The iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is slow by modern standards. Most apps require iOS 10 or later. However, as a music player, podcast machine, emergency phone, or classic gaming device, it’s fantastic. Bypassing the Activation Lock gives new life to a device that Apple has essentially abandoned.
Bypassing the Activation Lock (or the final version 9.3.6) is a common challenge for legacy device enthusiasts. Because the iPhone 4s uses the
, it is susceptible to certain hardware-level exploits, though the process is more complex than for newer devices. Legitimate Removal Methods
Before attempting technical workarounds, try these official routes: Original Owner:
The most reliable way is for the original owner to sign in with their or remove the device remotely from their account at icloud.com Apple Support: If you have the original sales receipt , you can submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple for an official unlock. Technical Bypass Options
If you cannot contact the previous owner, here are the primary community-led methods: 1. iCloud DNS Bypass (The "Soft" Bypass)
This is not a full unlock but a way to use the device's features via a custom server. How it works: You change the DNS settings
in your Wi-Fi configuration to point to a third-party server (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for North America). Easy to do; no computer or cables required.
Very limited access; you can only use specific apps like a web browser, YouTube, or basic games through the server's menu. 2. Hardware Exploits (Checkm8-A5) checkm8 exploit allows for a deeper bypass but requires specific hardware. Requirements: Often requires an Arduino Uno USB Host Shield Raspberry Pi Pico to put the A5 chip into "Pwned DFU" mode. Functionality: This can allow you to delete the file, which skips the activation screen entirely. Limitations:
This often results in a "tethered" bypass (must re-run the exploit if the phone dies) and usually disables SIM card services (no calls or SMS). 3. Software Tools
Several third-party tools claim to automate this process by connecting the device to a PC or Mac.
The year was 2011 when the iPhone 4S first changed the world, but by late 2016, it had reached its final destination: iOS 9.3.5. For Leo, a digital archivist, the sleek glass slab sitting on his desk wasn’t just an old phone—it was a locked vault. He had bought it at a flea market, a pristine "white pearl" model, only to find the dreaded Activation Lock screen staring back at him.
The device was tied to an Apple ID that likely belonged to someone who hadn't thought about this phone in a decade. On iOS 9.3.5, the security was a strange mix of old-school vulnerabilities and modern encryption. Leo knew that a standard "bypass" wasn't a simple button click; it was a ghost hunt. The Digital Siege
Leo began his journey in the underground forums of the "Legacy iOS" community. The air in these digital spaces smelled of nostalgia and broken code. He learned that on an A5 chip device like the 4S, the "Checkm8" exploit—a holy grail for jailbreakers—wouldn't work because it only supported A7 through A11.
He tried the old "DNS Bypass" trick first. He entered a custom server address into the Wi-Fi settings: 104.154.51.7. Suddenly, the phone flickered. Instead of the iCloud login, he was greeted by a makeshift menu. He could watch YouTube, browse the web, and play basic games. But the phone was still a prisoner; he couldn't make calls or use the actual iOS interface. It was a window, not a door. The Hardware Hack
Determined to truly own the device, Leo looked toward more drastic measures. He read about "Arduino Bypass" methods. It involved using a USB host shield and an Arduino Uno to send a specific set of commands to the phone while it was in DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode.
By "pawning" the device—tricking the bootrom into accepting unsigned code—he could potentially delete the Setup.app file. This file was the gatekeeper; if it didn't exist, the phone would boot straight to the home screen.
As the sun began to rise, Leo sat surrounded by tangled wires and glowing monitors. He ran the script. The terminal on his Mac scrolled with green text. The iPhone screen stayed black, then flashed a series of white lines—the "verbose boot" that every tinkerer loves to see. The Bitter Triumph
The Apple logo appeared, followed by a loading bar. When the screen finally lit up, it didn't ask for a language or a Wi-Fi network. It jumped straight to the iconic iOS 9 home screen.
Leo felt a rush of victory, but it was short-lived. He quickly realized the limitation of the "delete Setup.app" method. Without a legitimate activation token from Apple’s servers, the phone had no "baseband" signal. No SIM card would work. It was essentially an iPod Touch with a camera.
He looked at the small device. It was bypassed, unlocked, and completely offline. In his quest to break the lock, he had saved the hardware but lost the "phone." He realized that Apple’s lock wasn't just a wall; it was the phone’s very identity. Without the original owner's key, the 4S remained a beautiful, high-tech paperweight—a silent monument to the era of cloud-tied security.
💡 Note: While stories of bypassing are common in tech circles, Apple’s Activation Lock is a powerful anti-theft tool. For real-world devices, the only permanent and fully functional solution is using the original Apple ID or providing proof of purchase to Apple Support.
If you are looking for practical help with an old device, let me know: Do you have access to the original receipt? Is the device in Lost Mode, or just forgotten credentials? Are you trying to recover data or just use the hardware? I can guide you through the official recovery steps!
Bypassing an Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is technically challenging because Apple's official security is tied to the device's serial number on their servers. While several methods exist, they range from temporary "glitches" to advanced hardware exploits. Official Removal Methods
These are the only guaranteed and safe ways to permanently remove the lock:
Original Owner's Credentials: If you have the Apple ID and password, simply enter them on the device. iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5
Remote Removal via iCloud: The owner can sign into the Find My iPhone tool on any browser, select the device, and click "Remove from Account".
Apple Support Request: If you have original proof of purchase (like a receipt from an authorized retailer), you can submit an Activation Lock support request to Apple. Technical Bypass Methods (Community/Legacy)
For users without the original owner's information, these community-developed methods are often used, though they may have limited functionality (like no cellular service).
Arduino Exploit (Most Reliable): The iPhone 4s uses the A5 chip, which is vulnerable to the Checkm8 exploit, but it requires specific hardware. To execute this, you typically need an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to run tools like Sliver.
DNS Bypass (Temporary/Limited): This method does not actually unlock the phone but lets you access a web-based "portal" to use some apps and browse the web. Go to the Wi-Fi settings during setup. Tap the "i" next to your network and select Configure DNS.
Enter a manual DNS server IP (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for North America or 78.109.17.60 for Europe).
Third-Party Tools: Software like iRemove or Tenorshare 4MeKey often claim to bypass older iOS versions.
Note: Many of these tools require a computer and may be paid versions with mixed success rates. Summary of Functionality After Bypass Official Method Community Bypass Calls/Text Fully Working Often Disabled App Store Fully Working Limited/Manual Install Updates May Re-lock Device Cost May require hardware/software purchase Do you have the original receipt for this device, or How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
iPhone 4S Activation Lock Bypass on iOS 9.3.5: Comprehensive Guide
The iPhone 4s remains a classic piece of hardware, but many users find themselves stuck on the Activation Lock screen when trying to revive one running iOS 9.3.5. Whether you’ve inherited an old device or bought one from a thrift store, getting past that "Hello" screen without the original owner's credentials can be challenging. Official Removal Methods
Before attempting third-party workarounds, Apple provides official channels to unlock your device. These are the only methods guaranteed to be permanent and safe.
iCloud.com (Original Owner Only): If you can contact the previous owner, they can remove the device remotely. They simply need to log in to the Apple Find My web portal, select the iPhone 4s, and click Remove from Account.
Apple Support Request: If you have the original proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request directly through Apple. Hardware-Based Bypass (The "Arduino" Method)
For the iPhone 4s and iPad 2 running iOS 9.3.5, standard software tools often fail. Many experienced users recommend using an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield.
How it Works: This hardware setup allows you to put the device into a special "pwned DFU" mode.
Legacy iOS Kit: Once in this mode, you can use tools like the Legacy iOS Kit to "hacktivate" the device or even downgrade it to more stable versions like iOS 6.1.3. Software Tools and Glitches
While less reliable, several software-based attempts exist for those without specialized hardware.
DNS Bypass: A popular temporary workaround involves changing your Wi-Fi DNS settings to a bypass server. This doesn't remove the lock but lets you use the iPhone for web browsing, videos, and music.
VoiceOver Glitch: Some users exploit a temporary glitch on iOS 9 by enabling VoiceOver (triple-click Home button), changing languages, and repeatedly resetting until the home screen briefly appears. Note that this is usually temporary and does not fully unlock the phone.
Third-Party Tools: Software like iRemove Tools or AnyUnlock claim to support iOS 9 activation bypasses. However, these are often "tethered," meaning the lock may return if the device restarts. Summary of Options Difficulty Permanence Requirement Apple Support Proof of purchase iCloud Web Original owner access Arduino/Pico Permanent/Semi Arduino Uno + Host Shield DNS Bypass Wi-Fi connection How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
For iPhone, you might be able to remove Activation Lock on the web even if your device isn't offline. * Go to www.iCloud.com/find. Apple Support
How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPhone & iPad (Legal Guide) - Zecurit
Is it legal to bypass Activation Lock? Yes, as long as you own the device or have the original owner's consent.
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is technically possible but remains complex due to the hardware limitations of the A5 chip. Standard modern tools like Checkra1n do not support the iPhone 4s as they require at least an A7 chip.
Below is a review of current methods, their reliability, and limitations: ⭐ Summary of Top Methods The iPhone 4s running iOS 9
Most Reliable: Apple Official Support Request (Requires proof of purchase).
Best DIY (Mac): Sliver (A5 Factory Activation) combined with an Arduino Uno + USB Host Shield.
Quickest "Glimpse" (No PC): DNS Bypass (Limited functionality). 1. Official Apple Support (Recommended)
Apple can remove Activation Lock if you can prove you are the legal owner.
The Process: Submit a request via the Apple Activation Lock Support Portal.
Requirements: You must provide the device's IMEI or Serial Number and a valid proof of purchase (e.g., original receipt).
Verdict: This is the only way to permanently remove the lock from Apple’s servers. 2. Sliver + Arduino (Technical DIY)
For hobbyists, the "Sliver" tool is the gold standard for A5 devices like the iPhone 4s.
How it Works: You must use an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to put the device into a "pwned DFU" state.
Functionality: Once pwned, Sliver can "Factory Activate" the device, allowing you to reach the home screen.
Limitations: This does not remove the lock from Apple’s servers; if you restore or update the phone, it will relock. 3. DNS Bypass (No Tools Required)
A manual method that redirects the device's activation traffic to a private server.
How to do it: In Wi-Fi settings, change the DNS to a manual address (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for North America).
Functionality: Grants limited access to a captive portal with web-based apps, games, and videos.
Verdict: It is not a full bypass. You cannot use the phone app, messages, or download actual apps. 4. Third-Party "Unlock" Software
You're looking for information on bypassing the activation lock on an iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5.
Disclaimer: Before proceeding, please note that bypassing the activation lock may be against Apple's terms and conditions. Additionally, some methods may require technical expertise and could potentially harm your device.
That being said, here are some general steps and considerations:
The activation lock on an iPhone 4s with iOS 9.3.5 is a stubborn relic of Apple’s security ecosystem. While official removal is impossible without the original owner, the Checkm8 exploit keeps the dream alive. Using tools like Sliver, you can turn that brick into a functional media device.
However, manage your expectations. You will spend two hours troubleshooting drivers and USB cables to gain a tethered, semi-functional iPod. For nostalgia? Absolutely worth it. For daily use? Buy a newer phone.
Remember: If the device is truly yours and you have the original box and receipt, schedule a call with Apple Support. For everyone else, the bypass methods above are your only way forward.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. The author does not condone bypassing locks on stolen devices. Always respect the original owner’s property rights and local laws.
The iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 occupies a unique niche in the Apple ecosystem—it is one of the oldest devices still hit with Activation Lock
, but its aging hardware and firmware make it susceptible to specific, albeit technical, bypass methods. While modern iPhones have robust security, the 4s can often be revived for "hacktivated" use through older exploits. The State of Bypass: iOS 9.3.5
There is no "official" one-click button to bypass this lock without the original Apple ID. Instead, users typically rely on these categories of solutions: DNS Bypass (The "Quick Look" Method): How it works: Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes
By changing the Wi-Fi DNS settings to a specialized server, you can "trick" the device into loading a web portal instead of the activation screen. Limitations:
This does not fully unlock the phone; it only allows you to browse the web, watch YouTube, or play basic games through a captive portal. Hardware-Based Exploit (The "Checkm8" Path): Arduino Uno USB Host Shield is a common hardware-based approach to trigger the exploit on A5 devices like the 4s. The Result:
This method can "hacktivate" the device, allowing it to boot into the home screen, though services like iCloud, iMessage, and cellular calls often remain disabled. Legacy iOS Downgrade: Technique: Some users use tools like Legacy iOS Kit
to downgrade the device to iOS 6.1.3, which is sometimes easier to activate or "hacktivate" than iOS 9. Recommended Tools & Resources
For those looking to restore a 4s to a functional (though limited) state, the following community-trusted tools are standard: Sliver by AppleTech752
: A widely cited toolkit for bypassing older A5 devices like the iPhone 4s using an Arduino. Legacy iOS Kit
: A command-line tool used for downgrading and performing various legacy device repairs.
: A newer tool claiming support for various iOS versions, though reliability for the 4s specifically varies. Critical Limitations
Title: The Ghost in the Machine: The Ethics, Mechanics, and Legacy of the iOS 9.3.5 Activation Lock Bypass
In the annals of mobile computing, few devices have aged as gracefully yet tragically as the iPhone 4S. Released in 2011, it was the swan song of the Steve Jobs era, a device that defined the modern smartphone blueprint. However, for a specific subset of users and technologists, the iPhone 4S represents something else entirely: the final battlefield of the "Right to Repair" and the cat-and-mouse game of security exploitation. The quest to bypass the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5 is not merely a technical procedure; it is a philosophical inquiry into digital ownership, the planned obsolescence of secure hardware, and the resilience of legacy code.
To understand the significance of the iOS 9.3.5 bypass, one must first understand the context of the software. iOS 9.3.5 is a landmark version for the iPhone 4S. It is the final stop, the end of the line. For a device released with iOS 5, receiving four major OS updates was a testament to Apple’s hardware optimization. But this final update was not about features; it was about security. Released in August 2016, iOS 9.3.5 patched a critical "Trident" vulnerability—a trio of zero-day exploits that allowed remote jailbreaking. By updating to 9.3.5, users effectively closed the door on the easiest methods of modifying the system, making the Activation Lock—a security feature introduced in iOS 7—seemingly impenetrable.
The Activation Lock, tied to Apple’s Find My iPhone service, is a sophisticated theft deterrent. It binds a device’s unique identifier (UDID) to an Apple ID on Apple’s servers. Once engaged, the device becomes a "brick" until the original credentials are entered. For the iPhone 4S, this created a dilemma. As these phones entered the secondary market—lost, stolen, or merely forgotten by aging relatives—the hardware remained capable, but the software held it hostage.
For years, the consensus was that bypassing this lock on iOS 9.3.5 was impossible without the original password. While tools existed for older devices (like the iPhone 4, which had hardware exploits via the limera1n bootrom vulnerability), the iPhone 4S utilized a different, more secure processor architecture (the A5 chip). This left technicians and recyclers with piles of perfectly functional glass and metal that were functionally worthless.
However, the security community is nothing if not persistent. The narrative shifted with the discovery of a peculiar exploit that came to be known as the "Doulci" method and its subsequent evolutions. Unlike a brute-force attack, which is impossible due to time delays and server-side lockouts, the bypass for the iPhone 4S relied on a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack.
The mechanics of this bypass are intricate. It involves fooling the iPhone into believing it is communicating with Apple’s activation servers (albert.apple.com). By altering the computer's hosts file or using specialized software to redirect network traffic, a technician can intercept the activation request. Instead of sending the data to Apple, the device sends it to a local server or a proxy that mimics the "green light" response.
But here lies the distinction: for the iPhone 4S on iOS 9.3.5, this was often not a permanent "unlock." It was a bypass. The device would be freed from the setup screen, allowing access to the home screen and apps, but the underlying certificate chain was broken. This meant that Push Notifications would often fail (because the device’s unique push certificate could not be validated against Apple’s genuine servers), and the device could not make cellular calls or use iCloud services. It transformed a smartphone into a "super iPod touch"—a media consumption device stripped of its primary telecommunication identity.
This technical manipulation raises a profound ethical question regarding the nature of ownership. Apple designs its ecosystem as a walled garden to protect user privacy and deter theft. The argument is clear: if you cannot prove you own the Apple ID associated with the device, you should not be able to use it. This stance has made the iPhone the least stolen phone in the world. Yet, it clashes violently with the concept of hardware ownership. If a user buys a second-hand iPhone 4S and the seller forgets to remove their iCloud lock, does the buyer own the device? They physically possess it, but Apple retains a digital veto power over its functionality. The bypass becomes an act of digital civil disobedience—a way to reclaim hardware from the cloud.
Furthermore, the existence of the iOS 9.3.5 bypass highlights the fragility of legacy technology. As of today, the iPhone 4S is considered vintage. It cannot run modern apps like banking software or Uber; its 3G radios are becoming obsolete as carriers shut down older networks. In this context, the Activation Lock transitions from a security feature to a death sentence. If a device cannot be activated, it cannot be repurposed as a music player, a child’s first camera, or a dedicated GPS unit. The bypass, therefore, serves an environmental purpose: it keeps e-waste out of landfills by breathing new life into silicon that refuses to die.
In conclusion, the story of the iPhone 4S Activation Lock bypass on iOS 9.3.5 is a microcosm of the broader tech industry. It is a story of security researchers outsmarting trillion-dollar corporations, not for profit, but for the principle of access. It underscores the tension between the right
Due to the 4s being 32-bit, several exploits work that do not work on newer iPhones.
There are a few methods that have been used in the past to bypass the activation lock, but their effectiveness can vary based on the iOS version and device model:
The most reliable tool for an iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5 is Sliver (created by the r/Jailbreak community). It leverages the Sigpatches exploit specific to 32-bit devices.
Requirements:
Step-by-Step Guide:
/mnt2/mobile/Library/Accounts directory, effectively purging the Apple ID lock.Result: Full functionality—calls, iMessage, App Store, cellular data. However, do not erase the device in Settings, or the lock will return.
Remember: The iPhone 4s is a 32-bit relic. As of 2025, Apple will likely stop supporting activation servers for this device entirely, meaning future bypasses may become impossible. If you have a locked 4s on iOS 9.3.5, your window to unlock it is right now.
If you are determined to proceed, follow this safe roadmap: