Disclaimer: Information provided as-is. Always ensure you are the legal owner of the device before attempting a bypass.
For tech-savvy enthusiasts, there is an exclusive hardware-level method involving custom code execution. Because the A5 chip requires specific USB timing exploits to enter a Pwned DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode, developers use an micro-controller paired with a USB Host Shield .
Connect the Arduino board to an external power supply or your PC.
However, if you are looking to use this as a daily driver phone or need full iCloud functionality, this will not work for you. It is a "semi-bypass" at best—great for repurposing hardware, but definitely not a security exploit for thieves.
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5 is entirely possible as of 2026, thanks to the vulnerability of the A5 chip. While it is rarely a permanent "factory reset" fix, methods involving jailbreaking and Setup.app deletion can fully revive the device for media consumption, browsing, and legacy app usage. Always use caution when downloading and running unlocking tools. If you are interested, I can: iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 935 exclusive
Click . This pushes a custom operating environment directly into the device's volatile memory.
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: Open-source, dedicated exploitation toolsets used to send the Ramdisk payloads and delete Setup.app .
If you bought the phone secondhand and it is locked to the previous owner's account, they do not need to physically touch the phone to unlock it. They can do it remotely from any computer: Have the previous owner log into . Click on All Devices at the top and select the iPhone 4S. Click Erase iPhone (if not already done). Disclaimer: Information provided as-is
Many third-party sites and videos claim to offer "exclusive" or "permanent" bypasses. Users should approach these with extreme caution: Activation Lock - Support
Select your network, and select "Configure DNS" -> "Manual".
from the system files, effectively skipping the activation screen. Raspberry Pi Pico
Note: This method does not allow you to make cellular phone calls or use the native iOS App Store. Because the A5 chip requires specific USB timing
While there is no magical "one-click" software that will permanently turn an iPhone 4S into a brand-new device without the original credentials, there are a few legitimate pathways to explore. Method 1: The Official Apple Route (Free)
Method 1: The Hardware Exploitation Method (Sliver & Arduino)
Do not attempt to sign in to iCloud via the main iOS Settings application, as this can trigger a device lock script. Instead, sign in to your Apple ID directly inside the App Store app to download compatible legacy software applications.
The iPhone 4s, released in 2011, reached its final official software version——in 2016. This version introduced the modern Activation Lock system, which links the device to the owner’s Apple ID and password. If a previous owner forgot their credentials or sold the device without erasing it properly, the iPhone 4s becomes an electronic brick.