If you’re struggling with the “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen after buying a used device, resetting your iPhone, or restoring via iTunes, this guide reveals 7 proven methods for iPhone Locked to Owner bypass — whether you have the password or not. Learn how to remove Activation Lock safely using Apple ID, bypass iCloud Lock without password, or even unlock enterprise-managed devices.

Part 1: What Does "iPhone Locked to Owner" Mean?
Part 2: iPhone Locked to Owner Bypass without Computer
- Way 1. Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner from Lock Screen
- Way 2. Remove iPhone Locked to Owner from Another Device with the Same Account
- Way 3. Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner Screen via Find My APP
- Way 4. Take off iPhone Locked to Owner from iCloud
- Way 5. Remove iPhone Locked to Owner via DNS
Part 3:iPhone Locked to Owner Bypass with Computer
- Way 1. iPhone Locked to Owner Screen Bypass with Removal Tool [High Success Rate]HOT
- Way 2. Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner Screen with IMEI Number [Expensive]
Part 4: Can You Reset an iPhone if Locked to the Owner?
Part 5: Risks & Warnings of Bypassing Activation Lock
Part 6: Additional Tips to Avoid Activation Lock Issues
Conclusion
Part 1: What Does "iPhone Locked to Owner" Mean?
When you see the “iPhone Locked to Owner” message, it means the device is linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID and it is Marked as Lost on iCloud, preventing unauthorized access. To proceed, you must enter the correct Apple ID credentials. This security feature, introduced as part of Activation Lock in iOS, is designed to protect iPhones from theft or unauthorized use. It is automatically enabled when Find My iPhone is turned on.
Although Activation Lock has existed since iOS 7, Apple has continuously enhanced its security measures. Starting with iOS 15 and later, the "iPhone Locked to Owner" message is now displayed more prominently during setup after a reset.
Part 2: How to Remove "iPhone Locked to Owner" with Password
If you have the Apple ID credentials, removing the lock is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Below are five proven methods to bypass iPhone Locked to Owner for free and regain full functionality of your iPhone. You can get a quick preview with these five mthods from the following table:
Method | Apple ID Password Required | Find My App/Service | Computer Required | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Unlock via Apple ID Password | Requires knowledge of Apple ID and password. | |||
Unlock via Screen Passcode | Only works if Two-Factor Authentication is enabled. | |||
Remove via Another Device | Requires access to another Apple device with the same Apple ID. | |||
Bypass via Find My App | Requires access to another Apple device and Apple ID credentials. | |||
Remove via iCloud | Requires Apple ID credentials and access to another device or computer to log into iCloud. | |||
Bypass via DNS | Only works on older iOS versions (8-12), requires reconfiguration after every reboot. | |||
Bypass with Activation Unlocker | Requires a computer, software purchase, and may void warranty or violate terms of service. | |||
Unlock with IMEI Number | Effectiveness is questionable, may require payment, and relies on third-party services. |
Way 1.Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner from Lock Screen
This method is the safest and most reliable way to regain access to your device without PC. However, if you do not have the Apple ID password, alternative methods are necessary used to unlock iPhone Locked to Owner with computer in Part 3.
Option 1.Using Apple ID Password:
Step 1: On the "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen, swipe up to open your iPhone.
Step 2: Then, follow the on - screen instructions to set up your iPhone.
Step 3: Enter the Apple ID and password used during setup and tap Return to unlock iPhone Locked to owner without PC.

Option 2. Using Screen Passcode:
Tips:
To use the screen lock passcode to bypass the iPhone locked to owner screen, Two-Factor Authentication must be enabled.
Step 1: Swipe up on the locked screen. Under the password entry box, find and tap the blue Unlock with Passcode > Use Device Passcode.
Step 2: Enter your screen passcode, and the Locked to Owner screen will be bypassed for free and without jailbreak.

Way 2. Remove iPhone Locked to Owner from Another Device with the Same Account
If you own another iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is signed in with the same Apple ID, you can easily remove the locked to Owner iPhone from your account.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on another Apple device.
Step 2: Tap your Apple ID name, view the connected devices, and find your locked iPhone. Select it and tap Remove from Account, then confirm by tapping Remove.
Step 3: This action will unlock the iPhone that is locked to owner immediately.

Way 3.Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner Screen via Find My APP
The Find My app is a built-in application on Apple devices that helps users locate their Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and even Apple Watches. Therefore, in addition to Find My in Settings, you can also use this application to remove iPhone Locked to Owner for free. Here’s how to do so:
Step 1: Launch the Find My app on an Apple device using the same Apple ID.
Step 2: Tap Devices at the bottom of the screen and locate your locked iPhone.
Step 3: Scroll down and choose Remove This Device, confirm by tapping Remove, enter your Apple ID password, and tap Remove again to unlock your iPhone.

Way 4. Take off iPhone Locked to Owner from iCloud
iCloud also enables you to get rid of the iPhone Locked to Owner screen without jailbreak. Follow steps below to complete the task:
Step 1: on another available iPhone or iPad, visit and sign in to iCloud.com. Then locate “Find My”on the iCloud page.
Step 2: Click All Devices, select your locked iPhone from the drop-down list.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, choose Remove from Account and click Remove.
Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password and click Remove Device to confirm, unlocking your iPhone.

Way 5. Bypass via DNS
The DNS Bypass method is one of the most widely recognized techniques for removing iCloud activation lock. As a completely free solution that can be attempted multiple times, it has become a popular choice for users seeking to regain partial access to their locked iPhones.
But it is worth noting that this methds only works on iOS 8 - iOS 12, as newer iOS versions have patched this vulnerability. Furthermore, the iPhone Locked to Owner bypass must be repeated after every reboot.
Steps to Perform DNS Bypass to Take of iPhone Locked to Owner
On the Hello screen, complete the set-up process by following the on-screen instructions.
When the Choose WiFi Network option appears, tap on the i button next to your WiFi network.
Now you have to tap on Configure DNS and then click on Manual.
Add server address of your location here. To add server click on + Add Server, a blank will come up where you can add server address.
- USA: 104.154.51.7
- Europe: 104.155.28.90
- Asia: 104.155.220.58
- Australia, Africa, or Other Locations: 78.109.17.60
Click on Save button and then tap the back button.
Now connect to network.
When your phone tries to activate, hit the back button to go back on the WiFi network settings. (Don’t let your phone to activate.)

Also Read: iCloud DNS Bypass: Free Method for Activation Lock!
Part 3: How to Bypass "iPhone Locked to Owner" Without Password
It is easy to bypass iPhone Locked to Owner screen with computer. Following are two solutions for you to get past the iCloud activation lock.
Way 1.Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner Screen with an Activation Unlocker
Unlock your iPhone hassle-free with PassFab iPhone Unlocker, a proven tool for iCloud Activation Lock removal. It enables you to bypass the iPhone Locked to Owner screen without an Apple ID, offering a high success rate for users dealing with forgotten passwords or second-hand devices that it is locked to the previous owner. PassFab provides a simple and reliable solution to bypass iCloud Activation lock, here is how to override the iPhone Locked to Owner screen.
Why Choose PassFab iPhone Unlocker
- Overcomes various iCloud activation failure situations with ease.
- Unlocks Multiple lock types, including 4-digit, 6-digit, Touch ID, and Face ID locks
- Removes Mobile Device Management profiles for enterprise or school-managed devices.
- Removes Apple ID without passcode
*An OTG cable is required
Steps for iPhone Locked to Owner Bypass without Passcode
Install the software on your computer, connect your iPhone, click "Remove iCloud Activation Lock" on the main interface.
Read and agree to the disclaimer, and click "Next".
Put your device into Recovery Mode and jailbreak your iPhone according to the on - screen instructions (your device needs to be jailbroken for this method).
Further Reading:
After jailbreaking, confirm the device information and click "Next" to bypass the lock.
Wait for the iPhone Locked to Owner screen to bypass until you see “Removal completed” on the screen.
Way 2. Unlock iPhone Locked to Owner Screen with IMEI Number
You can use an online platform like Apple iPhone Unlock. It claims to help users remove the iPhone locked to Owner by entering the iPhone IMEI serial number. However, user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot suggest that its effectiveness in unlocking "iPhone Locked to Owner" cases is often questioned. It's advisable to check reviews thoroughly before using such services.

Also Read: Unlock Phone Free with IMEI Number? 2025 Detailed Guide Here
Part 4: Can You Reset an iPhone if Locked to the Owner?
Performing a factory reset on an iPhone will not get rid of the 'iPhone Locked to Owner' screen. Even after resetting the device, it will continue to prompt for the original Apple ID and password associated with the device. This is due to Apple's Activation Lock, a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access and deter theft.
Part 5: Risks & Warnings of Bypassing Activation Lock
- Legal Risks: Bypassing a stolen iPhone violates Apple’s Terms.
- Security Threats: Unofficial tools may leak data—only use certified software like PassFab.
- Warranty Void: Jailbreaking disables AppleCare coverage.
Part 6: Additional Tips to Avoid Activation Lock Issues
- Check Activation Lock Status Before Buying a Used iPhone: Before purchasing a secondhand iPhone, check if Activation Lock is enabled by going to Settings > General > About and looking for the "Find My iPhone" status.
- Remove Apple ID Before Selling Your iPhone: If selling your device, sign out of iCloud and reset the phone properly to prevent the new owner from facing Activation Lock issues.
- Use a Trusted Source for Unlocking Services: Avoid scams by verifying unlock services before making any payments. Apple-approved methods are always the safest option.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your iPhone due to iPhone Locked to Owner can be a stressful experience. If you have the Apple ID password, you can quickly get the iPhone Locked to Owner bypass with iCloud, Find My, or another Apple device. If you don’t, third-party unlockers PassFab iPhone Unlocker, DNS bypass, IMEI services, or Apple Support are potential solutions. Always be cautious when purchasing secondhand devices to ensure Activation Lock is disabled before completing the transaction. By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of regaining access to your device while keeping security risks at a minimum.

PassFab iPhone Unlock
- Fast - Remove screen lock/iPhone Passcode/Activation Lock in minutes
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- Easy to operate - Unlock by yourself at home without hassle
- Compatible - Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 models
- Supports Windows and MacOS
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