Before attempting a “hack,” try the legitimate route:
You connect the iPhone 4S to the Arduino setup via a 30-pin USB cable while putting the phone into DFU mode. The Arduino exploits the bootrom and flashes a green light when successful.
Furthermore, iOS 9.3.5 is the final software version supported by the iPhone 4S. Because of the device's age, official removal through Apple requires original proof of purchase, which most owners no longer have. Therefore, users must rely on alternative methods ranging from DNS bypasses to custom restoration tools. Method 1: The iCloud DNS Bypass (Quick & Partial)
The web is filled with websites promoting proprietary software tools that promise a "one-click untethered iCloud bypass with full cellular support" for a fee.
Remove the current DNS and enter a new one based on your location: 104.154.51.7 104.155.28.90 104.155.220.58 , and select Activation Help 2. Third-Party Software Tools iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5
Once pwned, plug the iPhone directly into your computer. Use specialized terminal scripts (such as Sliver or iOS7Crypt) to mount the root filesystem, erase the setup.app file responsible for triggering the lock screen, and reboot. Comparison of Methods Method 1: Apple Official Method 2: DNS Bypass Method 3: Arduino Exploit 100% (with proof) High (Technical) Cost Completely Free Completely Free Requires buying hardware Cellular Signal Works perfectly No Signal (Hacktivated) Persistence Disappears on reset Tethered/Semi-Tethered ⚠️ A Critical Warning Regarding Online Paid Tools
Apple will unlock the device for free if you can prove ownership. Visit the official Apple Activation Lock support webpage.
Remove the existing server and enter one of these DNS server addresses based on your region: 104.154.51.7 Europe: 104.155.28.90 Asia: 104.155.220.58 Other areas: 78.100.17.60 Tap Save and go back to the Wi-Fi screen. Tap Join this Network . The phone will attempt to activate. It will fail. Wait.
: The phone will force restart straight to the iOS 9.3.5 home screen, bypassing the login sequence completely. Method 3: Official Apple Support Request (Permanent Fix) Before attempting a “hack,” try the legitimate route:
Once the custom file system mounts on your Mac desktop, the tool executes a shell command to delete or rename /Applications/Setup.app .
To run custom commands on an locked A5 device, developers use hardware exploitation.
to send specific commands to the device in DFU mode to "hacktivate" it. Newer Alternative: Some users now use a Raspberry Pi Pico
While the iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5 is an older device, its security features remain robust. Temporary workarounds like the DNS method can provide limited access to some web-based features, but they do not restore the device to its full operational capacity. For a functional and secure experience, recovering the original credentials through Apple’s official account recovery tools or providing proof of purchase to Apple Support is the only recommended path. Because of the device's age, official removal through
These methods permanently remove the lock and allow full use of the device, including cellular services and the App Store.
Limitation: This method is partial. You might not have full cellular service or access to the App Store. Method 3: Official Apple Support (The Best Way)
iCloud status is checked via Apple's secure servers, not just the local device software.
Most modern bypass applications do not support legacy operating systems like iOS 9. Method 1: The Official and Permanent Solutions
: If you can contact the previous owner, they can remove the device remotely. They simply need to log in to the Apple Find My web portal, select the iPhone 4s, and click Remove from Account .
Because the iPhone 4s relies on the , it does not support standard bootrom-based exploits like Checkm8. Bypassing it completely requires a mix of hardware exploitation tools (like an Arduino setup) or soft DNS workarounds. This comprehensive guide details every actionable option to address the "iPhone 4s activation lock bypass ios 9.3.5" dilemma. Comprehensive Comparison of Bypass Methods Access Level Difficulty Success Rate Requirements DNS Bypass Limited App Portal Wi-Fi Connection only Sliver / RAMdisk Untethered Home Screen Mac, Arduino Board, USB Host Shield Official Apple Request Factory Reset / Full Access Medium-High Proof of Purchase Method 1: The Wi-Fi DNS Bypass (Easiest & Fastest)