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Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPad mini 1 running iOS 9.3.5 is challenging because it is an older 32-bit device, but there are several methods you can try depending on your technical comfort level Apple Support Community 1. DNS Bypass (Easiest, No Computer Needed)
This is a "soft" bypass that lets you use the iPad for limited tasks like browsing the web, watching YouTube, or playing games without fully unlocking the system. JustAnswer How to do it On the "Activate iPad" screen, press the Home button and select Wi-Fi Settings next to your Wi-Fi network. Configure DNS and select
Remove existing DNS and enter one of these based on your location: North America 104.154.51.7 104.155.28.90 104.155.220.58 , and finally Activation Help JustAnswer 2. Software Bypass Tools (Requires PC/Mac)
For a more complete bypass that allows access to the Home screen, you can use specialized tools. Note that these are often "tethered," meaning the lock might return if you restart or reset the device. : Offers a free public version of their iCloud Bypass Tool
that supports older A5 devices like the iPad mini 1, though features may be limited. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock
: A commercial tool that can bypass the activation lock on iOS 9.3 devices by connecting to a computer via USB. Legacy iOS Kit : A community-favored tool on used for downgrading and bypassing older iOS versions. 3. Hardware-Based Permanent Solutions
Because the iPad mini 1 (A5 chip) has a hardware-level vulnerability, some users perform a permanent unlock by changing the device's serial number or using hardware exploits. Arduino Method bypass icloud ipad mini 1 ios 93 5 better
: Requires an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to put the device into "pwndfu mode," allowing you to delete the
file or downgrade the OS to iOS 6.1.3/8.4.1 for a more stable experience. 4. Official Apple Support
If you have the original proof of purchase (sales receipt) or can contact the previous owner, Apple can remove the lock officially. Delete Activation Lock on Ipad Mini 1st Generation
Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPad mini 1 running iOS 9.3.5 is technically challenging because it uses the A5 chip, which has a specific hardware vulnerability
. There are three main ways to handle this situation, ranging from official Apple methods to hardware-based hacks. 1. Official Removal (Recommended)
This is the only way to gain full, permanent access to all iPad features, including iCloud services and the App Store. With Credentials : Sign in at iCloud.com with the original Apple ID. Select the iPad mini and choose Remove from Account With Proof of Purchase Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPad
: If you are the original owner but lost access, you can submit an Activation Lock support request
to Apple with a valid sales receipt showing the device's serial number. 2. Hardware-Based Bypass (The "A5" Method)
Because the iPad mini 1 has an A5 chip, standard software-only bypasses often fail. Most successful community methods involve using external hardware to put the device into a "pwned DFU" mode. How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPad, iPhone & Mac - Avast
Note: The original keyword contains a typo ("93 5" instead of "9.3.5"). This article corrects the version to iOS 9.3.5, the final supported OS for the iPad Mini 1st generation.
If you cannot provide proof of purchase, the better temporary free method is a modified DNS bypass. The old method using 78.109.17.60 is dead. A modern working DNS server for iOS 9.3.5 is rare, but one verified server still works as of 2026.
How to perform the DNS bypass on iPad Mini 1 iOS 9.3.5: Method 2: The "iCloud Bypass" via DNS Redirection
104.238.184.23681Once inside, you can use the iPad Mini 1 for:
What you CANNOT do after DNS bypass:
❌ Sign into iCloud.
❌ Use iMessage or FaceTime.
❌ Download apps from the official App Store (directly).
❌ Restore or update the iPad (will brick the bypass).
Why this is "better" than paid tools:
✅ 100% free.
✅ No jailbreak required.
✅ No malware risk.
✅ Works offline after initial setup.
There are exactly two reliable routes to bypass iCloud on iPad Mini 1 iOS 9.3.5:
To understand why bypassing an iPad Mini 1 is distinct from bypassing an iPad Air 2, we have to look at the silicon.
The iPad Mini 1 (and the iPad 2, iPhone 4S, and iPad 3) runs on the A5 chip. This is a 32-bit architecture. This matters because the security landscape of iOS changed dramatically when Apple moved to 64-bit processors (A7 chip and later).
Because of this architectural difference, the iPad Mini 1 sits in a strange vulnerability sweet spot. It is old enough to lack modern hardware encryption, but it runs iOS 9.3.5, which is the absolute end of the line for this device.