: This is a partial bypass. While you can use Safari, take photos, and play games, calls, iMessage, FaceTime, and notifications often remain broken. It is also tethered in the sense that if you reboot, the lock may return.

Because the bypass is tethered, you will need to repeat this process every time the device is powered off or restarted.

: If you have the Apple ID, sign in to iCloud Find My , select the 4s, and click Remove This Device .

Method 2: Hardware-Based Exploits (Arduino + USB Host Shield)

The Ethics and Engineering of the Impenetrable: Analyzing the iPhone 4s Activation Lock on iOS 9.3.5

: As confirmed by multiple sources, this method is viable for devices running iOS 8, 9, and 10 , making it perfect for the iPhone 4s on 9.3.5. Some guides give it a success rate around 30%, so while it's not guaranteed, it's often the first port of call.

If you can tell me (e.g., forgot password, found phone, bought used), I can offer more tailored advice, such as how to contact Apple Support for an official unlock or which software tools are safest to use . Turn off Find My on your devices and items - Apple Support

The baseband will remain unactivated. You cannot make regular phone calls or send SMS texts. The device functions purely as an iPod/Wi-Fi device.

: Start the iPhone 4s and proceed to the Wi-Fi settings by clicking on the "i" next to the Wi-Fi network you wish to connect to.

| Tool | Type | Key Features | Supported Devices | Notes | |------|------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | | Free | Creates activation files; easy to use | Select iPhone models (limited) | Free but support is very narrow; may not work for all iPhones 4s units. | | Bobik Tool v1.2.0 (2026) | Free | iCloud fix for iOS 9–12; sideloading fix | iOS 9 to iOS 12 devices, including iPhone 4s | Recently updated, but community feedback is sparse. Always scan for malware before use. | | Tenorshare 4uKey | Paid | Removes Activation Lock, MDM, Screen Time passcodes; no Apple ID needed | iOS 18 down to iOS 9 (iPhone 4s supported) | Highly rated (4.4/5 on Trustpilot), reliable customer support, but not free. | | iToolab UnlockGo | Paid | Bypasses iCloud lock on Checkm8 devices; supports iOS 12.0–16.7 (Mac) and iOS 12.0–16.3 (Win) | iPhone 5s through iPhone X (A5–A11 chips) | Requires a computer; step‑by‑step wizard simplifies the process. | | Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker | Paid | Bypasses iCloud lock; also removes screen time and MDM profiles | iPhone 4/4s and later | Straightforward interface; offers a free trial but requires purchase for full features. |

Before diving into any third‑party tool, always consider Apple’s official channels. These are the only guaranteed ways to remove Activation Lock without voiding warranties or risking malware.

Because the iPhone 4s uses the A5 chip (a 32-bit architecture), it is vulnerable to specific hardware-level exploits that do not exist on newer 64-bit iPhones. This makes a hardware-level or custom firmware bypass possible.

You will be redirected to the portal screen, giving you access to apps, media, and features.

With a trembling hand, Elias deleted the setup.app file—the piece of code that tells the phone to show the Activation screen. He rebooted.

As soon as the screen changes to "Connecting," quickly tap the button in the top left corner.

(or later) software to run on a macOS environment (supports Big Sur and newer). : The Arduino is used to put the device into a pwned DFU mode

Manually put the iPhone 4S into DFU mode (hold Power and Home for 10 seconds, release Power, and keep holding Home for 10 seconds).