The Best Methods to Unlock the ‘iPhone Locked to Owner’ for Apple iPhone 7

Being locked out of your new iPhone can be a frustrating experience. It could be due to a forgotten passcode, a second-hand purchase with an activation lock, or any other reason. Facing the “iPhone Locked to Owner” scenario can be hard as the fault doesn’t lie with you. Regardless of the fact, finding a solution to unlock an “iPhone Locked to Owner“ can be a daunting task.

We bring you a comprehensive guide that explores the best methods to unlock an “iPhone Locked to Owner.” This article provides a detailed guide covering official and unofficial methods.

Part 1: A Brief Overview of the Functionality of Activation Lock

Activation Lock is a strong and innovative security feature introduced by Apple. This lock is available on Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It is designed to prevent unauthorized access and use of a device in case it is lost, stolen, or misplaced. Here’s a brief overview of the features of Activation Lock:

Device Association

The Activation Lock works by associating a device with the iCloud account of the owner. When the Apple iPhone 7 device is set up or restored, it prompts the user to sign in with their Apple ID and activates Activation Lock.

Activation Lock Status

Once enabled, Activation Lock securely stores the Apple iPhone 7 device’s unique identifier (IMEI or serial number). It also stores the associated iCloud account details on Apple’s servers. This information is used to verify the Apple iPhone 7 device’s status during activation and prevent unauthorized use.

Locking Mechanism

If a device with Activation Lock is lost or stolen, the owner can activate Lost Mode using the Find My app or iCloud website. Lost Mode remotely locks the Apple iPhone 7 device, preventing anyone from accessing the user’s data. It also prevents device use without the owner’s Apple ID and password.

Device Recovery

In Lost Mode, the owner can provide contact information and display a custom message on the Apple iPhone 7 device’s screen. These can help in facilitating its return. The device remains locked until the owner either unlocks it through iCloud or erases its data remotely.

iCloud Activation Lock Bypass

With Activation Lock, you get an added layer of security. This makes it challenging for unauthorized individuals to use a locked device. Apple’s servers confirm the Apple iPhone 7 device’s activation status before allowing access to the OS. Thus, bypassing Activation Lock requires the original owner’s Apple ID and password.

Activation Lock on Used Devices

When purchasing a used Apple device, you should ensure that Activation Lock is disabled. Otherwise, the Apple iPhone 7 device will remain locked to the previous owner’s iCloud account. Apple provides guidelines and procedures for sellers to remove Activation Lock.

Part 2: 5 Best Methods To Remove the Apple iPhone 7 Locked to Owner Security

Having an iPhone locked to its previous owner’s security can be frustrating. That’s why finding effective methods to remove the lock is crucial. Luckily, various methods exist to bypass the Apple iPhone 7 locked to the owner for free. Given below are the top 5 methods to resolve this issue:

Method 1: Use the Old iOS Passcode To Unlock the Apple iPhone 7 device

If you’ve recently obtained a used iPhone, there is a possibility that the old iOS passcode might still be effective. When an iPhone is locked to its owner, you will find an option to unlock the Apple iPhone 7 device using the passcode. It presents another viable option to remove the lock.

To proceed, you will need to contact the previous owner of the Apple iPhone 7 device and request the passcode. Use the following guide after getting the old passcode of your Apple iPhone 7:

• Step: Access your locked iPhone and tap “Unlock with Passcode.” On the following screen, enter the old passcode to remove the Activation Lock.

  

Method 2: Ask the Owner To Erase the Apple iPhone 7 device Using iCloud

The passcode is not the only thing you can ask from the previous owner of the iPhone. You can also ask the previous owner to erase your device remotely. It can be helpful if the previous owner doesn’t remember the passcode or you are unable to meet them in person.

To make this procedure work, the owner will need to use the Find My Device feature from the iCloud website. Here is what the owner needs to do to resolve Activation Lock from your Apple iPhone 7:

• Step 1: Access the iCloud website on your computer’s browser and log in using Apple ID. Afterward, click the “Find My” option.

• Step 2: On the following screen, select your Apple iPhone 7 from “All Devices.” Now choose “Erase iPhone” from the available options to erase the Apple iPhone 7 device and remove the Activation Lock.

Method 3: Use the DNS Method To Unlock the Apple iPhone 7 Locked to Owner

When you are unable to access the Apple iPhone 7 device, the DNS method can be an alternative solution. This method involves changing the DNS settings on your Apple iPhone 7 to bypass the activation lock screen. However, the procedure works only for devices running on older iOS versions.

The reason is that the process uses a loophole to allow you access to the Apple iPhone 7 device. This loophole has now been patched by Apple. Given below is the detailed process to unlock your Apple iPhone 7 Activation Lock:

• Step 1: Power on your iDevice or restart it if your Apple iPhone 7 is already powered on. Access your Apple iPhone 7 Settings to tap “Wi-Fi” and navigate to the “Choose Wi-Fi Network” option.

• Step 2: Select “More Wi-Fi Settings” using the “i” symbol next to the displayed Wi-Fi network. Here, choose “Configure DNS” and follow it by selecting the “Manual” option.

• Step 3: Afterward, press “Add Server,” located under “DNS Servers.” Now enter the appropriate DNS server address based on your location:

• For users in the United States/North America: 104.154.51.7

• For users in Europe: 104.155.28.90

• For users in Asia: 104.155.220.58

• For users in the rest of the world: 78.109.17.60

• Step 4: Save the changes by selecting “Save.” Use the back arrow button to go back and choose “Ask to Join Networks.” Enter the network password and tap “Join.” Press the back arrow button when your Apple iPhone 7 attempts to activate. Afterward, continue to set up your Apple iPhone 7.

Method 4: Take Help From the Online iCloud Activation Lock Removal Service

What to do if you have been unable to contact the previous owner and the DNS method isn’t working? The answer is you can also employ an online iCloud Activation removal service. These services charge you some money and unlock your Apple iPhone 7. All you need to provide them is your Apple iPhone 7 IMEI number. The process is done remotely and takes 24 to 48 hours to complete.

Ensure your device IMEI is not blacklisted before sending it for the unlocking process. Described below are steps to use DirectUnlocks, an iCloud Activation removal service:

• Step 1: Use your computer’s browser to visit the official DriectUnlocks website. Enter your Apple iPhone 7’s IMEI number and select the Apple iPhone 7 model in the provided box.
• Step 2: Once you have entered the details, tap “Remove Activation Lock.” Afterward, select a payment method to pay for the service. It will take up to 48 hours to unlock your device.

Method 5: Remove the iCloud Activation Lock With the Best Screen Unlock Tool – Wondershare Dr.Fone

Not having access to your purchased iPhone and no solution working to resolve the locked-to-owner iPhone issue can be disheartening. However, worrying is unnecessary as we have the best solution. To bypass the iCloud Activation lock, the best tool to use is Wondershare Dr.Fone. With this tool’s help, you can remove the lock and access your Apple iPhone 7 without restrictions.

Aside from bypassing the iCloud Activation lock, it can also help you remove or bypass MDM. Furthermore, it also excels at unlocking iPhone screen locks. This tool has the ability to unlock all types of screen locks like a passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

• Wondershare Dr.Fone lets you remove the Screen Time Passcode without needing the actual password.
• With this tool, you can also remove your Apple ID from your Apple iPhone 7 if you have forgotten the password.
• This tool can also remove SIM locks or carrier restrictions placed on the iPhone.

Steps To Remove the iCloud Activation Lock With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Removing the iCloud Activation Lock with Wondershare Dr.Fone is simple and fast. You don’t need any technical skills to unlock your Apple iPhone 7. Follow these steps to remove iCloud Activation Lock with Dr.Fone:

• Step 1: Choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal

After launching the Dr.Fone on your computer, move to “Screen Unlock” in the “Toolbox” tab. Here, choose “iOS” and click “iCloud Activation Lock Removal.” Now connect your locked Apple iPhone 7 to the computer using a reliable USB cable.

• Step 2: Initiate the iCloud Activation Lock Removal Process

Afterward, tap “Start” to begin the iCloud Activation Lock bypassing process. You will first have to confirm whether your device is GSM or CDMA. If the Apple iPhone 7 device is GSM, the unlocking process won’t harm it. However, you will lose calling or other cellular functions if it is CDMA.

• Step 3: Bypass the iCloud Activation Lock Removal

After thoroughly considering the ramifications, tap “Unlock Now” to proceed. Now you will need to jailbreak your Apple iPhone 7, which you can do using the guides provided in the program. Once you have jailbroken your Apple iPhone 7, the iCloud Activation Lock bypassing process will start. Wait for the process to complete; once it does, tap “Done.”

Conclusion

To summarize, Wondershare Dr.Fone stands out as the best choice when it comes to unlocking an “iPhone Locked to Owner.” It has advanced features, a dynamic interface, and a proven track record. Wondershare Dr.Fone offers the most reliable and effective methods to regain access to your locked iPhone.

Wondershare Dr.Fone’s comprehensive toolkit provides a range of options to cater to different scenarios. Whether you’ve forgotten your passcode, purchased a second-hand iPhone with an activation lock , or encountered other locked-out situations, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers tailored solutions to meet your needs. Moreover, Wondershare Dr.Fone’s approach ensures a seamless and secure unlocking process.

4 Ways to Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use USB Accessories Without Passcode

How do I unlock my Apple iPhone 7? I know you’re supposed to connect it to the computer and put it in recovery mode but when I do, it says “unlock Apple iPhone 7 to use accessories.”

You may have had the experience of connecting your Apple iPhone 7 to a computer with USB accessories. Usually, “Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to use accessories“ will appear on the screen. In most cases, enter the passcode to unlock the phone, and you can then proceed with data transfer and management. What to do if you forget your screen lock passcode? Here come the most effective methods for you!

Part 1: Why You Need to “Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use Accessories”?

The command comes from Apple’s significant privacy safeguard “USB Restricted Mode”. It means after an hour of your iOS device is unlocked, the system cuts off the lightning port and limits it to charging only. Simply put, when your Apple iPhone 7 is locked for more than an hour, it needs to be unlocked to allow the connection of USB accessories. Sometimes, when you unlock your Apple iPhone 7 screen to use USB accessories, it can’t charge anymore.

In 2017, a password cracking tool called GrayKey was launched, which can bypass any iPhone screen lock passcode. The FBI, the police, and some government agencies have all become GrayKey customers. To combat hackers including GrayKey and protect iOS users’ data security, the USB Restricted Mode feature arrived with iOS 11.4.1 in July 2018 and be improved in iOS12.

Part 2: How to Disable USB Restricted Mode?

If you find this warning annoying or your Apple iPhone 7 not charging when using USB accessories, disabling USB Restricted Mode is an optional solution. However, you have to remember the unlock passcode. All the steps will be presented to you next.

• Step 1: Open Settings on your Apple iPhone 7.
• Step 2: Click on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and then input your screen passcode.
• Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and find “USB accessories“ in the “Allow access when locked“ column.
• Step 4: Click the toggle button on the right to disable this feature.

After completing all the steps, your Apple iPhone 7 can connect USB accessories anytime, anywhere. However, it is very common to forget to unlock the passcode. Next, we will recommend four solutions to help you use USB accessories without a passcode.

Part 3: How to Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Dr.Fone?

Now, here comes an amazing App with many benefits to solving the problem for you.  This is Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock, which is very convenient and fast to use. You must be curious about it. More of its advantages will be introduced to you.

• The application is available on both Mac and Windows.
• No technical skills are required.
• It fully supports iPhone X, iPhone 11, and the latest iPhone models.
• Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can easily unlock 4-digit or even 6-digit screen passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.
• No Apple ID and password are needed.

Step 1: The first step, of course, is to download Dr.Fone to your computer and click on “Screen Unlock”.

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Step 2: Connect your Apple iPhone 7 to the computer with a lightning cable, and choose “Unlock iOS Screen”.

Step 3: Follow the guides to boot your device in Recovery or DFU mode. The Recovery mode is recommended for iOS lock screen removal by default. If you fail to turn on recovery mode, you can turn to activate DFU mode. DFU means Device Firmware Upgrade, and the operation is more mandatory.

Step 4: Click “Start” to download the firmware. After the download is successful, select “Unlock now” and wait a few minutes, the passcode will be removed from your device.

After that, you could set up your Apple iPhone 7 as a new one and unlock your screen to use USB accessories without a passcode.

There is no doubt that you may worry about losing all your data while bypassing the Apple iPhone 7 lock screen. But honestly, there is no tool on the market today that can preserve data to unlock an iPhone. Therefore, it is necessary to back up data in your daily life. Dr.Fone-Phone Backup provides you with a full range of data backup solutions, you can click the link below to learn more.

This guide will teach you about how to unlock iphone using 5 feasible ways.

Part 4: How to Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iCloud?

With iCloud, you can quickly clean up your Apple iPhone 7, remove screen locks, and help unlock your device. But, you have to know that all your data will be erased. Make sure your Apple iPhone 7 has the “Find My iPhone” function enabled, otherwise your device will be offline.

Step 1: Open your computer or another iOS device, and sign in with your Apple account.

Step 2: Click on “All Devices”, choose your Apple iPhone 7, and then “Erase iPhone”.

Now, your Apple iPhone 7 will reboot without a passcode. Then, you can unlock Apple iPhone 7 to use accessories and bypass the passcode.

Part 5: How to Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iTunes?

There is currently no way to unlock an iPhone without erasing all data. Luckily, iTunes can help back up your data before removing it. Please note that this way is only possible if the Apple iPhone 7 device has synced data in iTunes before.

• Step 1: Connect Apple iPhone 7 to a computer with a USB accessory and turn on iTunes. Then iTunes will make a backup for your phone.
• Step 2: Choose “Restore iPhone”.

Wait for a while and you could unlock the screen to use USB accessories. However, in step one, you may need to enter your passcode to get stuck during the process. Therefore, this method is not the most efficient.

Part 6: How to Unlock Apple iPhone 7 to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Recovery Mode?

If you have forgotten your Apple ID or password and have not synced iCloud and iTunes, you can choose recovery mode. It will remove all your passcode and data as well.

• Step 1: You need to prepare a Mac or PC (Windows 8 or later).
• Step 2: Turn off your Apple iPhone 7.
• Step 3: Put your device in recovery mode. This step might be a little complicated, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it step by step.

1. Find the button on your device, it will be useful then.

• iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s, and earlier: The Home button.
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: The Volume down button.
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and later devices: The side button.

2. Quickly press and hold the button while connecting your phone and computer until the recovery mode appears.

Step 4: Find your tool in iTunes on the computer. Choose Restore and this process will take a few minutes.

Step 5: Unplug your tool and use your Apple iPhone 7 without a passcode.

Now, you’ll get an iPhone which is like being factory reset. And you could unlock the screen to use USB accessories when you forget the passcode.

Part 7: Hot FAQ about USB Accessories on iPhone

Q1: What is the feature of USB Accessories on iPhone?

From USB-A to the latest, USB-C. Also, most iPhones use a proprietary Lightning port.

Q2: Why does My iPhone Think My Charger is a USB Accessory?

It is related to the capacity of the charger. If a low-capacity charger is used, your device must regard it as a USB port because the USB port charges at a lower rate than a good wall charger. Another possibility is that the cable being used is flaky.

Q3: What to Do If My iPhone Not Charging after Unlock to Use Accessories?

• Step 1: Disconnect your tool from the accessory.
• Step 2: Unlock your device.
• Step 3: Connect the USB accessory again.

If it doesn’t work, please contact customer service of Apple.

Conclusion

It is very common to use USB accessories to connect iPhone and computer. Sometimes, we may forget the password, or cannot unlock the screen due to system failure. There are many ways to unlock Apple iPhone 7 to use the accessories in the article. Finally, we recommend everyone to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock, a helpful and convenient tool.

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iPhone Is Disabled? Here Is The Way To Unlock Disabled Apple iPhone 7

Part I: Is It Possible To Unlock A Disabled iPhone?

First things first, the short answer is yes. It is entirely possible to unlock a disabled iPhone and use it again. But there is a catch-all data on the Apple iPhone 7 device that will be erased as the process wipes the Apple iPhone 7 clean. There is no other way around it.

Part II: Unlock Disabled iPhone

Now, let us get to ways how to unlock disabled iPhone. How many ways are there? Well, you might get all sorts of information online, but there are only a handful of ways to unlock a disabled iPhone, which are listed here.

II.I: Unlock Disabled iPhone With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Of course, you want to unlock your disabled iPhone as quickly as possible, so we have put the best solution first - Wondershare Dr.Fone.

What is Dr.Fone? Dr.Fone is a suite of apps designed to help you with tasks on your smartphones and tablets. These tasks include erasing data, wiping the Apple iPhone 7 device, repairing the system, taking and restoring backups, unlocking the screen, transferring WhatsApp chats, and even going as fancy as spoofing device location to help with location-aware games or prank friends and family.

This is a must-have set of tools designed for every smartphone owner, regardless of the operating system. It works on both Windows and macOS and supports both Android and iOS. Download Wondershare Dr.Fone here.

Step 1: Connect your device to the computer and select Screen Unlock in Dr.Fone.

Step 2: Click the big blue button “Unlock iOS Screen”:

Step 3: Onscreen instructions guide you to put your device in Recovery Mode:

Step 4: Software version and device model are detected automatically when the Apple iPhone 7 device is in Recovery Mode. If the automatic detection is incorrect, set it correctly before proceeding. Click Start.

Step 5: When Dr.Fone is ready to unlock disabled iPhone, click Unlock Now and wait until the notification of a successful unlock is shown.

II.II: Unlock Disabled iPhone With iTunes/ macOS Finder

The above was a fast, intuitive, step-by-step way to get you through the unlock disabled iPhone process. This was an aftermarket app to help you through the process. However, if you want to achieve the same result the Apple way, do the following:

Step 1: Connect the Apple iPhone 7 to the computer with the cable and launch iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and above).

Step 2: Press the volume up key on your Apple iPhone 7 and release. Then, press the volume down key and release. Lastly, press and hold the power key till you see Recovery Mode in Finder or iTunes.

Step 3: Click Restore to unlock disabled iPhone.

After this process, the Apple iPhone 7 is reset to factory defaults, and you will need to go through the setup process again.

II.III: Unlock Disabled iPhone Through The iCloud Website (Find My iPhone)

You may also use Find My on the iCloud website to unlock your disabled iPhone, if the Find My network was enabled on the iPhone.

Step 1: Go to https://icloud.com and log in using the iCloud/ Apple ID that the disabled iPhone is using. This is important because if you use any other ID, you will see devices attached to that ID, not the disabled iPhone you want to unlock.

Step 2: Click Find My and select your disabled iPhone.

Step 3: Click Erase iPhone and confirm.

The Apple iPhone 7 will be erased and restored to factory default settings. After that, you will have to set up the Apple iPhone 7 again.

II.IV: Unlock Disabled iPhone Without A Computer (Find My App)

Not so long ago, a computer was a necessity in every household for various reasons. Then, smartphones changed everything, and Apple spearheaded that change with the Apple iPhone 7 and iPad.

The iPhone, despite screen size limitations, may be used as a personal computer all by itself, depending on users’ requirements. You can work on spreadsheets, documents, and presentations on the iPad, take notes, write, draw, play music, watch videos, and practically do everything a regular household would do on a computer.

So, in today’s time and age, it may be possible that some people work exclusively with their iPhones and iPads. In that case, how to unlock a disabled iPhone without a computer?

Worry not, because Apple’s Find My is your friend. You can use Find My on your other Apple device to erase and unlock the disabled iPhone.

Step 1: Launch Find My app on your iOS device or Mac. Note that the other device should be signed in with the same Apple ID as the disabled iPhone. If not, you may sign out of iCloud on the Apple iPhone 7 device and sign in using the other Apple ID (of the disabled iPhone).

Step 2: Select the disabled iPhone from the Apple iPhone 7 devices in the sidebar, click or tap the Apple iPhone 7 device on the map and click or tap Erase This Device.

The disabled iPhone will be wiped and restored to factory defaults. The setup will need to be performed again.

Now, as we know, if Find My does not show the disabled iPhone for any reason, you will necessarily have to gain access to a computer. The other option is to visit an Apple Store and get them to do the needful.

Part III: FAQs

Here are helpful frequently asked questions for you.

FAQ 1: What is iPhone disabled?

iPhone is disabled most commonly when an incorrect password is entered too many times.

FAQ 2: Can I unlock disabled iPhone without data loss?

Unlocking a disabled iPhone requires erasing the Apple iPhone 7 device. All data on the Apple iPhone 7 device will be deleted in the process. There is currently no way to unlock disabled iPhone without data loss.

FAQ 3: How to restore data via iCloud?

After unlocking the disabled iPhone, when you set it up again, if you previously had iCloud Backup enabled, you will get the option to restore data from the latest backup.

Bonus Tip: Prevent iPhone From Getting Disabled In Future

By now, you know that should the Apple iPhone 7 be disabled for any reason, unlocking the disabled iPhone is a process that will wipe the Apple iPhone 7 device clean. And that means you will have to spend time setting it up again, restoring data from backup, and getting it back to the order you had previously. How about a tip to help you prevent a disabled iPhone?

A good passcode is one that you will remember, but it takes work for everyone to figure out. Again, this is for the safety and security of your data and device. You may use a 6-digit passcode or an alphanumeric passcode if that is more to your liking.

If you use Face ID, it will significantly minimize the instances you will have to enter your passcode, so make sure you do remember your passcode.

Conclusion

It has been nearly a decade since iPhones came with biometric authentication and around 5 years since they started using facial authentication. Both these technologies significantly reduced our dependence on having to key in our passcode each time we wanted to unlock the iPhone, buy an app, or perform an essential function.

But, when we attempt incorrect passcodes too many times, the Apple iPhone 7 gets disabled. How to unlock disabled iPhone? The ways outlined in this guide will help you unlock your disabled iPhone.

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