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I wanted to make a general post explaining Activation Lock and the process of how to either get by it or have it removed.

(Note: This post does not include any tips on jail breaking or modifications to the device)

(Note: All of the provided information is directly from Apple.)

To start off with, what is Activation Lock?

- a feature that's designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone.

How does it work?

- When you turn on Find My iPhone on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, your Apple ID is securely stored on Apple's activation servers and linked to your device. From that point on, your Apple ID password or device passcode is required before anyone can turn off Find My iPhone, erase your device, or reactivate and use your device.

Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you set up Find My iPhone.

What happens if my device is Lost/Stolen?

- If you ever misplace your device--whether it's lost or you think it might have been stolen--you should put it into Lost Mode immediately with Find My iPhone.

Lost Mode locks your screen with a passcode and lets you display a custom message with your phone number to help you get it back. You can also remotely erase your device if needed, and your custom message continues to display even after the device is erased.

While Activation Lock works in the background to make it more difficult for someone to use or sell your missing device, Lost Mode clearly indicates to anyone who finds your device that it still belongs to you and can't be reactivated without your password.

To put a device into Lost Mode, sign in to icloud.com/find from a Mac or PC or use the Find My iPhone iOS app.

You can learn more about what to do if your device is lost or stolen here: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

You can read more information about Activation Lock here: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

How to get past or remove Activation Lock:

If your iOS device is Activation Locked and you do not know what your Apple ID/Password you can start by trying to recover your Apple account..

Since it is none of our business what security you have on your account, I have provided links to several sources to help you recover your account.

(Note: Never tell anyone your Apple ID, Password, or any other sensitive information related to your account.

Use the Apple ID management webpage to locate or recover your Apple ID account: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you forgot your Apple ID: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you forgot your Apple ID password: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you have an extra layer of security on your account:

- Check first to to see if you have any trusted device.

Trusted phone numbers:
-A trusted phone number is a number that can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication.

You should also consider verifying other phone numbers you can access, such as a home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend. You can use these numbers if you temporarily can't access your own devices.

Verification codes
-A verification code is a temporary code sent to your trusted device or phone number when you sign in to a new device or browser with your Apple ID. You can also get a verification code from Settings on your trusted device. [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

A verification code is different from the device passcode you enter to unlock your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Two-step verification for Apple ID: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you cant sign in with two-step verification using your Apple ID: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Switch from two-step verification to two-factor authentication: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Recover your Apple ID with two-factor authentication account recovery: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you need further assistance with trying to recover your Apple ID account, you can contact AppleCare Support and they can try to verify you on the phone. (Depending on what security you have on your Apple ID account): [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Next try these steps:

Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

If you are not able to recover your Apple ID account and your iOS is still Activation Locked, there is only a one other thing you can try to do.

Gain access to the Original Proof of Purchase for the device (Which is a sales receipt or invoice) and contact AppleCare with the documentation ready to submit for review.

AppleCare Support phone number for your region: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]