2023 Scammer Section
100% scammer:
https://twitter.com/Unlock1Icloud
He is completely unable to unlock anything. No such thing as direct sources with this one. His real name is likely Mian Ahsan Nazir (https://twitter.com/AhsanAliPMLN1).
The bitcoin wallet is 3ED1jaCNBWweejNh75RFi1fxekMUSorsw4 and you are to absolutely not send money to him.
Scammer: Unlock1Icloud OR @Unlock1Icloud
Wallet: 3ED1jaCNBWweejNh75RFi1fxekMUSorsw4
Screenshots:
All screenshots are on my Twitter.
I sent him $240 in my Bitcoin gains so I'm out no money. Clearly he needs it more.
<waiting to fill in>
About
I've have successfully performed a good amount of removals and bypasses, and my methods are tried and true, and are proven.
I've decided to begin updating this again in 2023. I've included a new tab called "scammers" and it will have proof of communication including searchable usernames and their bitcoin wallets.
What is Activation Lock?
You get your phone, restore it, and it is asking your for a email and a password that you can't provide. Well, you have been activation locked! This is more commonly known as iCloud lock.
Essentially, it is this: the phone has an original owner who put their details in when the phone was first taken out of the box. After that, when the phone was lost, activation lock was never removed because the original is still looking for it. So let's get one thing straight first: this is not your phone.
From the Apple Website: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201365
"Find My iPhone includes Activation Lock—a feature that's designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone."
This was started with iOS 7 in 2013, so there is no longer an excuse for buying an activation locked phone.
Phone Setup
iPhones no longer require a SIM to activate as of iOS 11 or 12. I haven't been keeping up.
The moment the phone leaves the hello screen and has been connected to WiFi (which is required), you will see e-mail + password entry field if you are activation locked.
Old as of 09/10/2019:
You might not actually be activation locked. Some people are SIM locked and require the right SIM to be able to actually use the phone. However, if you see the e-mail + password entry field, you are activation locked.
This is called the Activation Policy. All iPhones when they are sold are sold with an activation policy that locks iPhone to that carrier.
For example, a US ATT locked iPhone will have state the activation policy US AT&T Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands Activation Policy. That means this phone is locked to AT&T and any AT&T MVNOs.
There is no way to know the activation policy without a GSX check, or by trying a bunch of SIM cards.
Unlocked iPhones will appear as “Unlock,” or “Multi-Mode Unlock,” or “Retail Unlock.”
iPhone activation occurs in this order: Boot > Connect to Internet via wifi/data > Check SIM card > Option A, B, or C > (if Opt C is satisfied) > Check for Activation Lock > Option D, or E > Setup
Option A = no sim | Solve: put one in
Option B = Invalid SIM | Solve: put the correct carrier sim in
Option C = OK | Solve: sim is correct, continue with activation
Option D = Activation Lock Active | Solve : Enter owner information
Option E = Activation Lock Inactive | Solve: Set up iPhone/iPad
Bypassing iCloud
http://iclouddnsbypass.com/ is literally the only site that will let you use a web server that mimics a really basic version of iOS. This is not a replacement for a phone, nor will it actually bypass the phone.
You only have two choices when it comes to the bypass -- the options down below, or get another phone. You will have to come out of your wallet. I guarantee it.
You can hold on to the phone, and it might be unlocked, but here is a list of devices I don't suggest wasting your time on:
iPhones: 4S, 5, 5c, 5S, 6/+ (unless it is 128 GB), 6S/+/SE (unless it is 32, 64, 128 GB only).
iPods: All of them except the 7th generation.
iPads: (1, 2, 3, 4), Air (1, 2), mini (1, 2, 3, 4).
I mean it. The mini 4, iPod 6, and iPhone 6 all have the same hardware.
Still relevant as of 09/10/2019:
There is no iCloud bypass. There is no free iCloud bypass except for this DNS bypass + iHaxDNS.
You just have to come to accept that slowly. I have been looking for a bypass since July 2014. I promise there isn't one. I paid for my first one in October 2015, and I have been paying for them ever since.
There are only 4 ways to unlocks:
-
Contact the original owner. Do not ask for their password. Be exceeding polite, but do sound pathetic.
-
Replace the motherboard. See section 3E
-
Pay for a removal. Read the whole thing.
-
(Cellular iPads only) Hardware bypass. 2D.
If you don't want to pay for a removal, that is your choice, but that leaves you with just this bypass and iHaxDNS, and you should be very thankful to @lithiumhax for the time and effort he has spent building this DNS.
iHaxDNS is the premier and the original. Any others are poor imitation and variations, and don't have the polish, and the security present in iHaxDNS. They also don't allow you to look at links posted in the chat, or have the functionality present in iHaxDNS. FreewebsiOS is a joke.
However, the iHaxDNS project has ended. Thank you, Hax, for all the work you put in, and we all wish you great success in all of your ventures! Thank you for providing a space where people could safely congregate over a shared issue.
Not Getting Scammed
Updated 09/10/19:
Scams be everywhere in general. Don't trust someone who approaches you directly just like that. The old people listed below have moved on to other projects, and iCloud isn't a part of the program anymore. Myself, I've also moved on. That information on how to contact those people has been removed so they aren't pressed.
There are a lot of scams on the internet claiming that they will unlock iCloud for you, and there are scams in this chat claiming they will unlock iCloud for you.
The only trusted people in the chat to ask about how to remove iCloud is [removed]. All others take with a grain of salt.
There will be people in the chat claiming they can bypass iCloud, and then will put their e-mail address instead of revealing their details in the chat. You send an e-mail to these people, and they ask for money upfront before any work is done. No work will be done, and you will be out of your money. These people will usually be on an iCloud locked iPhone, and if you ask them to send an iMessage, they can’t or they start hemming and hawing.
iPhoneimei.net is a KNOWN SCAM SITE. They will take your money, and then tell you the phone is blacklisted even if you are the actual owner of the phone. Avoid these guys like crazy.
They will take your money, tell you the phone is blacklisted, and they can't process the order, and then give you a refund in a voucher.
There is a link on the DNS server directing people to this site, which you MUST AVOID. If you are scammed by them, you cannot be helped.
Other scam sites: There is a massive list at the iPhone Wiki.
https://www.theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Scam_Jailbreaks_and_Unlocks
Take it SERIOUSLY. This is your money you are playing with here. Below are recommended people that I have actually used.
Also, this FAQ has only ONE writer. Ikovacs006. To make sure you are reading the REAL FAQ, go to my twitter page of ikovacs006, and clicked the pinned tweet directly.
Alternative Methods and Why They Don't Work (Software and Hardware)
Added 09/10/19:
Software "bypasses":
This shit doesn't exist except for the really really old devices. Pre-A4 chips. Post A4, you need to read about "IPSW modification." Don't download this garbage to your computer unless you want to end up with a virus.
What about jailbreaking?
You cannot jailbreak a locked iPhone. If you have actually ever done a jailbreak, most require you to turn off Find My iPhone, and others require you to change something you cannot change, such as the date.
In some instances, people have been able to jailbreak on a locked device, but were unable to do anything since the phone still needs to pass activation in order to have proper root access. There is no workaround at the time of this writing at the end of 2016. Note that I have been looking for a free bypass since July 2014. Almost 2 years. One came, left, and has been patched.
What about other tools like TinyUmbrella, or SSH?
SSH? That is for an iPhone 4 and under ONLY. The iPhone 4 uses an A4 processor that lacked read/write protections of the newer A5 and up processors. This means that the iPhone 4s and HIGHER are INCAPABLE of using SSH unless jailbroken, but again, you cannot jailbreak a locked device.
SSH works on a jailbroken device ONLY, and SSH must be installed from Cydia. If you can't activate, you cannot access Cydia, and therefore cannot install SSH!
What about modifying the IPSW?
An IPSW bypass may work. It worked then in conjunction with jailbroken devices that had SSH installed. FCE 365 has supposedly made one for the 32-bit iPhones, but it works with basic features. There is also one that supposedly works for 64-bit iPhones.
However, you cannot make phone calls, iMessage or FaceTime do not work b/c they cannot be activated, and if you update, you become activation locked again.
You are welcome to try it, but I feel that it is an extreme waste of time, and you are better off paying for a bypass or otherwise.
I still stand by this statement as of 09/10/19: iTunes will match the cypher of the IPSW files with ones that are held locally. If they don't match with what Apple has server side, it will not install. If you change the DNS of Apple in your hosts file, the file will not install.
What about a hardware bypass?
Hardware bypass is only available for cellular-enabled iPads. You can read more about in the link below. To make jumpers, you can use a graphite pencil. You can also just scratch resistors off.
http://pasha4ur.org.ua/articles/difdevices/131-how-unlock-apple-ipad-2-3g-icloud-locked
This is worth it if you are adept at opening electronic. I have tried this method on an iPad mini, and I was successful. iMessage and Facetime however, do not work.
I tried again with another mini, and iMessage and Facetime work. I guess it is a toss up.
What about a motherboard swap?
If you are talking about changing phone motherboards, don't even bother. They cost as much as a used phone.
I personally cannot recommend this method UNLESS you have an existing motherboard. Motherboard swaps are time consuming, and if you don't read the seller's listing correctly, you may end up with an equally iCloud locked motherboard. Clean motherboards sell for $300 which is more than an unlock in most instances.
If you want to: Purchase an iCloud unlocked motherboard from eBay. The motherboard must have the chips on them. So a motherboard with a price of $10 will not have the chips on it.
Motherboards run as much as a new phone, and the motherboard itself must not have iCloud on it. If you put a motherboard in your phone that is also iCloud locked, your phone will still be iCloud locked.
I did do a motherboard swap recently, but that was only b/c the icloud locked phone I had had newer parts and a better battery than mine, so it was an upgrade in my instance.
Use iFixit to find a guide on how to dismantle the iPhone, and be careful. Dismantling an iPhone 5 and up is quite easy, but a 4S is extremely tricky.
Paying For a Removal
First you have to understand your iCloud lock state. Your iCloud lock exists in two states: LOST/ERASED or CLEAN.
iCloud LOST /STOLEN/ERASED = "Lost and Erased" and there may be a "Message from Owner."
iCloud Clean = phone does not say "Lost and Erased" or "Message from Owner."
An iPhone might look clean, but can be lost. In this case, a check of the LOST/CLEAN status may be required.
A CLEAN/LOST check can be performed at http://i-imei.com/ . Sign up for an account, put your IMEI in the section that says so, and select: FREE- iCloud CLEAN/LOST.
The iCloud lock state differs from the status of the IMEI. The phone IMEI can be blacklisted, and the lock status can be clean, or the phone IMEI can be clean, but the iCloud status lost. IMEI state is determined by the phone carrier, whereas iCloud state is determined by the original owner/Apple.
Regardless, this status might still require a check to confirm its status. Use http://iunlocker.net
Edited 09/10/2019:
https://twitter.com/CLOUDCRACKERS
https://twitter.com/tigersgsm (gsmicloudunlocker.com; did a $300 unlock with these guys, worth it.)
No longer in business:
https://twitter.com/iCloudHotRemove (NO LONGER UNLOCKING)
https://twitter.com/speedyunlocks
I can no longer recommend Legit_Unlocks (now a fake account) or @Legit_Service (legit-unlock.com)
His checkers do not work, he gives the wrong info, and he refuses to offer refunds. That is not good business practice, and he has been removed my list. I have made 6 orders with him, all 6 orders = nothing, rejected. Are you kidding?
You can also use the checker at http://www.i-imei.com – you must sign up for an account, and then run the CLEAN/LOST check on your IMEI.
If you get scammed, I told you how to protect yourself, and you will need to call that a life lesson. The people who used to try to protect people from that shit have left. They've moved on to other things.
Paying For a Removal: More Information
3a. What if I want to contact the old owner? Some of these paid removals require an "info check" with my order?
If you are paying for a removal, you will require some info on the old owner. You can either pay for an info check (around $20-$40). See the list above to see who is good for this.
Some people have found success in getting the number off of the SIM card that was found in the phone. Some people have also found success in contacting the old owner, and getting them to turn off the iCloud lock. Be polite. Remember that they don't HAVE to do anything. This method is free, and can have mixed results. DO NOT ASK FOR THEIR PASSWORD. They can remove the device from the iCloud Application.
Again, this varies from person to person.
3b. How do they remove the iCloud lock? And why is it so expensive?
Phishing (google it) costs $75+. It has about a 90% chance of working, and they take payment after they are able to get in. iCloudHotRemove did my 6s in two hours. Added 09/10/19: iCloudHotRemove is no longer in business.
Added 09/10/19: Prices have come down a bit. By about $20.
Phishing is the ONLY way to get a phone in LOST mode to work. Even if you have the actual receipt from the actual place of purchase for the iPhone, and it is in LOST mode, even Apple will not be able to do anything.
Everything costs money. If you found the iPhone, don't be cheap. You got a $400+ piece of metal and plastic for free, and you are complaining about $75. That is insane, and you should feel bad.
And don't cheat these guys! That is completely fucked up. If you paid very little for the iPhone, just say you got an iPhone for $85 and call it a day. No one else can say that shit.
Also, don't DM these guys 10 times a day, asking them for bulk discounts when you only want to do one device, or for a reduction in price. Stop being cheap. Either pay or don't.
3c. What about clean unlocks?
If your iPhone is clean, and you don't want to pay for an info check then you only require the IMEI. But it costs more than $200+ for an unlock. I did mine (@ $175) at flyunlock.com Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend them since their prices have skyrocketed to $250+ an unlock with a 3 week lag time. As of 09/10/19 they are no longer in business.
I recommend others in their place like icloud_global (no longer in business), or CloudCrackers (no longer doing clean unlocks). They have a faster turnaround time. As of 09/10/19 https://twitter.com/tigersgsm does clean unlocks.
3d. I don't have an IMEI, just a serial. I have a WIFI only device (Apple Watch/iPod/iPad).
When this was on the third revision, there was a cheap unlock for wifi devices. This method appears to have been patched. There is currently no estimate on its return. Don't hold your breath on its return. It may be back, but I am going to have a 3rd party confirm this.
Walk Me Through an Unlock
3f. Walk me through a clean unlock, please.
First check if the lock is actually clean:
A CLEAN/LOST check can be performed at http://i-imei.com/ . Sign up for an account, put your IMEI in the section that says so, and select: FREE- iCloud CLEAN/LOST.
IMEI should be clean as well. Check this at https://swappa.com/esn for US/CA/UK/IE.
Prepare to pay a lot of money. Go to the following places for a clean unlock:
http://khan-unlocks.com/ (NO US SERVICE)
3g. Walk me through a lost unlock, please.
Clean users can perform this as well.
This is not a 100% method.
First, go to:
I am hoping that his status changes soon.
If you would like assistance in the chat, you REQUIRE AN OWNER CHECK FIRST.
And do an owner info check. Wait. This is NON-REFUNDABLE.
If you would like assistance in the chat, you REQUIRE AN OWNER CHECK FIRST. THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
After which, submit this information that same unlocker, and they will attempt to do an unlock. IF it is successful you will know. IF NOT you will get a refund.
Carrier Unlock
4. I'm iCloud unlocked now. What about the carrier? I want to activate.
Some carriers lock their phones to them, and some carriers don't. Some iPhones are sold as unlocked and some aren't. You will require a GSX check to determine this. Once you determine the carrier, you may have to pay for an unlock.
You also need to determine if the iPhone version you have can be applied to your network. Check the page at www.apple.com/iphone/lte , and do Ctrl+F with the model number for your iPhone. Example: A1586 = SIM free iPhone 6/Sprint version in the USA.
4a. How do I check the status of the IMEI?
Your IMEI status only determines your status with the carrier:
www.swappa.com/esn (USA/UK/CA/IE IMEIs only)
www.ting.com/byod (USA/CA IMEIs only)
www.tmobile.com/verifyimei.aspx
4b. What does blacklisted mean? EIP? FEC?
IMEI blacklisted/lost = reported stolen/lost/unpaid bills
IMEI EIP (tmobile) / FEC (sprint) = the person still owes on money the phone
If you unlock a phone with a blacklisted IMEI, you cannot use it in on the blacklisting carrier, and in USA and Canada, they share blacklists. This means an phone blacklisted on Sprint might not be able to be used on T-Mobile.
If the phone is financed, you cannot pay it off. Only the original owner can. If the phone is locked to a carrier, you must pay to unlock it. As far as I know, cloudcrackers and hackiphone offer this service. AT&T unlocks are much cheaper. T-Mobile and Sprint will be very expensive.
Remember that the phone can be blacklisted at any time.