If you've purchased a used iPhone or iPad online only to find out it is locked to the previous owner's Apple ID, you might think that completely wiping the device with a fresh IPSW file will remove the lock. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception.
What is Activation Lock?
Activation Lock is a feature of Apple's "Find My" network. When you sign into iCloud on a device, Apple registers that device's unique hardware identifier (ECID/Serial Number) on their servers as "owned" by your Apple ID.
Why an IPSW Restore Doesn't Work
Even if you put the device into DFU mode and completely format the internal storage drive using an IPSW file, the Activation Lock will remain.
This is because the lock is not stored on the device's hard drive—it is stored on Apple's remote servers. When the freshly formatted iPhone boots up and connects to Wi-Fi for the first time, it pings Apple's activation server (albert.apple.com). The server sees the serial number, recognizes it is locked, and immediately halts the setup process until the correct password is entered.
Beware of Scam Tools
Many websites claim they can "unlock iCloud" if you pay them or download their software. 99% of these are scams.
While older devices (iPhone X and below) can technically be bypassed temporarily using the checkm8 exploit by deleting the setup app, the device will never be able to make cellular phone calls or use iMessage/FaceTime, rendering it mostly useless.
The Only Real Solution
You must either contact the original owner and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account at iCloud.com/find, or if you are the original owner and forgot the password, you must submit original purchase documentation (a receipt from an authorized retailer) to Apple Support to have them remove the lock from their servers.
Related Guides
If you are troubleshooting Apple firmware issues or managing device updates, explore our other step-by-step guides: