Only for hobbyists or repair shop owners.
Bypassing Activation Lock without proof of ownership is against Apple’s policies and may be illegal. Legitimate options include contacting Apple support with the original receipt. For iOS 9.3.5 on iPhone 4s, some unofficial methods exist, but they are not endorsed and may compromise security.
: If the previous owner is willing, they can sign in to the iCloud Find My page , select the iPhone 4s, and choose "Remove from Account" . This is the most reliable way to clear the lock instantly. iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5
While a permanent official bypass usually requires the original Apple ID, several community-driven methods have emerged over the years: DNS Bypass (Limited Access):
As of March 2026, the iPhone 4s is officially considered by Apple . Many bypass methods for older devices (like the iPhone 4) do not work on the 4s due to its different hardware architecture . Additionally, many legacy tools no longer function on modern operating systems like Windows 11 or the latest macOS . Only for hobbyists or repair shop owners
Below is a review of current methods, their reliability, and limitations: ⭐ Summary of Top Methods
The year was 2011 when the iPhone 4S first changed the world, but by late 2016, it had reached its final destination: iOS 9.3.5. For Leo, a digital archivist, the sleek glass slab sitting on his desk wasn’t just an old phone—it was a locked vault. He had bought it at a flea market, a pristine "white pearl" model, only to find the dreaded Activation Lock screen staring back at him. For iOS 9
to send specific commands to the device in DFU mode to "hacktivate" it. Newer Alternative: Some users now use a Raspberry Pi Pico