Disable Find My iPhone Without Password

This guide explains how to turn off Find My iPhone when you don’t have the Apple ID password. This is typically needed when you’ve bought a used iPhone and the previous owner’s Activation Lock is still active, or when you’ve forgotten your own password. The methods below are legitimate ways to remove the lock, provided you are the rightful owner or have the owner’s permission. You’ll need access to the device itself and, in some cases, a computer with internet access.

What You’ll Need

• The iPhone or iPad that has Find My enabled.
• A computer or another device with internet access.
• The original proof of purchase (for Apple’s official removal request).
• Patience – some methods require waiting for a verification period.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: If You Remember Your Apple ID Password (But Not the Device Passcode)

1. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Your Name (at the top) > Find My.
2. Tap Find My iPhone and toggle it off.
3. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This will disable Find My and remove Activation Lock.
4. If you don’t know the Apple ID password but have access to a trusted phone number or email, tap Forgot Password? and follow the on-screen prompts to reset it via Apple’s account recovery.

Method 2: Using iCloud.com (If You Know the Apple ID but Not the Device Passcode)

1. On a computer, go to icloud.com/find and sign in with the Apple ID and password.
2. Click All Devices at the top, then select the iPhone you want to disable.
3. Click Erase iPhone. This will wipe the device and remove Find My.
4. After the erase is complete, click Remove from Account to finish.
5. Now the iPhone can be set up as new without Activation Lock.

Method 3: Using DNS Bypass (Temporary, for Older iOS Versions)

1. This method works only on older iOS versions (iOS 10 or earlier) and is not a permanent fix.
2. Turn on the iPhone and go through the setup until you reach the Wi-Fi screen.
3. Tap the i icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
4. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS > Manual.
5. Delete the existing DNS servers and add 8.8.8.8 (Google’s DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare’s DNS).
6. Tap Back and then Next – the device may proceed to the home screen, bypassing the Activation Lock.
7. Note: This does not actually disable Find My; it only bypasses the activation screen temporarily. The device will still be linked to the original Apple ID, and some features may not work.

Method 4: Request Removal from Apple (Official, Requires Proof of Purchase)

1. Go to Apple’s Activation Lock support page (support.apple.com/contact).
2. Select iPhone and then Activation Lock.
3. Choose Start a request and fill out the form with your contact info and the device’s IMEI (find it in Settings > General > About, or on the original box).
4. Attach a clear photo or scan of your original proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, or contract).
5. Submit the request. Apple will review it and, if approved, remove Activation Lock from their servers within a few days.
6. Once you receive confirmation, restore the iPhone via iTunes/Finder or set it up as new – Find My will be disabled.

Common Mistakes

• Using third-party “unlock” services: These often scam you, ask for money, or install malware. Avoid them.
• Assuming DNS bypass is permanent: It’s only a temporary workaround for old iOS versions and doesn’t truly remove Find My.
• Resetting the iPhone before disabling Find My: If you erase the device while Find My is still on, it will become Activation Locked and unusable without the original Apple ID.
• Forgetting to sign out of iCloud on all devices: If you have other Apple devices, make sure to remove the iPhone from your iCloud account as well.
• Entering the wrong Apple ID password too many times: This can temporarily lock your account for security reasons.

Tips

• Always try to recover your Apple ID password first – it’s the cleanest solution. Use Apple’s official iforgot.apple.com page.
• If you bought a used iPhone and the previous owner isn’t available, contact them and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account. This is the fastest and most legitimate way.
• Keep your proof of purchase safe – it’s your best ally if you need to request removal from Apple.
• After disabling Find My, consider setting up a new Apple ID or password that you’ll remember, and enable two-factor authentication for security.
• If you’re selling your iPhone, always disable Find My before wiping it, otherwise the buyer will be stuck.

Troubleshooting

• “Activation Lock” screen still appears after reset: This means Find My was still active. You’ll need to enter the original Apple ID and password, or use the official removal request with proof of purchase.
• Forgot both Apple ID and password: Use Apple’s account recovery at iforgot.apple.com. You may need to wait for a recovery period (up to a few days) while Apple verifies your identity.
• DNS bypass doesn’t work: This method is outdated and only works on very old iOS versions (pre-iOS 11). For modern iPhones, it’s not an option.
• Apple rejected your removal request: Double-check that your proof of purchase is clear and shows the device’s serial number or IMEI. Also ensure you’re the original owner or have the owner’s authorization.
• iCloud.com shows “No devices”: Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID that was used to set up Find My. If you have multiple Apple IDs, try each one.
• Device is stuck in recovery mode: Connect it to a computer and use Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS) to restore it. After restoring, you’ll still need to bypass Activation Lock if Find My was on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable Find My iPhone without any Apple ID or password?

No, not permanently. The only official way is to have the original Apple ID password, or to ask Apple to remove Activation Lock with proof of purchase. Any other method is temporary or a scam.

Is it legal to bypass Find My iPhone?

If you’re the rightful owner and have proof of purchase, it’s legal. If you’re trying to unlock a stolen phone, it’s illegal and unethical.

What happens if I erase my iPhone with Find My still on?

It becomes Activation Locked. You’ll see a screen asking for the original Apple ID and password, and you won’t be able to use the phone until you provide them or get official removal from Apple.

Can Apple support remove Find My for me?

Yes, but only if you provide proof of purchase that matches the device’s serial number or IMEI. They won’t remove it just because you ask.

Does a factory reset disable Find My?

No. A factory reset (via Settings or iTunes) does not disable Find My. The Activation Lock is tied to the Apple ID, not the device’s data.

How long does Apple’s removal request take?

Typically 1-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. You’ll receive an email once the decision is made.

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