If you truly own the device but lost the Apple ID, or you bought a locked device as a "parts only" unit, here are the actual routes.
Activation Lock on iOS 9.3.6 is a security feature designed to protect your device and data. If you're experiencing issues, exploring official channels like Apple Support can provide the necessary assistance.
Bypassing Activation Lock on iOS 9.3.6 (commonly used on older devices like the iPhone 4s or iPad mini 1st gen) is technically challenging because the security feature is designed to be permanent unless the correct Apple ID credentials are used
. While several methods claim to work, they vary significantly in reliability and safety. Apple Support Community Official Removal Methods (Recommended)
The most secure and permanent ways to remove Activation Lock require proof of ownership or the original account details. With Original Credentials
: Enter the associated Apple ID and password directly on the device. Remote Removal by Previous Owner
: If you bought the device used, the previous owner can log into the iCloud Find My page ios 9.3.6 activation lock bypass
from another device, select the locked iPhone/iPad, and choose "Remove from Account" Apple Support Request
: If you have the original sales receipt showing the device's serial number, you can start an Activation Lock support request with Apple to have it reset. Apple Support Community Unofficial & Third-Party Methods
These methods are often temporary or "tethered," meaning the lock may return if the device is rebooted or restored.
Bypassing Activation Lock on iOS 9.3.6 (often found on older devices like the iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPhone 4s) can be done through official channels or temporary workarounds like DNS bypass. 1. Official Removal (Recommended) The most reliable way to remove the lock is through the official Apple Support Apple Support If you know your credentials : Sign in with the Apple Account email or phone number at iCloud.com to remove the device from your account remotely. If you bought it second-hand : Contact the previous owner and ask them to log into and select Remove from Account for that specific device. Support Request
: If you have proof of purchase (original receipt), you can submit an Activation Lock support request directly to Apple. 2. DNS Bypass Method (Temporary)
This is a "partial" bypass that allows you to use some apps and browse the web through a third-party server. It does fully unlock the device for normal use. your device and select your Wi-Fi settings screen, tap the icon next to your network name. Configure DNS and choose If you truly own the device but lost
Remove existing DNS servers and enter one based on your region: 104.154.51.7 104.155.28.90 104.155.220.58
, connect to your Wi-Fi, and when the "Activation Lock" screen appears, tap again. You should be redirected to the DNS bypass portal. 3. MDM Bypass (Enterprise Devices)
If the device was previously managed by a school or business, the organization can provide an Activation Lock Bypass Code via their Mobile Device Management (MDM) portal like Apple Business Manager Important Note on Third-Party Software
Be cautious of "unlocker" software advertised on social media or YouTube. Many of these tools are unreliable or require paid subscriptions without guaranteeing a permanent fix. Factory resetting the device will
remove Activation Lock; it will re-trigger the lock screen upon setup. Do you have the original proof of purchase or contact with the previous owner to try the official unlock method? How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
The release of iOS 9.3.6 was a specific and crucial update released by Apple in July 2019. It was designed exclusively for older devices, namely the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad mini, and the iPod touch (5th generation). Because these devices are considered legacy hardware, they are often repurposed or resold, leading to a common scenario where a user finds themselves facing an Activation Lock screen without the original owner's credentials. Bypassing Activation Lock on iOS 9
If you are looking to bypass the Activation Lock on a device running iOS 9.3.6, it is important to understand the landscape of available methods, their feasibility, and the security implications involved.
Before attempting technical bypasses, the following legitimate routes should always be exhausted:
For those in the refurbishing industry, there is a legitimate Apple internal tool called the Service Repair Diagnostic (SRD) tool, often nicknamed the "Purple Tool" or "Horizon Suite."
Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature introduced with iOS 7. It links the device to the owner’s Apple ID. Even after a factory reset, the device requires the original Apple ID and password to activate. This makes stolen iPhones/iPads nearly useless.
Let’s do a financial and time analysis.
The Verdict: Unless you have sentimental data stuck on that device or you are a hobbyist reverse engineer, buying a working iOS 9.3.6 device is cheaper and safer than bypassing a locked one.
Sell the locked device on eBay as "iCloud locked / parts only." Let a refurbisher with a Purple Tool deal with it.