FAQ
TL;DR: Activation Lock bypass on iPhone 6 typically means replacing 4 chips: "You need to replace NAND, CPU, Baseband, and EEPROM Baseband." This FAQ explains options, limits, and risks for buyers and repairers facing iCloud-locked boards. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035874]
Why it matters: It helps you avoid dead-end tools, risky board swaps, and wasted money when dealing with iCloud‑locked iPhones.
- Activation Lock status lives on Apple servers; only Apple clears it with purchase proof. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035450]
- iPhone 6 can’t install iOS 10 now; Apple no longer signs it, so downgrades fail. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17043035]
- Hardware bypass needs 4 chips replaced: NAND (U0604), CPU (U0201), Baseband (U_BB_RF), Baseband EEPROM (U_EEP_RF). [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035874]
- IP BOX NAVIPLUS edits NAND data (SN/MAC/partitions); it doesn’t remove server‑side iCloud locks. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17038495]
- Economics: parts, tools, and skills often equal a used board’s price; not worth it for most. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17044976]
Quick Facts
- Activation Lock status lives on Apple servers; only Apple clears it with purchase proof. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035450]
- iPhone 6 can’t install iOS 10 now; Apple no longer signs it, so downgrades fail. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17043035]
- Hardware bypass needs 4 chips replaced: NAND (U0604), CPU (U0201), Baseband (U_BB_RF), Baseband EEPROM (U_EEP_RF). [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035874]
- IP BOX NAVIPLUS edits NAND data (SN/MAC/partitions); it doesn’t remove server‑side iCloud locks. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17038495]
- Economics: parts, tools, and skills often equal a used board’s price; not worth it for most. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17044976]
Is there any free way to remove Activation Lock on iPhone 6?
No. Activation Lock is enforced on Apple’s servers, not locally. “Only Apple is able to remove this blockade.” Apple requires proof of purchase from the owner. No software or free program can change the server status. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035450]
What hardware must be replaced to bypass Activation Lock?
Bypass attempts require replacing four chips: NAND (U0604), CPU (U0201), Baseband (U_BB_RF), and Baseband EEPROM (U_EEP_RF). This is advanced board‑level work and not a typical repair. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035874]
What does an IP BOX NAVIPLUS do? Will it unlock iCloud?
It’s a NAND programmer for maintenance. It can “erase the contents of the system” and “rebuild” the partition structure. It writes back during restore. It does not remove Activation Lock on Apple’s servers. You still need legitimate account removal. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17038495]
Can I downgrade my iPhone 6 from iOS 11 to iOS 10?
No. Apple no longer signs iOS 10 for iPhone 6. Restores to unsigned versions fail, so iOS 10 cannot be installed now. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17043035]
Why must CPU, baseband, and NAND match? What if I leave the CPU?
They participate in Apple’s verification chain for activation. Leaving the original CPU prevents proper startup or activation. “The verification chain is very extensive by Apple.” Matching data across CPU, NAND, and baseband remains essential. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17043409]
Where can I buy an iPhone 6 processor or chip set?
Sellers on AliExpress offer ready CPU and related sets. Replacement needs precision tools, experience, and more than hot‑air. The operation risks damaging the motherboard. Treat locked boards as training or parts donors if you proceed. [Elektroda, bogdan2491, post #17045643]
Will a GSM repair service take on this chip‑swap job?
Such services are rare. As one expert said, “Find such a service in Poland and let me know.” Expect limited availability due to risk, effort, and low success potential. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17047224]
Is this cost‑effective compared to buying another board or phone?
Usually not. Without proper equipment and experience, you won’t complete it successfully. Parts alone can equal a broken donor phone’s price. The effort typically isn’t worth it. [Elektroda, mobista, post #17044976]
Does ‘blacklist OFF’ or ‘iCloud‑CLEAN’ help if Find My iPhone is ON?
No. Activation Lock depends on Find My iPhone status. When it’s ON, activation requires the linked Apple ID and password. Carrier blacklist or “clean” checks don’t bypass that requirement. Remove the device from the account to proceed. [“Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch”]
What if the device shows LOST status?
Paid methods can succeed only if the device does not have LOST status. With LOST set, services refuse or fail. In that situation, replace the board or the entire device instead of pursuing unlocks. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #17038495]
How do I legitimately remove Activation Lock?
Follow these steps:
- Ask the previous owner to remove the device from their iCloud account at iCloud.com.
- If that’s impossible, contact Apple Support and provide proof of ownership.
- After removal, erase the iPhone and set it up again.
[“Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch”]
Can replacing only NAND or only baseband unlock the phone?
No. The hardware bypass requires a matching set of four: CPU, NAND, baseband, and baseband EEPROM. Swapping a single component leaves mismatches that block activation. Replace all four if you attempt a hardware route. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035874]
Why can’t software on the phone bypass Activation Lock?
Because Activation Lock status resides on Apple servers. The phone checks those servers during activation. Local tools cannot alter that server record. Software on the device cannot change the activation decision. [Elektroda, marci4, post #17035450]
What does restore error 4013 mean, and how do I fix it?
Error 4013 indicates a communication failure during restore. Update Finder/iTunes and your OS. Try a different USB cable and port. Restart the iPhone and computer, then restore again. If it continues, contact Apple Support for hardware diagnostics. [“If you see error 4013 or 4014 when you restore your iOS device”]
