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The iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5 is a museum piece. App support is dead. Browsing the web is slow. However, for nostalgia, music playback, or as a dedicated dashcam device, bypassing the Activation Lock is perfectly viable.
The exclusive takeaway: Do not pay for expensive software. The iPhone 4s community is small but dedicated. Use the DNS Proxy Method for quick access, or learn Checkm8 + Ramdisk for a clean, permanent Wi-Fi-based bypass.
Because of the hardware exploit, the iPhone 4s will always be bypassable. And for iOS 9.3.5, these three methods remain the industry's best-kept secrets.
Have you successfully bypassed an iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5? Let us know in the Retro Tech forums.
Disclaimer: Information provided as-is. Always ensure you are the legal owner of the device before attempting a bypass.
Bypassing the Activation Lock is a complex technical process that typically requires specific external hardware due to the device's
architecture. Below is a report on the current known methods as of April 2026. 1. Hardware-Required Method (Arduino + USB Host Shield)
This is widely considered the most reliable "permanent" bypass for A5 devices like the iPhone 4s. The Problem:
The iPhone 4s has a hardware vulnerability that can only be exploited if the device is placed in a specific "pwned DFU mode." standard USB cables cannot send the necessary commands to trigger this mode on A5 chips. The Setup: You need an Arduino Uno USB Host Shield
(often requiring manual "bridging" or soldering to work correctly). The Process: checkm8-a5 exploit onto the Arduino.
Connect the iPhone 4s to the Arduino via the Host Shield to enter pwned DFU mode. Connect the device to a Mac and use tools like to delete the file, which effectively skips the activation screen. 2. Software-Based "Private Server" Method
A less hardware-intensive but more fragile method involves redirecting the device's activation request to a custom server. Mechanism: Users host a specific PHP script (like the sliver.php file) on a private web server. Execution: By modifying DNS settings or using tools like ideviceactivation
, the iPhone is told to "activate" against this private server instead of Apple's official servers. Limitation:
This method is often "tethered" or unstable; if the private server goes down or the device is restored, the lock returns. 3. DNS Bypass (Temporary/Partial) DNS Bypass method is the simplest but does fully unlock the phone. How it works:
In the Wi-Fi settings during setup, you change the DNS server to a specific IP (e.g., 104.154.51.7
This loads a web portal that allows you to use a browser, watch videos, or use social media apps within the portal, but it
give you access to the actual iOS home screen or local phone features. 4. Official Removal
If you have proof of purchase, Apple can remove the lock for you. Apple Support
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6 is a complex task because the A5 chip in this device has a hardware vulnerability that usually requires specific external hardware to exploit. Hardware-Based Bypass (The Reliable Method)
The most effective way to "hacktivate" or bypass the setup screen on an iPhone 4S is using the checkm8 exploit. However, unlike newer devices, the A5 chip version of this exploit is "finicky" and cannot be run through standard USB cables from a PC/Mac.
Requirements: You typically need an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield.
Process: You use the Arduino to send the custom exploit to the device while it's in DFU mode. Once the exploit is "pwned," you can use software like Sliver Mac to delete Setup.app, which is the application responsible for the Activation Lock screen.
Result: This allows you to reach the home screen, but cellular services (calls/SMS) and iCloud sync usually will not work. Software-Only and "No Computer" Attempts
While many online guides claim to offer "no computer" or "software-only" fixes, these are often unreliable or temporary:
DNS Bypass: You can change your Wi-Fi DNS settings to a specific IP (like 104.154.51.7) to access a portal with apps, games, and web browsing.
Limitation: This is not a full bypass; you are stuck within a web browser "portal" and cannot access the actual iOS home screen or local apps. iphone 4s activation lock bypass ios 935 exclusive
Temporary Glitches: Some users report glitches using VoiceOver or language settings that provide a brief glimpse of the home screen, but these usually crash back to the lock screen immediately.
Legacy iOS Kit: Some community members suggest using Legacy iOS Kit to restore the device to iOS 6.1.3, which sometimes has different activation requirements, though it often still leads back to the same lock. Official Removal Methods
If you have proof of ownership or contact with the original owner, these are the only permanent ways to restore full functionality:
Bypassing the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 often relies on hardware-level exploits custom server redirection
, as standard software-only methods are limited for this specific chip and OS combination. Top Activation Lock Bypass Features for iOS 9.3.5 Hardware "Hacktivation" (Arduino Method):
This is considered the most "solid" exclusive method for older A5 devices like the iPhone 4s. By using an Arduino Uno USB Host Shield
, users can force the device into "pwned DFU" mode. This allows you to: Delete the file to skip the lock screen. Downgrade the device to using tools like the Legacy iOS OTA Downgrader for a smoother experience. Private Activation Servers: Some advanced methods involve hosting a custom sliver.php
file on a private web server. By pointing the device’s activation requests to this server instead of Apple's, the device can be tricked into "activating" untethered, provided the server remains accessible. DNS Bypass:
A simpler, non-invasive feature that works on iOS 9.3.5 is changing your DNS settings in the Wi-Fi menu to a third-party server IP. Functionality:
Instead of a full unlock, this loads a "mini-portal" that lets you use the web, YouTube, and some games while the device remains locked. VoiceOver Glitches: On iOS 9 specifically, users have found glitches involving
and language selection that can provide a "fleeting view" of the home screen. While not a permanent bypass, it is an OS-specific exploit used for further experimentation. Recommended Tools
Often used in conjunction with the Arduino method to relay device info and delete the setup app.
A free tool reported to create activation records for older iPhones, though success may vary on iOS 9.3.5 compared to newer versions. Legacy iOS Kit:
The go-to tool for downgrading the iPhone 4s once it has been "hacktivated". Permanence Difficulty Hardware Required DNS Bypass Arduino Hacktivation Untethered Arduino Uno + USB Host Shield Private Server Untethered Web Hosting/PC
Many online "unlock tools" that ask for payments or sensitive data are unreliable or scams. Legitimate hardware methods like the Arduino exploit are generally favored in the enthusiast community. for this process?
Bypassing the iPhone 4s activation lock on iOS 9.3.5 is a common challenge for those looking to repurpose this vintage device. Because the iPhone 4s uses the A5 chip, modern software-only exploits like checkm8 do not work as easily as they do on newer models. Top Methods for iOS 9.3.5 Activation Bypass
There is no single "magic button," but several technical workarounds exist depending on your available hardware and technical comfort level. 1. Arduino + USB Host Shield (The Hardware Method)
This is considered the most reliable "exclusive" method for the iPhone 4s. It requires physical hardware to send a specific exploit that puts the A5 chip into pwned DFU mode.
Requirements: An Arduino Uno (genuine preferred) and a USB Host Shield 2.0.
The Process: You load a specific "sketch" (code) onto the Arduino using the Arduino IDE. Once the iPhone is in DFU mode, the Arduino triggers the exploit, allowing you to bypass the Setup.app.
Result: The device is "hacktivated," meaning you can access the home screen, but cellular services (calls/SMS) typically will not work. 2. Software-Based Bypass Tools
Several third-party developers offer tools designed to automate the bypass process.
iRemove Tools: Offers a free tethered bypass for the iPhone 4s. This is a "tethered" solution, meaning if the phone restarts, you may need to run the tool again.
CheckM8.info: While famous for newer devices, they offer specialized software that aims to skip the activation step entirely on supported legacy devices.
TNSKIT iPhone Unlocker: Mentioned in recent community guides as a Windows/Mac compatible option for removing activation locks. 3. iOS 6.1.3 Downgrade & Hacktivation The iPhone 4s on iOS 9
A popular strategy for the 4s is to use the Legacy iOS Kit to downgrade the device to iOS 6.1.3.
The silver iPhone 4s sat on the marble counter of a private villa in Mykonos, next to a half-empty flute of Dom Pérignon. It looked like a relic from another era—tiny screen, chamfered edges that had gone slightly blunt—but to Lena, it was the only thing that mattered.
She was a “lifestyle curator” for the ultra-rich, a title she’d invented to justify her six-figure fee. Her job wasn't just to book tables at Noma or secure front-row seats at Paris Fashion Week. It was to access the unspoken things: the private member clubs that didn't exist on paper, the after-after-parties, the encrypted RSVPs.
And all those keys lived on that iPhone 4s.
Last night, after a particularly reckless boat party with a tech mogul from Singapore, she’d tried to reset the phone. Now, a cruel, cheerful screen greeted her:
"Activation Lock. This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID."
The mogul’s ID. He was already on a private jet to Dubai, unreachable. Without that phone, she couldn't prove her access. No access meant no lifestyle. No lifestyle meant she was just another girl in a rented Zara dress.
The villa’s entertainment system hummed with deep house. Her current client, a retired NBA star, was downstairs in the home theater waiting for the "exclusive VIP link" to a secret Daft Punk reunion stream. She had thirty minutes.
Lena didn't panic. She worked.
She grabbed her MacBook, tethering it to the villa’s Starlink. The 4s was stuck on iOS 9.3.5—ancient, unstable, but famous in underground circles for having one final backdoor.
She opened a Telegram channel called "Legacy Vault," a dark corner of the internet where nostalgia met criminal intent. After three rapid-fire crypto payments (total: $900), she downloaded a bootlace tool—a piece of software that pretended to be an old iTunes update but actually injected a custom ramdisk.
The process was ugly. No sleek UI. Just terminal commands and a spinning beachball of death.
At 23 minutes to showtime, the screen flickered. The activation lock dissolved like a bad dream, replaced by the vintage "Slide to Unlock" text.
She was in.
Scrolling through the cold, dormant springboard, she found the folder labeled "Kappa." Inside: a calendar of private concerts in Mallorca, a PDF of a Speakeasy in a Tokyo sewer, and the holy grail—the dynamic QR code for the Daft Punk stream, refreshing every 60 seconds.
Lena air-dropped the code to the NBA star's phone downstairs. The bass from the home theater immediately doubled.
She poured the last of the champagne, held the little 4s up to the Aegean sunset, and smiled. The party wasn't just saved. It was exclusive again.
Because in the world of high-end entertainment, it wasn't about having the newest device.
It was about knowing how to unlock the old one.
Bypassing the Activation Lock (or the final 9.3.6) is complex because modern software tools often target newer devices with different hardware vulnerabilities. For this specific model, methods typically require external hardware or specific server-side tricks. Technical Bypass Methods
These methods are "exclusive" because they target the specific
in the iPhone 4s, which is not compatible with the widely used Arduino + USB Host Shield Method
: This is the most reliable community-vetted method for the iPhone 4s. It involves using an Arduino Uno USB Host Shield to run a specific checkm8-a5 exploit. This allows you to delete
from the system files, effectively skipping the activation screen. Raspberry Pi Pico
: A more modern and often cheaper alternative to the Arduino setup. It can be used to put the iPhone 4s into a "pwned DFU" mode, allowing for data extraction or file system access to bypass the lock. Private Server / DNS Bypass Disclaimer: Information provided as-is
: A temporary "soft" bypass where you change your Wi-Fi DNS settings to point to a custom server (like 78.109.17.60
). This doesn't unlock the phone but lets you access a web-based interface for apps like YouTube and Maps while still technically locked. Official & Software Solutions
If you cannot use external hardware, these are the standard paths:
I can’t help with requests to bypass activation locks or otherwise evade device security. That includes instructions, tools, or code for iCloud/Activation Lock removal.
If you meant something else (a song, poem, fictional piece, or an article about the topic without instructions), tell me which and I’ll create that.
To bypass the Activation Lock on an iPhone 4S running iOS 9.3.5, you can use methods ranging from simple DNS server changes to advanced hardware exploits using tools like Arduino. While Apple provides official channels for removal if you have proof of purchase, third-party software like iRemove Tools or AnyUnlock often provides more direct solutions for older firmware. Popular Bypass Methods for iOS 9.3.5
DNS Bypass (No Computer): This is the quickest way to gain limited access without a PC. By changing your Wi-Fi DNS settings to specific regional IPs (e.g., 104.154.51.7 for North America), you can connect to a custom server that hosts apps, games, and browsing capabilities.
A5 Exploit (Arduino Method): For a more permanent, "exclusive" bypass, experts often use an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield to put the device into "pwned DFU" mode. This allows you to delete the Setup.app entirely using tools like Sliver, effectively removing the activation screen. Third-Party Desktop Tools:
iRemove Software: Specifically designed to handle older iOS versions, including iOS 7 through iOS 9.
Tenorshare 4MeKey: A common recommendation for users seeking a guided interface to enter DFU mode and bypass the lock.
SIM Card Glitch: On some older versions of the iPhone 4S firmware, briefly ejecting and reinserting the SIM card during the activation process has been known to trigger a bypass to the home screen. Official Removal Steps If you are the original owner or can contact them:
Apple Support Request: You can start an Activation Lock support request if you have original documentation or proof of purchase.
iCloud Web Removal: The previous owner can sign in to iCloud Find My and select "Remove This Device" to instantly clear the lock.
Password Recovery: Use iForgot to reset the Apple ID password if the account belongs to you. iPhone 4s FULL iCloud Bypass Tutorial
By: Retro Tech Recovery Lab
Published: October 2023 (Updated for Legacy Firmware)
In the world of smartphone technology, the iPhone 4s holds a legendary status. It was Steve Jobs’ final swan song and the first Siri-enabled device. Fast forward to today, and a specific combination has become a digital archaeology challenge: iPhone 4s Activation Lock bypass on iOS 9.3.5 (exclusive methods).
If you have found an old iPhone 4s in a drawer, purchased a second-hand unit that is locked to a forgotten Apple ID, or inherited a device from a family member who has since changed their number, you have hit the dreaded Activation Lock screen. For most modern iPhones, the only solution is to contact Apple with proof of purchase. However, for the iPhone 4s running the final, sluggish version of iOS 9 (9.3.5), there are exclusive legacy pathways.
Warning: This guide is for educational purposes and for legally owned devices you wish to recover. Bypassing Activation Lock on a stolen device is illegal.
If you want to try the safest, free method today for your iOS 9.3.5 iPhone 4s, follow the DNS via Legacy Server method closely.
Step 1: Restart your iPhone 4s.
Step 2: On the Hello screen, press the Home button to access Accessibility options (optional, but helps if you need VoiceOver).
Step 3: Connect to a Wi-Fi network. When the spinning wheel appears, press Home again.
Step 4: Tap "Wi-Fi Settings" -> tap the blue "i" next to your connected network.
Step 5: Scroll down to HTTP Proxy. Select Auto.
Step 6: In the URL field, enter: http://axle.000webhostapp.com/activate.php (This is a verified legacy proxy).
Step 7: Tap Back and then Join.
Step 8: The iPhone will think it is activating. After 30 seconds, the screen will skip to the home screen.
Success: You are now inside the phone. You can use iBooks, Camera, Music (synced from a computer), and third-party apps. You cannot sign into an Apple ID.
| Method | Success Rate | Requirements | |--------|--------------|---------------| | Contact original owner | High | Owner’s cooperation to remove device from iCloud.com | | Apple Support with proof of purchase | High | Original invoice or receipt matching the serial number | | Paid iCloud unlock services (reputable) | Medium | $30–$100; service works via Apple’s internal tools (risky, often scam) | | Software-only bypass (free) | Very Low (tethered, limited functionality) | Checkm8-compatible Mac/Linux PC, Sliver tool |
If you attempt the Sliver method and fail, here is why:
Error: "Unable to send iBSS"
Error: "Ramdisk failed to boot"
The Bypass works, but iCloud still shows "Find My iPhone ON"