Buying a second-hand iPhone can be an exciting way to save money and enjoy the latest technology without breaking the bank. However, the thrill can quickly turn to frustration if you discover that the device is iCloud-locked. This security feature, designed to protect the previous owner's data, can leave you feeling stuck and helpless. But don't worry——there are four ways to regain access to your iPhone.
In this guide, we'll help you determine if you've bought an iPhone with iCloud lock and explain what to do if it is, including how to unlock it. If you're dealing with a second-hand iPhone that's iCloud locked, keep reading. Your path to unlocking the device starts here.

- Part 1. How to Tell If iPhone Is iCloud Locked
- Part 2. What to Do If Used iPhone iCloud Locked
- Part 3. How to Jailbreak an iCloud Locked iPhone
- Part 4. FAQs about Second-Hand iPhone iCloud Locked
- Part 5. Conclusion
Part 1. How to Tell If iPhone Is iCloud Locked
Before attempting to unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone, you need to determine its status. To check if an iPhone is iCloud locked, start by turning it on and going through the setup process. If you see a prompt asking for the previous owner's Apple ID and password, the device is iCloud-locked. You can also use the device's IMEI number on online checkers, which can confirm its iCloud status. Knowing this upfront saves you time.

Part 2. What to Do If Used iPhone iCloud Locked
If you find the used iPhone is iCloud locked, the first thing to do is contact the seller or reach out directly to the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account. If you can't contact them, there are still other ways to deal with this. Below are three helpful methods you can try to unlock or bypass the iCloud lock on your iPhone.
Method 1. Get Around iCloud Lock through DNS
iCloud DNS bypass can be a quick workaround. Changing the DNS settings can allow you to access certain features without entering the Apple ID. Note that this method only works on certain devices and has some limitations.
📝Limitations:
Devices running iOS 8, iOS 9, or iOS 10
Factory reset the iPhone before setting up DNS
The iCloud lock may reappear after restarting or resetting

Step 1. Turn on your iPhone and select your country and language after the Hello screen.
Step 2. Tap Continue to proceed to the Wi-Fi settings page.
Step 3. Locate and select the "i" next to your chosen Wi-Fi network. If you're already connected, choose Forget This Network to disconnect.
Step 4. Enter a DNS server IP address based on your region.
- Asia: 104.155.28.90
- USA: 104.154.51.7
- Europe: 104.155.28.90
- South America: 35.199.88.219
- Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23
Step 5. Reconnect to Wi-Fi by selecting your preferred network and entering the Wi-Fi password.
Step 6. Go back to the previous menu, and you should see the iCloud bypass page.
Step 7. Scroll down to click Activation Help, then you can start using your iPhone.
Method 2. Bypass iCloud Lock Using IMEI Number
iCloud IMEI bypass is another common solution. This method involves submitting your iPhone's IMEI number to a third-party unlocking service. The service uses your IMEI to check the iCloud lock status and may be able to remove the device from Apple's Activation Lock database remotely.
📝Limitations:
Get the IMEI number of your iPhone
Charging is usually needed for this method
The waiting time and success rate are not guaranteed

Method 3. Deactivate iCloud Lock by Apple Support
If you have proof of purchase, you can contact Apple Support for assistance in deactivating the iCloud lock. Provide them with the necessary certifications, such as the original receipt or purchase confirmation from the seller. Apple may assist you in unlocking the device, especially if it's clear you're the rightful buyer. This method is the most secure, though it will take time.
📝Limitations:
Need the proof of ownership
Waiting time is relatively long for identification or other things
Sometimes don't offer unlocking services for second-hand buyers

Part 3. How to Jailbreak an iCloud Locked iPhone
MagFone Activation Unlocker is a powerful tool that helps jailbreak the iCloud locked iPhone or iPad and bypass iCloud lock on them. It supports both Mac and Windows, and you don't need the previous Apple ID or password to proceed. After jailbreaking your device, MagFone removes the Activation Lock, letting you use your iPhone freely——though without features tied to iCloud like FaceTime or iMessage. If you've bought an iPhone and its iCloud locked, try it now with the steps below.

Key Features of MagFone Activation Unlocker
* Security Verified. 5,481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Remove iCloud activation lock without Apple ID and password
- Turn off camera sound on iPhone in some restricted places
- Rescue iPhone from various iCloud activation failure cases
- Turn off Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod touch without password
Step 1Select Remove iCloud Activation Lock

First, link your locked iPhone and PC. Download and install MagFone Activation Unlocker on your computer. Once it's running, choose the Remove iCloud Activation Lock option on the main interface and click next. Before proceeding, read the disclaimer carefully and choose Agree.
Step 2Jailbreak iPhone on Wins or Macs

Next, you'll need to jailbreak your iPhone based on its iOS version. The jailbreaking process varies between Windows PCs and Macs. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the appropriate jailbreak tool and complete the jailbreak. For detailed guidance, refer to our tutorial below.
Step 3Unlock the iPhone Locked by iCloud

After successfully jailbreaking your iPhone, you'll see the device information displayed on the screen. Click the Start to Remove button to initiate the removal of the Activation Lock. Keep your iPhone connected to the computer throughout the process, and soon you'll have an iCloud-unlocked device.
Part 4. FAQs about Second-Hand iPhone iCloud Locked
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Q1. Is it legal to bypass iCloud lock on a second-hand iPhone?
A: It depends on how you acquired the device. If you legally bought the iPhone and can prove ownership, bypassing iCloud may be considered legal in some regions. However, unlocking stolen or lost devices is illegal. Always check your local laws before proceeding.
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Q2. Can I factory reset a used iPhone iCloud lock?
A: Yes, you can factory reset it, but it won't remove the iCloud lock. After resetting, the device will still ask for the previous owner's Apple ID and password during setup. You must remove the Activation Lock separately.
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Q3. How to unlock a used iPhone locked to old owner's account?
A: To unlock the used iPhone locked to previous Apple account, the best way is contacting the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account remotely. If that's not possible, use tools like MagFone or try iCloud DNS bypass for temporary access.
Part 5. Conclusion
Perhaps you've bought an iPhone that is iCloud locked and want to bypass it, you can starts with contacting the original owner. If you can reach the previous owner, they can easily remove the lock via iCloud.com. However, if that's not possible, MagFone Activation Unlocker is which we recommend. This tool allows you to bypass the iCloud lock without any requirements quickly and simply.