iCloud DNS Bypass Code & Alternatives

An iCloud DNS bypass is a temporary workaround that lets you activate an iPhone or iPad stuck on the Activation Lock screen by changing the DNS server, but it does not remove the Apple ID lock itself. The most commonly cited code is 78.109.17.60 (or 104.155.28.90), entered in the Wi-Fi settings during setup. This article explains what the bypass actually does, why it only works on older iOS versions, and what your real alternatives are if you own the device but forgot the Apple ID password.

What Is Activation Lock and Why Does It Happen?

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature introduced with iOS 7. When you turn on Find My iPhone, Apple ties the device to your Apple ID. If the device is erased or restored, it asks for that same Apple ID and password before it can be activated again. This is a deliberate security measure: a stolen iPhone is useless without the original owner’s credentials.

You see the Activation Lock screen in three common situations:

• You bought a used iPhone and the previous owner did not remove Find My iPhone.
• You forgot your own Apple ID password and erased the device.
• The device was restored from a backup that had Find My enabled.

The lock is tied to Apple’s servers, not to the phone’s storage. That is why a simple restore or DFU mode does not clear it.

How the DNS Bypass Works

The DNS bypass exploits a weakness in the activation process on older iOS versions (roughly iOS 7 through iOS 12). During setup, the phone contacts Apple’s servers to check the activation status. By changing the DNS server in the Wi-Fi settings to a specific IP address, the phone is redirected to a third-party server that mimics Apple’s activation response. That fake server tells the phone it is activated, so you can get past the lock screen and reach the home screen.

Once you are in, you can use the phone for basic tasks like making calls, using apps, and browsing the web. However, the bypass is incomplete:

• You cannot sign in to iCloud or the App Store with a new Apple ID.
• Some features like Find My iPhone and FaceTime may not work.
• The phone may still show “Activation Lock” when you restart or reset it.
• It does not remove the Apple ID from the device’s records, so it is not a true unlock.

The bypass is not a permanent fix. It is a workaround that only works until the phone re-checks activation, which often happens after a reboot or a network change.

The Common DNS Codes and How to Enter Them

The most widely shared DNS codes for the bypass are:

• 78.109.17.60 – the most popular, hosted by a well-known bypass service.
• 104.155.28.90 – a Google Cloud IP used as a backup.
• 45.155.205.233 – another frequently listed address.

To enter the code during setup:

1. Start the iPhone and get to the Wi-Fi selection screen.
2. Tap the “i” icon next to your network.
3. Scroll down and change “Configure DNS” from Automatic to Manual.
4. Delete the existing server and add one of the codes above.
5. Tap back and connect to the network.
6. The phone should try to activate and then redirect to a custom activation screen.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to reach the home screen.

If the code does not work, try the others. The servers are sometimes down or blocked by Apple, so there is no guarantee.

Why It Only Works on Older iOS Versions

Apple patched the DNS bypass vulnerability in iOS 12.4 and later. Starting with iOS 13, the activation process uses a secure, authenticated connection that cannot be intercepted by a fake DNS server. Even if you change the DNS, the phone will simply show an error or refuse to activate.

This means the bypass is only useful for:

• iPhone 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st gen), 7, and 7 Plus running iOS 12 or earlier.
• iPad models from the same era.
• iPods touch from that generation.

If your device is already on iOS 13 or newer, the DNS bypass will not work. You cannot downgrade the iOS version because Apple stops signing older versions, so there is no way to go back to a vulnerable state.

Real Alternatives to the DNS Bypass

If you own the device but cannot remember the Apple ID password, you have several legitimate options. The DNS bypass is not one of them if your iOS is too new.

• Apple ID password reset: Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the prompts. If you have access to the trusted phone number or email, you can reset the password and then use it to unlock the device.
• Apple Support: If you can prove you own the device (original receipt, box, or serial number), Apple can remove Activation Lock remotely. This is the only official method that works on any iOS version.
• Previous owner: If you bought the phone used, contact the seller and ask them to sign in to iCloud.com and remove the device from their account. This is the fastest way if they are willing.
• Check coverage: Use Apple’s coverage checker with the serial number to see if the device is still under warranty. If it is, Apple may help you more easily.

There is no legitimate software that can remove Activation Lock without the original Apple ID. Any service that claims to do so is either a scam or uses illegal methods that will not last.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many people confuse the DNS bypass with a full unlock. It is not. Here are the most common issues:

• The phone restarts and locks again. This is normal. The bypass is not permanent.
• You cannot update iOS. Updating will re-enable the lock and you will lose access.
• You cannot use a SIM card for cellular data. Some bypasses block cellular activation.
• The phone is still linked to the original owner. Find My iPhone will still show the device on their account.

A frequent misconception is that the DNS bypass is a “free unlock” that removes the Apple ID. It does not. It only changes the activation response temporarily. The Apple ID remains on the device’s activation records, and any restore will bring the lock back.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Using a DNS bypass on a device you do not own is illegal in many jurisdictions. It is a form of circumventing a security measure, and it can be considered theft if the device is stolen. Even if you own the phone, the bypass violates Apple’s Terms of Service, and Apple may refuse service for that device in the future.

There are also security risks. The third-party DNS servers can see your traffic and may inject malicious content. You are essentially trusting an unknown server with your network data. For these reasons, the bypass should only be used as a last resort on a device you own, and you should switch back to a normal DNS server as soon as you are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iCloud DNS bypass work on iPhone 11 or newer?

No. iPhone 11 and all newer models come with iOS 13 or later, which has a secure activation process that cannot be bypassed with a DNS change. The bypass only works on devices running iOS 12 or earlier.

Will the DNS bypass remove the Apple ID from the phone?

No. It only tricks the phone into thinking it is activated. The Apple ID is still stored on Apple’s servers, and the lock will return after a restore or update.

Can I use the phone normally after the bypass?

You can use it for basic functions like calling, texting, and apps that do not require iCloud. You cannot sign in to iCloud, the App Store, or use Find My iPhone. Some features like FaceTime may also be limited.

What is the best alternative if I forgot my Apple ID password?

Try the official Apple ID password reset at iforgot.apple.com. If you have access to your trusted phone number, you can reset it in minutes. If not, contact Apple Support with proof of purchase.

Is it legal to use a DNS bypass on my own phone?

It is a gray area. It violates Apple’s Terms of Service, but if you own the phone and are not using it for fraud, you are unlikely to face legal action. However, it is not a permanent solution and may cause issues later.

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