How to Unlock Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max

If you’ve come across an activation lock on your iPhone XS Max, you’re not alone. This security feature by Apple, known as Activation Lock, is designed to protect your device and data in case of theft or loss. However, it can become an obstacle when you purchase a second-hand device or forget your Apple ID credentials. Don’t worry! In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to unlock the activation lock on your iPhone XS Max.

Can I Unlock Activation Lock on Apple iPhone XS Max?

Yes, you can unlock the Activation Lock on your iPhone XS Max even if the device is offline. To remove the Activation Lock remotely, go to www.iCloud.com/find and sign in with your Apple ID. After logging in, select the iPhone XS Max from the list of devices, then click on “Erase iPhone” and “Remove from Account.” This process will remove the device from iCloud, allowing you to set it up again without the previous owner’s credentials.

What is Activation Lock?

Activation Lock is a part of Find My iPhone, a security feature built into all Apple devices. When your iPhone is linked to an Apple ID, the Activation Lock ensures that no one else can use the device without the original owner’s Apple ID password. This feature gets triggered automatically when Find My iPhone is enabled on your device. While it’s a great tool for security, it can become an issue if you don’t have access to the original account.

Common Scenarios for Activation Lock Issues

  1. Buying a Used iPhone: If you purchase a second-hand iPhone XS Max and it’s still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID, you’ll see the Activation Lock screen.
  2. Forgetting Apple ID Password: If you forget your Apple ID password and can’t retrieve it, you’ll also encounter the Activation Lock.
  3. Device Was Reported Lost: Sometimes, an iPhone might have been marked as lost by the original owner, leaving the lock in place.

Now, let’s dive into the methods you can use to unlock the Activation Lock.

1. Use Your Apple ID and Password (Best Method)

The easiest and most direct way to unlock the Activation Lock is by entering your Apple ID and password. Here’s how:

  1. Power on your iPhone XS Max.
  2. When the Activation Lock screen appears, enter the Apple ID and password originally linked to the device.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions, and your iPhone should be unlocked.

If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it by visiting the Apple ID account page. Click on Forgot Apple ID or Password, and follow the steps to recover or reset your credentials.

2. Contact the Previous Owner

If you purchased your iPhone XS Max from a previous owner, you can ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID remotely. Here’s how they can do it:

  1. The original owner needs to visit iCloud.com on a browser.
  2. They must log in with their Apple ID and click on Find iPhone.
  3. Once inside, select the iPhone XS Max from the device list.
  4. Choose Erase iPhone, then click Remove from Account.

This process will remotely unlock the iPhone and remove the Activation Lock, allowing you to set it up with your own Apple ID.

3. Use DNS Bypass Method (Limited Access)

If contacting the previous owner isn’t an option, the DNS Bypass method may work for you, although it has limitations. This method doesn’t remove the lock entirely but allows access to some features. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Restart your iPhone XS Max and reach the Wi-Fi settings page.
  2. Tap the “i” icon next to the Wi-Fi network.
  3. Under DNS, select Manual and enter one of the following DNS addresses based on your location:
    • USA: 104.154.51.7
    • Europe: 104.155.28.90
    • Asia: 104.155.220.58
    • Other regions: 78.100.17.60
  4. After entering the DNS, go back and connect to Wi-Fi.
  5. Tap on Activation Help, which should appear on the screen.

This method provides limited functionality but might let you use some features until a more permanent solution is found.

4. Get Help from Apple Support

If none of the above methods work, your last resort is contacting Apple Support. If you can prove ownership of the device, such as by providing a receipt, they may be able to assist in unlocking the activation lock. However, this process might take time and requires valid proof of purchase.

Avoiding Future Activation Lock Issues

To avoid running into the Activation Lock in the future, ensure that you always sign out of your Apple ID before selling or giving away your device. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and select Sign Out.
  4. Enter your Apple ID password to complete the process.

By doing this, you’ll prevent the Activation Lock from engaging when someone else uses the device.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking the Activation Lock on your iPhone XS Max might seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, you can regain access to your phone. Whether it’s using your Apple ID, contacting the previous owner, or getting help from Apple Support, there’s a solution for every scenario.

FAQs

What is Activation Lock on iPhone XS Max?

Activation Lock is a security feature that ties your iPhone to your Apple ID. It activates automatically when Find My iPhone is enabled and prevents unauthorized access to the device by requiring the Apple ID and password used to set it up.

Can I remove Activation Lock without the original Apple ID?

The easiest way to remove Activation Lock is with the original Apple ID and password. If you don’t have this information, you can contact the previous owner to unlock the device or reach out to Apple Support with proof of ownership.

How can I bypass the Activation Lock if I bought a used iPhone XS Max?

If you bought a second-hand iPhone XS Max, you should ask the previous owner to remove the device from their iCloud account. They can do this remotely via iCloud.com by selecting the device and removing it from their account.

Is the DNS Bypass method a permanent solution for Activation Lock?

No, the DNS Bypass method is not a permanent solution. It allows limited access to some functions, but the device will remain locked. This method is generally used as a temporary workaround.

What should I do if I can’t remember my Apple ID password?

If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it by visiting appleid.apple.com and following the steps to recover or reset your account. This will allow you to regain access to your iPhone XS Max and remove the Activation Lock.