Effective Ways to Set Up iPhone without Apple ID

"I bought a second-hand iPhone. It has an Activation Lock, and I can't contact the previous owner. Is it possible to activate iPhone without Apple ID?"

Setting up a new or second-hand iPhone should be simple, but it often becomes complicated when you're asked to sign in with an Apple ID. If you don't have the original login details—or simply prefer not to use an Apple ID—you may be wondering how to set up an iPhone without Apple ID.

In this guide, we'll walk you through several methods, including how to activate iPhone without Apple ID, so you can start using your device freely. Whether you're setting up a fresh iPhone, dealing with a locked iCloud account, or configuring a phone for someone else, this article covers safe and effective ways to get started—no Apple ID required.

Part 1. Can You Set Up iPhone without Apple ID?

Yes, you can set up an iPhone without an Apple ID, but with limited functionality. Here's what you need to know:

✅ What You Can Do Without an Apple ID? You can use the phone for:

• Calling and texting
• Browsing the web (Safari)
• Taking photos and videos
• Using Apple Maps
• Connecting to Wi-Fi
• Basic system settings and apps (like Calculator, Clock, Notes)

❌ What You Can't Do Without an Apple ID

• Download apps from the App Store
• Use iCloud services (e.g. backup, Find My iPhone)
• Use iMessage and FaceTime
• Sync data across Apple devices (contacts, calendar, photos)
• Use Apple Music, iCloud Drive, or other Apple services

⚠️ Activation Lock Consideration

If the device was previously used and Find My iPhone was enabled, you'll need the original Apple ID and password to bypass Activation Lock. Without it, you can't set up the device—even as a new user.

Part 2. How to Set Up an iPhone/iPad Without Apple ID?

Method 1: Set Up Later in Settings

This method is suitable for new or reset device, you can use it when turning on a new or factory-reset device for the first time. Here's how:

Step 1: Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
Step 2: When you see the Apple ID Sign-In screen, tap "Forgot password or don't have an Apple ID?" Then tap "Set Up Later in Settings," when prompted, confirm by tapping "Don't Use."

Step 3: Tap Agree to continue. Choose preferences for Siri, Screen Time, app appearance, etc. These can be skipped or customized later. Tap Get Started on the final screen to begin using the device.

Method 2: Remove Apple ID using TunesKit iPhone Unlcoker

If you've already signed in with an Apple ID while setting up your iPhone or iPad, but Sign Out is not available due to restrictions, how can you safely remove the existing Apple ID? TunesKit iPhone Unlocker comes in handy, you can use its unlock Apple ID feature to safely remove Apple ID without password. Once the Apple ID is removed, you can set up the device as new or restore from backup.

Part 3: How to Activate iPhone without Apple ID?

Method 1. Activate iPhone with iCloud DNS

It is not 100% working to activate iPhone via DNS (Domain Name System). The Activation Lock won't be permanently removed in this way.

Here is how to activate iPhone with iCloud DNS:

Step 1. Tap back to go to "Choose a Wi-Fi Network" page.
Step 2. Press the Home button and click "More Wi-Fi Settings"
Step 3. Tap on the "i" icon. Scroll down and click "Configure DNS".
Step 4. Select "Manual". Remove the existing DNS servers.

Step 5. Add DNS server. You can choose one of the IPs listed below according to your location:
USA:104.154.51.7
UK: 104.155.28.90
Europe: 104.155.28.90
Asia: 104.155.220.58
Australia and Oceania: 35.189.47.23

Step 6. Return to the Wi-Fi page. Then click "Next" or "Back" until the Activation Lock is bypassed.

Method 2. Activate iPhone via TunesKit Activation Unlocker

If you cannot activate your iPhone via DNS, you will need a professional tool like TunesKit Activation Unlocker. It has a much higher success rate than DNS, and you can activate your iPhone easily with a few clicks. No professional knowledge is required.

TunesKit Activation Unlocker has a massive capability in dealing with issues around Activation Lock, such as not turning off Find My without passcode, removing Activation Lock without the previous owner, iPhone being in Lost Mode, etc. It is highly recommended by users.

You can activate your iPhone with these steps:

Step 1Connect Your iPhone to a Computer

Download and install TunesKit Activation Unlocker, and open it on your computer. Connect your iPhone to PC using a USB cable. Then click on the Remove iCloud Activation Lock on the main screen. On the next page, click the Start button to begin the process.

Step 2Jailbreak Your iPhone

Download the jailbreak tool. Then, you can jailbreak your iPhone following the tutorial on the screen according to the system running on your computer.

Step 3Remove Activation Lock on Your iPhone

After jailbreaking successfully, you need to restart your computer and launch TunesKit Activation Unlocker again. Click the Start to Remove button to remove the activation lock without passcode. Now you can activate iPhone without Apple ID.

Part 4. Tips for Selling or Buying a Second-hand iPhone

Before Buying a Second-hand iPhone

1. Ensure the Activation Lock is off. Or you cannot have full access to the device.
2. Be careful about stolen iPhones. To avoid buying a stolen iPhone with Activation Lock, you can ask for the IMEI number of the device.

Before Selling or Giving away Your iPhone

If you are going to sell or gift your iPhone to others:

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in to it.
Step 2. Hit on "Find iPhone".

Step 3. View the list of "All Devices" and select your iPhone.
Step 4. Tap on "Remove from Account". The Apple ID password is required.

Don't forget to back up your iPhone. Sign out your Apple ID and iCloud. After that, you can erase your iPhone.

Part 5. Conclusion

This article explores practical and safe methods to set up an iPhone without using an Apple ID. It covers how to manually skip Apple ID during the initial setup, what features are limited without signing in, and how to activate an iPhone that's locked to an existing Apple ID using trusted tools like TunesKit Activation Unlocker. Keep following us to learn more.