How to Remove iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI
Activation Lock is designed to protect the device from being accessed by someone else if the iPhone is lost or stolen. It can only be unlocked with the correct Apple ID and passcode. However, some people who bought a second-hand iPhone neglected Activation Lock on the device or were unable to figure out the previous owner, leaving them unable to access their iPhone. How to solve this issue quickly?
There are many solutions for Activation Lock removal. People prefer to use third-party software. One of those is using an IMEI tool to bypass the Activation Lock on the iPhone. This post comes with the methods that tell you how to remove iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI, and a utility tool is also introduced to you.

Part 1: What is IMEI and How Does It Work?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15 to 17 digit number assigned to every mobile phone or device that connects to cellular networks. The IMEI number acts as a fingerprint for your device, helping to identify it globally. It is primarily used by network providers for tracking and identifying devices, especially in cases of theft or fraud.
IMEI enables you to locate iPhone, record calls and SMS messages, check the duration of device service, etc. A dual SIM mobile phone has 2 IMEIs. You can provide the carrier with an IMEI and ask them to blacklist your iPhone so that the network is not available for this iPhone. In addition, location from IMEI is the key component enabling Find My to work. So, it's achievable to unlock iCloud with IMEI.
Part 2: How to Get IMEI on a Locked iPhone?
Way 1: Get IMEI on iPhone via Dialer
This is the quickest and most direct method — even if your screen is locked, you can use the built-in dial pad to retrieve the IMEI without needing to power on the device fully. You can dial *#06#. The IMEI number will appear on the screen.

Way 2: Get IMEI on iPhone Packaging
When you buy a new iPhone from the store, there will be a packaging box for your iPhone with information about messaging on this iPhone. And IMEI is also included. If you have never discarded it, you can find that packaging out and get your IMEI.

Way 3: Get IMEI from SIM Tray
If you cannot find your packaging, you can also get your own IMEI from the SIM card tray. The IMEI on some iPhone is displayed on the tray inside iPhone which is set to place a SIM card. You can use a SIM card needle to get that tray out and check your IMEI.

Way 4: Find Your IMEI via iTunes
If you have access to a computer, you can connect your locked iPhone to iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions) and view its information, including IMEI, from the device summary.
Step 1. Launch iTunes or Finder.
Step 2. Find your device in Summary of iTunes. Click on the Phone Number so you can get your IMEI.

Way 5: Restart iPhone and Get IMEI
Reboot your iPhone, and you can see "i" icon on the lower right corner. Tap on it and you can see your IMEI. What you need to know about this method is that the interface is different for different iPhone and iOS versions. If it does not work, try to use other methods to get your IMEI to remove Activation Lock using IMEI free.

Way 6: Get IMEI from The Back Side of iPhone
If your iPhone is iPhone 6S, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, or iPhone 8, you can get the IMEI from the back side of your iPhone. And other iPhone cannot check IMEI in this way.

Way 7: Check Your Apple Account
If the iPhone is already linked to your Apple ID, you may be able to log into your Apple account via a browser and see the IMEI in your device list — a method that works even when you don't have physical access to the phone.
Step 1. Log in to your Apple account and password on a web browser at account.apple.com.
Step 2. Under "Devices," select your iPhone to view its IMEI.

Part 3: Bypass iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI Free
Method 1: Bypass with iFinder 2020
iFinder is a tool to bypass iCloud Activation Lock and other locked screens on iPhone. You can also fix iPhone's battery, upgrade the iOS version with iFinder 2020. The interface is simple and the steps are clear for using this tool. This is a good option for people who want to bypass iCloud Activation with IMEI for free. A step-by-step guide is presented below.
Step 1. Download iFinder 2020 on your computer, and launch it. You need to connect your iPhone with a USB cable, and if it's not working, you have to manually turn your iPhone into Recovery Mode.
Step 2. Log in with your user ID and password.
Step 3. Click on Unlock iCloud, and enter your IMEI, serial number, iPhone model and iOS version, then click on START to go ahead.
Step 4. Click on Unlock Now, and wait for a while. Then, a pop-up shows you the Apple ID and passcode for removing the Activation Lock on your iPhone.

Method 2: Bypass with IMEIUnlockSIM
IMEIUnlockSIM is an online service, which provides a way to bypass iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI. It also allows you to check the simlock, carrier, and FMI with IMEI. The detailed steps to use this tool are provided below.
Step 1. Go to the page of IMEIUnlockSIM, and click iCloud Unlock.
Step 2. You need to select the service and enter your IMEI. Then, tap on Unlock Now.

Method 3: Bypass with IMEI Check & iCloud Unlock
IMEI Check & iCloud Unlock is an app available on the Google Play Store that helps you bypass iCloud activation using the device's IMEI number. The process is simple, as outlined in the following steps:
Step 1. Download and install the IMEI Check & iCloud Unlock app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Tap on the Bypass iCloud Now menu to begin the bypass process.
Step 3. Input the necessary information, such as the device's IMEI number. After filling in the required details, tap Submit to initiate the process.

Part 4: Use TunesKit to Bypass Activation Lock without IMEI
IMEI can help you bypass the Activation Lock sometimes, but with Apple constantly repairing its iOS system, the success rate of this method cannot be estimated. With these methods, you need to spend so much time on finding your IMEI. Here is another software with no need to find your IMEI and you can also bypass the Activation Lock with several easy steps.
TunesKit Activation Unlocker is an Activation Lock bypass tool with a high success rate and easy steps. Most of the issues caused by Activation Lock can be fixed completely, such as iCloud locked iPhone, cannot turn off Find My on iPad, bought a second hand device with iCloud Activation Lock, and more. Activation Lock on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch can be bypassed with this utility tool. Windows and MacOS are supported.
Highlights of TunesKit Activation Unlocker
Its standout feature is the ability to remove Activation Lock without entering any passcode.
Steps below show you how to bypass iCloud Activation without IMEI with TunesKit Activation Unlocker.
Step 1 Connect your iPhone with a USB cable
First, go to download TunesKit Activation Unlocker and launch it on your PC, then connect your iPhone to the computer. The connection needs to be stable in this whole process. Select Remove iCloud Activation Lock on the main screen. Click on Start and you can see a pop-up. Read it carefully and click Agree to proceed.

Step 2 Jailbreak your system
For the differences between different systems, the solution to jailbreak is also different. Click on the tutorial link below according to your system to jailbreak your iPhone. After jailbreak, you need to reboot your computer.

Step 3Start to bypass activation lock without Apple ID and password
Launch TunesKit Activation Unlocker again, and go to check the device's info listed. Go to click Start to Remove if there's nothing wrong. Then it begins to bypass the Activation Lock on your device. After a few moments, you'll have unrestricted access to your iPhone.

Part 5. FAQs about Removing iCloud Activation Lock
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Q1: Does factory resetting remove Activation Lock?
No. Resetting an iPhone does not remove Activation Lock. After the reset, the device will still prompt for the previous owner's Apple ID during setup.
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Q2: Why does my iPhone still ask for the old Apple ID after signing into my own?
This means the device is still linked to the previous owner's iCloud account. You must remove the old Apple ID first—either through the previous owner, Apple Support, or an unlocking tool.
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Q3: Will bypassing Activation Lock remove carrier lock?
No. Activation Lock and carrier lock are two separate things. Even after bypassing iCloud, the device may still be locked to a specific carrier.
Part 6. Conclusion
"Remove iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI" is the first option for some people, because it's free for Activation Lock bypass. But, it sometimes does not work and you have to get your IMEI first so you can bypass the Activation Lock. However, with the TunesKit Activation Unlocker you can bypass the Activation Lock without IMEI. You can choose the appropriate one to assist you fix your iPhone. If you have any problems with the tool, we are glad to help you to figure out the issues.