When an iPhone 4S attempts to complete its initial setup on iOS 9.3.5, it transmits its unique hardware identifiers (UDID, IMEI, and Serial Number) to Apple's activation servers. If those servers flag the device as linked to an active iCloud account, the phone refuses to load the SpringBoard (home screen) until the original Apple ID and password are submitted. Because this check happens on remote servers rather than locally on the device's storage chip, . Method 1: The Official Solution (The Only Permanent Fix)
Only for hobbyists or repair shop owners.
iCloud Activation Lock is a component of Apple's "Find My iPhone" security ecosystem. Introduced globally in iOS 7, it is designed to prevent unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices.
The most reliable tool for an iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5 is (created by the r/Jailbreak community). It leverages the Sigpatches exploit specific to 32-bit devices.
Grants limited access to a captive portal with web-based apps, games, and videos. iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5
Turn on your iPhone 4S and proceed through the initial setup until you reach the .
How to Bypass iPhone 4S Activation Lock on iOS 9.3.5: An Essential Guide
Before attempting a “hack,” try the legitimate route:
To achieve a true, device-level bypass that clears the setup screen entirely, you must exploit the device's bootrom. This requires entering a "Pwned DFU" mode, which cannot be done on an iPhone 4S using just a standard USB cable and a computer. Required Tools: An micro-controller board. A USB Host Shield attached to the Arduino. When an iPhone 4S attempts to complete its
Tap at the top left, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter your password to connect.
: A command-line tool used for downgrading and performing various legacy device repairs.
This is considered the most robust technique for the iPhone 4s. It leverages a powerful, unpatchable bootrom exploit called , which affects all devices with A5 to A11 chips, including the iPhone 4s. This method creates a temporary "ramdisk" (a special operating system loaded into the phone's memory) to modify the device's files.
A legacy Mac or Linux computer running older toolsets (such as Silver or custom terminal scripts) A standard 30-pin Apple cable How It Works: Method 1: The Official Solution (The Only Permanent
Wait for Apple to review the documentation. If approved, they will remotely clear the lock from their servers, allowing you to activate the phone normally via Wi-Fi. Method 2: DNS Bypass (Partial Interface Access)
The oldest trick in the book for Activation Lock on iOS 9 is the . This does not remove the lock permanently. It simply redirects the activation server to a fake server, allowing you to use limited device functions.
The most reliable way to permanently remove the lock is through official channels or established services.