The most annoying hurdle you can get stuck behind when buying a second-hand iOS device is known as the iCloud Activation Lock. This security feature developed by Apple locks a device via means of a cloud server. This means that it is tremendously difficult to remove and cannot just be bypassed like a normal lock screen.
So, can an iCloud lock be removed from an iOS device, you ask.
The simple answer is yes. That’s why this article exists. To make your life easier, I decided to review some of the most reliable tried-and-tested iCloud unlock services available.
And are there any of these services that can remove the lock for free? Well, let’s see.
Free iCloud Unlock Services
Of course there are a lot of websites and software downloads that offer free iCloud unlock services. Unfortunately, many of them are scams and absolutely riddled with viruses or malware. One reader actually wrote to me about her experience with a scammer posing as a free iCloud lock removal service.
When it comes to free iCloud unlock services, there’s just one thing you should know – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Reviewing the Best iCloud Unlock Services
In my opinion, there are two iCloud Activation Lock removers that are legitimate, reliable and have been tried and tested with verified success rates.
Read the following reviews to determine which solution is best suited to your device.
AppleiPhoneUnlock
The great thing about the AppleiPhoneUnlock website is that it offers two separate services. AppleiPhoneUnlock can help you remove an iCloud account from your device which will lift the Activation Lock, and it can also help unlock your device from its carrier.
Both services offered by AppleiPhoneUnlock are compatible with most iOS devices (iPhone 4 – iPhone 11 Pro Max). The iCloud remover tool that they offer is compatible with most other iOS devices as well including the iPod Touch, iPad and even the Apple Watch.
An additional bonus of the AppleiPhoneUnlock service is that it is a permanent solution. Your device will never be able to be iCloud locked again. Once you remove the lock, you can sign in with a different or your own iCloud account and your device will be restored to full functionality.
AppleiPhoneUnlock Features:
- Successfully removes iCloud Activation Locks in the span of 24 hours.
- Offers a permanent unlock service which means your device will never be iCloud-locked again.
- Process is completed remotely which means you don’t have to part with your phone or visit a store.
- AppleiPhoneUnlock is based on your IMEI number which is what sets it apart from most other iCloud removal software.
- AppleiPhoneUnlock whitelists your IMEI on the Apple Activation Database and in so doing can remove the iCloud lock.
How it works:
Before you request the services of AppleiPhoneUnlock, make sure that your phone has not been blacklisted (reported as lost or stolen). This service won’t be able to unlock blacklisted devices, you’ll need a clean iCloud status. Use a trusted iCloud checker to make sure you have a clean status before you start this process.
- Find your IMEI number – this can be retrieved from the iCloud Activation Lock screen. Tap on the i-icon and the IMEI number will be displayed.
- Go to AppleiPhoneUnlock on your computer.
- Select your iPhone model and submit your IMEI number.
- Click “Unlock Now”
- Make the payment by following the on-screen instructions, you should immediately receive a confirmation email.
- Enable the FastTrack option and your device will be unlocked in 24 hours’ time. You will receive a notification email once your device has been unlocked successfully.
Pricing:
AppleiPhoneUnlock offers a 100% money-back guarantee if your device cannot be successfully unlocked, which makes it well worth a shot.
Their pricing varies between iPhone models but on average it will set you back $39 if successful.
AppleiPhoneUnlock also offers a great albeit slightly strange benefit to those willing to go to a little extra trouble. If you make a video thanking them for the service you received from them, and detailing what service you chose, they will give you 25% off your total bill. This will be paid as a refund once they receive your video.
DoctorUnlock
The second reliable service we’d recommend is called DoctorUnlock and it’s a reputable website that includes an iCloud unlock tool in its offerings.
DoctorUnlock Features:
- Compatible with all iPhone and iPad models
- Tried-and-tested permanent iCloud Activation Lock removal service
- Permanent unlock even if device is factory reset or the iOS is updated
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Money-back Guarantee if solution is unsuccessful in unlocking the device
- More than 1350 reviews to vouch for its success (as seen on TrustReview)
How it works:
- Visit DoctorUnlock
- Submit your device model and IMEI
- Click Unlock Now!
- Complete payment
- After a waiting period of 1 – 3 days your iPhone will be unlocked
The only con of this service is that it is not an immediate solution. There is a waiting period of 1 – 3 business days before your device will be unlocked.
Pricing:
DoctorUnlock is more expensive and can cost up to $42. However, they also offer a 25% discount. To be eligible for this discount, you need to make and submit a video of your device getting unlocked once they send you a notification. If you do this, the service will be very much on par with AppleiPhoneUnlock.
