Apple Activation Lock is an in-built security feature that keeps iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices secure from unauthorized access. Users need to enter their Apple ID and password every time they try to reset or activate a device. This binds the device to its owner’s iCloud account.
The iCloud Lock or Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is part of the Find My iPhone app and runs on devices running iOS 7 or later. Activation lock is crucial for protecting sensitive data if a device is lost or stolen and improving the chances of recovery.
So let’s get into the details and learn more about activation lock bypass on iOS and macOS devices, its types, and step to bypass an Activation Lock using Scalefusion UEM.
What is Activation Lock bypass?
Activation lock bypass removes the activation lock from Apple devices using a bypass code. This eliminates the need for the original owner’s Apple ID and password to clear the lock. Bypass codes offer a fall-back mechanism. IT administrators can clear the activation lock and reset and activate devices, ensuring they remain usable and secure for the new user.
Activation lock bypass is particularly useful in organizational settings where devices must be repurposed or reassigned after an employee leaves or joins the organization. This helps maintain the operational use of corporate devices while upholding device security, as it allows for the reactivation and reuse of devices without compromising their protection against unauthorized access.
What is the need to bypass the Activation Lock?
While Activation Lock is beneficial for securing personal devices, it presents challenges for corporate devices. Many organizations issue mobile devices to employees, each linked to the employee’s account. When an employee leaves and returns the device, the IT admin encounters a prompt for the previous employee’s credentials during a reset.
The device becomes unusable if those credentials are unavailable. Turning off the Activation Lock on corporate devices is not ideal, as it leaves them vulnerable to misuse if lost or stolen. Therefore, bypassing Activation Lock on MacBooks and iOS devices using a bypass code is necessary to maintain device security while ensuring they can be efficiently reassigned within the organization.
How to bypass activation lock?
Running into Activation Lock during device reassignment or offboarding can stall IT workflows—especially when the Apple ID credentials of the previous user are unavailable. While the lock is essential for device security, Apple offers legitimate ways for organizations to bypass it and regain control over corporate-owned devices.
Here’s how to do it securely through Apple Business Manager or with Apple Support.
With Apple Business Manager (ABM)
If the device is enrolled in Apple Business Manager and supervised via MDM:
Step 1: Login to ABM: Go to business.apple.com and sign in with your organization’s credentials.
Step 2: Locate the device: Search for the device using its serial number or device details.
Step 3: Remove Activation Lock:
- Select the device.
- Click on Actions > Remove Activation Lock.
- Confirm the action. This request syncs with the device through MDM, clearing the lock.
| Note: The device must be assigned to your MDM server in ABM. Also, this method only works for supervised devices with the “Allow MDM to remove Activation Lock” option enabled. |
With Apple support
Apple support offers a few ways to disable Activation Lock on unsupervised devices where the user has locked it via a personal iCloud account:
Method 1. Using Apple ID and password
Step 1: Go to the official site of icloud.
Step 2: Sign in to your Apple Account.
Step 3: Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.
Step 4: Click ‘Remove This Device’.
Method 2. Starting an Activation Lock support request
Step 1: Prepare proof of ownership:
a. Purchase invoice with serial number
b. Company letterhead with asset details and authorization
Step 2: Submit a support request via getsupport.apple.com. Choose Activation Lock support and provide required documents.
If the documents are valid and verified, Apple will remove Activation Lock remotely or provide further instructions.
How to bypass Activation Lock with an MDM
Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions offer the most streamlined way to bypass Activation Lock on supervised Apple devices. The only prerequisite is that the devices must be enrolled in MDM at the time of setup and associated with Apple Business Manager (ABM). When properly configured, MDM can push a bypass code to the device, enabling IT teams to remove Activation Lock without requiring the previous user’s Apple ID credentials.
Bypass codes eliminate manual intervention and reduce downtime during tasks like device reallocation, employee offboarding, or bulk device resets. Apple mandates that MDM servers collect these bypass codes during initial device setup to enable secure lock removal later.
What is an Activation Lock bypass code?
An activation lock bypass code is a unique alphanumeric key that allows MDM solutions to disable Activation Lock on managed Apple devices. It serves as an Apple-authorized override method for IT administrators and is only available for devices supervised via MDM and linked to an ABM account.
These codes are encrypted and securely stored by the MDM server during device enrollment. When needed, IT admins can issue the code to Apple devices remotely, enabling access without the need for user credentials.
Types of Activation Lock bypass codes
Based on the activation lock applied, there are two types of Activation Lock bypass codes:
a. MDM-generated bypass code
This type of code is generated by a mobile device management solution at the time of device enrollment. IT administrators can remotely clear the activation lock on devices managed through the MDM software. This is especially useful for organizations that use an MDM solution to manage their iOS and macOS devices, ensuring devices can be easily reused.
b. Device-generated bypass code
This code is generated by the device when the activation lock is user-linked. Device-generated bypass codes are available for 15 days or until an MDM solution clears it. These codes are generated while setting up the device for the first time.
How to bypass Activation Lock with Scalefusion MDM?
When user credentials linked to the Activation Lock are unavailable, IT administrators can retrieve the bypass code from the Scalefusion dashboard to manually bypass the Activation Lock. Follow the below steps to bypass the Activation Lock:
| Note: Ensure the iOS device you want to bypass is enrolled in the Scalefusion dashboard through Apple Configurator or Apple Business Manager. Enrolling devices using any of the aforementioned methods will remove the Activation Lock and the user will not be able to enable it. |
On the Scalefusion dashboard
Step 1: Log in to the Scalefusion dashboard.
Step 2: Go to the Devices tab and select the iOS device for which you want to bypass the activation lock.
Step 3: In the device details dialog, click the Settings icon in the top right corner and select the Full Device Information tab.
Step 4: In the Full Device Information dialog, navigate to the Device Info section.
Step 5: Click on Bypass Code to view both the device-generated and MDM-generated bypass codes.
On device
Step 1. On the Activation Lock screen, leave the username field empty and enter the MDM-generated bypass code in the password field. This will bypass the activation lock.
Note: For Activation Lock to work, your iOS device needs to be in Lost or stolen mode.
| Note: Ensure the iOS device you want to bypass is enrolled in the Scalefusion dashboard through Apple Configurator or Apple Business Manager. Enrolling devices using any of the aforementioned methods will remove the Activation Lock and the user will not be able to enable it. |
When users leave, your access shouldn’t – Bypass Activation Lock with Scalefusion
Scalefusion enables your organization to benefit from the activation lock’s theft-deterrent features while bypassing the lock on company-owned devices without requiring the former employee’s Apple ID credentials. With Scalefusion, you can enhance the operational efficiency of iOS and macOS devices and maintain comprehensive control over your Apple devices.
Contact our experts to book a free demo or opt for a 14-day free trial today to see activation lock bypass in action.
FAQs
1. How do I remove the activation lock if I forgot my Apple ID?
If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID, try to recover it or reset the password using the email address or phone number associated with it at https://iforgot.apple.com/. If you still can’t access your account, you may need to contact Apple Support with proof of purchase for assistance.
2. How do I remove previous owner’s Apple ID from iPad without password?
Removing a previous owner’s Apple ID without their password is difficult due to security measures. The best approach is to ask the previous owner to remove the device from their iCloud account. If that’s not possible, contact Apple Support with valid proof of purchase for potential assistance.
3. Is it possible to remove the activation lock on an iPad?
Yes, Activation Lock can be removed by entering the correct Apple ID and password, by the previous owner removing the device from their account, or by Apple Support with valid proof of purchase. In managed environments using MDM, there might be bypass options for supervised devices.
4. Is it possible to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone?
Legitimate removal of Activation Lock typically requires the correct Apple ID and password. Bypassing it without these credentials or proof of ownership is generally not possible due to security features, though if the device is enrolled in Scalefusion MDM, it can be done. Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase for assistance if needed.
5. How to factory reset iPhone without Apple ID password Activation Lock?
Performing a factory reset will not remove the Activation Lock if it’s already enabled. You will need the Apple ID and password associated with the lock to reactivate the device after a reset. If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, you’ll need to go through the account recovery process.
