Can I unlock an old iPhone that was never activated? This is the most common problem many face when faced with older devices. Maybe you found an inactive iPhone while sorting through your old belongings or a seemingly brand-new device in the secondhand market and were overwhelmed by the fact that you couldn't unlock it. Whether it's a brand-new device that hasn't been activated or a phone that's been locked because you've forgotten your account information, there are solutions. This article will answer your questions in detail and provide simple and effective ways to unlock your old iPhone and give it a new life.

Part 1. Challenges of Unlocking Old iPhone

Before you learn how to unlock an old iPhone, you must understand that the process is often challenging. Different situations have its unique challenges. Here are some common obstacles:

• Activate lock restrictions

Older iPhones can be locked with Activation Lock, especially on devices that have never been activated. The device is nearly impossible to unlock without the correct Apple ID and password.

• iOS system compatibility

Many old iPhones run earlier versions of iOS, which can lead to incompatibility with modern unlocking tools or methods. As iOS has been updated, Apple has continued to improve security, which has made earlier versions of the iPhone more restricted and technically difficult to unlock.

• Risk of data loss

During the unlocking process, data from the device may be completely erased. Therefore, many often must trade between efficiency and data security when choosing an unlocking method.

• Lack of technical support

Apple generally only supports current-model devices and doesn't officially help unlock older or used devices. In addition, some old equipment may be out of warranty, and users lack the necessary technical support when dealing with these problems.

Fortunately, despite these seemingly intractable issues, many users can still successfully unlock their old iPhone and repurpose it with the proper tools and steps. Next, we explore how these challenges can be effectively addressed.

Part 2. Best Tool to Unlock Old iPhone Without Passcode

Having understood the challenges, let's return to the original question: Can I unlock an old phone that was never activated? The answer is yes, but choosing a reliable unlocking tool is important. Since many users cannot easily remember passwords or encounter activation lock restrictions, Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker is the ideal choice for unlocking old iPhones. This tool is easy to use and can quickly unlock your iOS device without a password, perfectly solving the challenges mentioned above.

Step 1. First, visit the download link above and download Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker for Windows or Mac. After launching the software, select Wipe Passcode on the main page.

Step 2. After confirming that the unlock type meets your needs, click the Start button to continue.

Step 3. Then, connect your old iPhone to your computer via a USB cable. Ensure your device is unlocked and on the home screen, and the software will begin to detect your iPhone and display information about it. After making sure the device information is correct, click Start to continue.

Step 4. You will be asked to download the firmware for your device. Click the Download button and wait patiently. After downloading the firmware, click the Wipe button to start unlocking. You will be prompted to confirm the action, as the unlocking process may erase data on the device. After confirmation, the unlocking process will start automatically.

Once the unlock is complete, your old iPhone will automatically restart, and you can access the device's home screen. At this point, you can set a new password or Apple ID.

Part 3. How to Unlock an Old iPhone via iTunes& iCloud

You can unlock it through iTunes and iCloud to avoid using third-party tools. The same applies in most cases. Whether you want to know how to unlock an old iPhone or how to unlock an old iPad, it can be solved by following these steps. Moreover, not only iOS users, Windows users can easily do it through iTunes for Windows.

iTunes

Step 1. Install and open the latest version of iTunes, and after launching, connect your old iPhone or iPad to your computer. iTunes automatically recognizes your device and displays it in the interface.

Step 2. Then, according to the device model, follow the following steps to put the device into recovery mode:

iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press the volume up and the volume down button, then hold the side button until the specified screen is displayed.

iPhone 7 (Plus): Press the volume down and power buttons and hold them simultaneously until you enter recovery mode.

iPhone 6s and earlier: Press the home and power buttons until the device enters the recovery mode screen.

Step 3. iTunes detects that the device is in recovery mode and prompts you to choose an action. Click the Restore iPhone button, and iTunes will erase all the data on your device and remove the lock screen password.

iCloud

Step 1. Log in to the iCloud website on your computer with the Apple ID associated with the locked device. Go to the home page and select the Find My function.

Step 2. Find the old iPhone or iPad locked in the list of devices, tap the device name, and then select the Erase iPhone or iPad options.

Part 4. Tips for Reusing Old iPhones

After unlocking your old iPhone, you might wonder how to return those devices to their value. Just a few adjustments can make life easier. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your old iPhone:

• Keep it as a backup device

An old iPhone can be set up as a spare phone if the main device is damaged or runs low on power.

• Set as a smart home controller

By downloading smart Home control apps, an old iPhone can be used as a dedicated smart home control device to operate lights, cameras, and other smart devices.

• Recycle for discount

If your old iPhone doesn't work properly, you can give it to Apple official or another electronic device recycling platform in exchange for a discount. Of course, you should factory reset the iPhone without a passcode before recycling it.

• Used as an emergency contact device

Even without a SIM card, older iPhones can still dial emergency numbers. Keep them at home, in your car, or a travel bag for emergencies.

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