Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is possible, though the complexity of the method determines how functional the phone remains
. This security feature is designed to prevent unauthorised use by requiring the original owner's Apple ID credentials after a factory reset. JustAnswer Official Removal Methods (Recommended)
The only permanent and fully functional way to remove the lock is through official channels. With Original Credentials : Log in to iCloud Find My on the web, select the device, and choose Remove from Account Contacting the Original Owner
: If purchased second-hand, ask the previous owner to remotely unbind the device from their iCloud account using the method above. Apple Support Request
: If you have the original proof of purchase, you can submit an Activation Lock support request directly to Apple. Apple Support Community Alternative Bypass Methods (Limited Functionality)
If you cannot contact the previous owner, several "bypass" methods exist, but they come with significant limitations. 1. DNS Bypass (No Software Needed)
This method redirects the device's activation traffic to a third-party server, allowing limited access to apps like YouTube, games, and the browser.
: This does not unlock the phone for calls or cellular data. JustAnswer Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings on the "Activate iPhone" screen. next to your network and select Configure DNS Enter a server based on your region: North America 104.154.51.7 104.155.28.90 104.155.220.58 Rest of World 78.109.17.60 Activation Help . You should see a "Connected to my server" message. JustAnswer 2. Advanced Technical Bypass (Legacy iOS Kit) How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support 20 Mar 2025 —
There are a few methods that have been used in the past to bypass the activation lock, but their effectiveness can vary based on the iOS version and device model:
DNS Bypass Method: This method involves tricking the device into thinking it's communicating with Apple's servers when it's actually not. This is done by changing the DNS settings.
Using Third-Party Tools: Some third-party services and software claim to offer activation lock bypass solutions. However, be cautious, as many of these services are scams or can harm your device.
Contacting Apple Support: If you own the device and have proof of ownership, contacting Apple Support directly might be the most straightforward and legitimate way to resolve activation lock issues.
Due to the nature of security features and their constant evolution, methods that work today might not work in the future. For iOS 9.3.5 on an iPhone 4S, while some DNS bypass methods have been reported to work, it's essential to proceed with caution and consider the legitimacy and potential risks.
If you're the rightful owner of the device, contacting Apple or the seller for assistance might be the best course of action.
The year was 2011 when the iPhone 4S first changed the world, but by late 2016, it had reached its final destination: iOS 9.3.5. For Leo, a digital archivist, the sleek glass slab sitting on his desk wasn’t just an old phone—it was a locked vault. He had bought it at a flea market, a pristine "white pearl" model, only to find the dreaded Activation Lock screen staring back at him.
The device was tied to an Apple ID that likely belonged to someone who hadn't thought about this phone in a decade. On iOS 9.3.5, the security was a strange mix of old-school vulnerabilities and modern encryption. Leo knew that a standard "bypass" wasn't a simple button click; it was a ghost hunt. The Digital Siege iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5
Leo began his journey in the underground forums of the "Legacy iOS" community. The air in these digital spaces smelled of nostalgia and broken code. He learned that on an A5 chip device like the 4S, the "Checkm8" exploit—a holy grail for jailbreakers—wouldn't work because it only supported A7 through A11.
He tried the old "DNS Bypass" trick first. He entered a custom server address into the Wi-Fi settings: 104.154.51.7. Suddenly, the phone flickered. Instead of the iCloud login, he was greeted by a makeshift menu. He could watch YouTube, browse the web, and play basic games. But the phone was still a prisoner; he couldn't make calls or use the actual iOS interface. It was a window, not a door. The Hardware Hack
Determined to truly own the device, Leo looked toward more drastic measures. He read about "Arduino Bypass" methods. It involved using a USB host shield and an Arduino Uno to send a specific set of commands to the phone while it was in DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode.
By "pawning" the device—tricking the bootrom into accepting unsigned code—he could potentially delete the Setup.app file. This file was the gatekeeper; if it didn't exist, the phone would boot straight to the home screen.
As the sun began to rise, Leo sat surrounded by tangled wires and glowing monitors. He ran the script. The terminal on his Mac scrolled with green text. The iPhone screen stayed black, then flashed a series of white lines—the "verbose boot" that every tinkerer loves to see. The Bitter Triumph
The Apple logo appeared, followed by a loading bar. When the screen finally lit up, it didn't ask for a language or a Wi-Fi network. It jumped straight to the iconic iOS 9 home screen.
Leo felt a rush of victory, but it was short-lived. He quickly realized the limitation of the "delete Setup.app" method. Without a legitimate activation token from Apple’s servers, the phone had no "baseband" signal. No SIM card would work. It was essentially an iPod Touch with a camera.
He looked at the small device. It was bypassed, unlocked, and completely offline. In his quest to break the lock, he had saved the hardware but lost the "phone." He realized that Apple’s lock wasn't just a wall; it was the phone’s very identity. Without the original owner's key, the 4S remained a beautiful, high-tech paperweight—a silent monument to the era of cloud-tied security.
💡 Note: While stories of bypassing are common in tech circles, Apple’s Activation Lock is a powerful anti-theft tool. For real-world devices, the only permanent and fully functional solution is using the original Apple ID or providing proof of purchase to Apple Support.
If you are looking for practical help with an old device, let me know: Do you have access to the original receipt? Is the device in Lost Mode, or just forgotten credentials? Are you trying to recover data or just use the hardware? I can guide you through the official recovery steps!
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5 can be achieved through legitimate recovery, temporary DNS tricks, or advanced hardware-based methods like the Arduino technique. 1. Official Removal (Recommended)
The only permanent and safe way to remove the lock is through official channels:
Original Credentials: Sign in at iCloud Find My with the original Apple ID. Select the device and click Remove This Device.
Apple Support: If you have proof of purchase, you can submit an Activation Lock Support Request to Apple. 2. Temporary DNS Bypass
This method provides a "web portal" access to games and apps but does not unlock the phone's cellular or full OS functions. Restart the iPhone and go to the Wi-Fi selection screen. Tap the "i" next to your Wi-Fi network. Select Configure DNS and choose Manual. Remove existing DNS and enter one based on your location: USA: 104.154.51.7 Europe: 104.155.28.90 Asia: 104.155.220.58 Rest of World: 78.109.17.60 Tap Back, then Join the Wi-Fi. Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9
Tap Activation Help. You should see a message saying "You have successfully connected to my server". 3. Hardware-Based Permanent Bypass (Advanced)
For older devices like the iPhone 4S, a permanent bypass is possible but requires specialized hardware due to the A5 chip's limitations. Requirements: An Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield.
The Process: These tools are used to put the device into pwnDFU mode, allowing you to delete the Setup.app file or downgrade the iOS version permanently.
Tools: Community-favorite tools like Sliver are often used in conjunction with the Arduino to "Delete SetupApp" once the device is in the correct state.
Watch these tutorials for step-by-step visual guidance on different bypass methods: iPhone 4s FULL iCloud Bypass Tutorial 29K views · 4 years ago YouTube · Icloud bypass 2021 Bypass iCloud Activation Lock in 5 MINUTES (2026) 91K views · 2 months ago YouTube · Victor Dia Easily Remove Previous Owner's Apple ID Without Password 130K views · 1 year ago YouTube · iMyFone
Expert Solutions for iOS 9.3.5 iCloud and Activation Lock Bypass
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is possible through several official and unofficial methods. While official channels are the safest and most reliable, technical workarounds exist for users who cannot contact the original owner. Official Removal Methods (Recommended)
These methods permanently remove the lock and allow full use of the device, including cellular services and the App Store.
Apple Support Request: If you have proof of purchase, you can submit a support request to Apple. You will need to provide the device's serial number or IMEI.
iCloud.com: If you can contact the previous owner, they can remove the device remotely. They must sign in to iCloud.com/find, select the iPhone 4s, and click Remove from Account.
Device Passcode: In some cases, iOS allows you to unlock the device using its own screen passcode if "Find My" was active but you know the pin that was previously on the device. Technical Bypass Methods
For older devices like the iPhone 4s, certain technical exploits can "skip" the activation screen. Note that these may not restore cellular functionality.
Checkm8 Exploit: The iPhone 4s is vulnerable to the checkm8 bootrom exploit, which is unpatchable by Apple. Tools like CheckM8 use this to skip the activation step.
Note: Using this often requires putting the device into DFU mode by holding the Power and Home buttons in a specific sequence while connected to a computer.
DNS Bypass (Limited Access): This is a temporary "glitch" rather than a full unlock. By changing your Wi-Fi DNS settings to specific third-party servers (e.g., 104.154.51.7), you can access a web-based interface to watch videos or use social media, but you cannot access the actual iOS home screen. Methods to Bypass Activation Lock There are a
Arduino + USB Host Shield: A more advanced community-driven method involves using an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to put the device into a "pwned DFU" mode, allowing you to delete the Setup.app file that triggers the lock. Summary of Bypass Tools
Bypassing an Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is technically challenging because Apple's official security is tied to the device's serial number on their servers. While several methods exist, they range from temporary "glitches" to advanced hardware exploits. Official Removal Methods
These are the only guaranteed and safe ways to permanently remove the lock:
Original Owner's Credentials: If you have the Apple ID and password, simply enter them on the device.
Remote Removal via iCloud: The owner can sign into the Find My iPhone tool on any browser, select the device, and click "Remove from Account".
Apple Support Request: If you have original proof of purchase (like a receipt from an authorized retailer), you can submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple. Technical Bypass Methods (Community/Legacy)
For users without the original owner's information, these community-developed methods are often used, though they may have limited functionality (like no cellular service).
Arduino Exploit (Most Reliable): The iPhone 4s uses the A5 chip, which is vulnerable to the Checkm8 exploit, but it requires specific hardware. To execute this, you typically need an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to run tools like Sliver.
DNS Bypass (Temporary/Limited): This method does not actually unlock the phone but lets you access a web-based "portal" to use some apps and browse the web. Go to the Wi-Fi settings during setup. Tap the "i" next to your network and select Configure DNS.
Enter a manual DNS server IP (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for North America or 78.109.17.60 for Europe).
Third-Party Tools: Software like iRemove or Tenorshare 4MeKey often claim to bypass older iOS versions.
Note: Many of these tools require a computer and may be paid versions with mixed success rates. Summary of Functionality After Bypass Official Method Community Bypass Calls/Text Fully Working Often Disabled App Store Fully Working Limited/Manual Install Updates May Re-lock Device Cost May require hardware/software purchase Do you have the original receipt for this device, or How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
Remember: The iPhone 4s is a 32-bit relic. As of 2025, Apple will likely stop supporting activation servers for this device entirely, meaning future bypasses may become impossible. If you have a locked 4s on iOS 9.3.5, your window to unlock it is right now.
The iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is slow by modern standards. Most apps require iOS 10 or later. However, as a music player, podcast machine, emergency phone, or classic gaming device, it’s fantastic. Bypassing the Activation Lock gives new life to a device that Apple has essentially abandoned.
The activation lock is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized use of an iPhone if it's lost or stolen. It's tied to the device's IMEI and the Apple ID used to activate it.