owner” screen after a factory reset, it means Activation Lock is enabled via the Find My iPhone feature. This lock ties the device to the previous owner’s Apple ID, making it unusable until the correct credentials are entered. This is intended to prevent stolen devices from being reused or resold.
However, Activation Lock can also appear if:
- You forgot your own Apple ID or password.
- You bought a used device and the previous owner didn’t remove their iCloud account.
- You reset the device through iTunes or Recovery Mode without signing out of iCloud first.
Remove Activation Lock on iPhone After Factory Reset
Stuck at Activation Lock after resetting your iPhone? If you have some access to the original account or proof of purchase, try these official Apple-approved solutions first:
1. Use the iCloud Website (Find My iPhone):
If you know the Apple ID/password:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with the linked Apple ID.
- Choose Find iPhone > All Devices, select the locked iPhone.
- Click Erase iPhone, then Remove from Account.
Limitations:
- Requires original Apple ID and password.
- Doesn’t work if you can’t contact the previous owner.
2. Contact Apple Support:
Apple may unlock the device if you provide proof of ownership, such as a receipt or invoice.
Limitations:
- Requires original purchase receipt from an authorized retailer.
- Not guaranteed—especially if the device was reported lost or stolen.
Due to these limitations, many users look for a more flexible solution like AnyUnlock.
Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner after Factory Reset without Passcode
What Is AnyUnlock – iCloud Activation Lock Bypass?
AnyUnlock is a powerful iPhone unlocker developed by iMobie. It helps bypass iCloud Activation Lock without the Apple ID or password. Whether you forgot your credentials or bought a second-hand iPhone, AnyUnlock can help you regain full access in just a few steps.
Key Features of AnyUnlock:
- Bypass “iPhone Locked to Owner” without Apple ID or previous owner’s help.
- Works with iOS 12 to iOS 16.5.
- Find the Apple ID linked to your device before unlocking.
- Remove iCloud activation lock in just 3 simple steps with a high success rate.
- Also removes screen passcode, Apple ID, MDM lock, SIM lock, and more.
- Fully secure with user data protection—no jailbreak needed for some features.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove iCloud Activation Lock with AnyUnlock:
- Install & Launch
Download AnyUnlock on your Windows PC or Mac, install and open the software, then select “Bypass iCloud Activation Lock”. Usea USB cable to link the iPhone to the computer.
- Unlock Process
Click “Start Now” → Confirm iPhone model matches detected device. Follow the jailbreak process to jailbreak your device. - Remove Activation Lock
Confirm your iPhone device information, click “Bypass Now”, then AnyUnlock will auto bypass iCloud Activation Lock.
Final Thoughts
Getting locked out of your iPhone due to Activation Lock can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have access to the original Apple ID. While Apple provides official solutions, they often depend on conditions that aren’t practical for many users.
AnyUnlock offers a reliable alternative, helping users regain access to their devices in just a few steps. Whether you’re dealing with a forgotten Apple ID, a second-hand iPhone, or a device stuck after reset, AnyUnlock can restore your control without the hassle.