Tap , select your Wi-Fi network, and enter your Wi-Fi password.
For users who own this device, the dreaded "Activation Lock" screen (asking for the Apple ID and password of the previous owner) is a common roadblock. Because iOS 9.3.5 is ancient by modern standards, conventional unlocking methods (like Apple’s official removal or modern software tools) often fail.
The iCloud Activation Lock, introduced in iOS 7, is an anti-theft mechanism designed to deter the theft of Apple devices by linking the hardware to a specific Apple ID. Once enabled, the device cannot be erased and reactivated without the original owner's credentials.
It is critical to distinguish between "bypassing activation" and "removing the iCloud lock." bypass icloud ipad mini 1 ios 93 5
You can submit your documentation through Apple’s official support webpage. If approved, Apple will remotely clear the iCloud lock from their servers, and your iPad Mini 1 will activate normally upon its next internet connection. Method 4: Desktop Software Tools (Paid & Automated)
It is completely free and does not require a computer. Cons: This is not a permanent unlock . It only works for devices on iOS 8 through iOS 10 (which includes your 9.3.5). It is a partial hack; while you can use basic apps and browse the web, core services like iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage, and push notifications will not work. Furthermore, if the device reboots, it will likely revert to the locked Activation Lock screen.
As hardware ages and falls out of support, the persistence of bootrom exploits ensures that ultimate control over the device eventually shifts from the manufacturer back to the user—albeit a user armed with sophisticated exploitation tools. Tap , select your Wi-Fi network, and enter
Use DNS (Method 3) , but it's limited to "kiosk mode" browsing. iPad Mini 1
The best approach is to contact the previous owner and ask them to either enter their credentials or remotely remove the device from their iCloud account via the Find My app or iCloud Find Devices. Method 2: DNS Bypass (Temporary, Function-Limited)
On newer iOS versions (iOS 12+), the SpringBoard checks for a "UIRequested" flag. If the setup process was never completed properly, the UI may remain blank or black. However, on iOS 9.3.5, the system architecture is more lenient. If Setup.app is missing, the system often defaults to the home screen without requiring the "gadget mode" patches necessary on newer firmware. This makes iOS 9.3.5 particularly susceptible to this rudimentary bypass. The iCloud Activation Lock, introduced in iOS 7,
While deleting Setup.app grants access to the home screen, the device suffers from significant functional deficits:
So, can you bypass an iCloud lock on an iPad mini 1 running iOS 9.3.5 in 2025? The answer is yes—but with significant caveats.