If you bought this iPad used and the seller did not disclose the iCloud lock, get a refund. If you lost the password to your own Apple ID, use Apple’s iforgot.apple.com to reset it. Apple will unlock the device for free if you provide proof of purchase (receipt).
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. Before downloading shady software, try the DNS trick . This does not remove the lock, but it allows you to use basic functions of the iPad (like web browsing, YouTube, or using it as a digital clock). bypass icloud ipad mini 1 ios 93 5
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. If you bought this iPad used and the
The iPad mini 1 on iOS 9.3.5 is a vintage device. Do not spend money unlocking it. The cost of the software or hardware tools exceeds the tablet's value. Use the DNS trick and turn it into a digital photo frame or kitchen recipe viewer. So, can you bypass an iCloud lock on
Most of these tools simply do the DNS method above and repackage it. Others are malware designed to infect your Windows PC. For an iPad mini 1, which is worth roughly $20-$40 on eBay, paying for software is never worth it. If you need a functional email/FaceTime machine: Use the DNS bypass (Method 1). It is safe, free, and takes 2 minutes. You will have a functional web browser and clock.
Try Sliver + LeetDown (Method 2). Expect to spend an afternoon troubleshooting USB drivers and kernel panics. It is a fun geek project, but not reliable for daily use.
The iCloud lock is stored on the Serial Number and matching chip ID inside the NAND. By desoldering the old chip and flashing a blank chip with a new, clean serial number, the iPad thinks it is a brand new device. Warning: If you mess up the soldering, your iPad mini 1 becomes an expensive paperweight. This is not recommended for beginners. Method 4: The "Cheap iPhone" Swap (Scam Alert) You will see ads for "iCloud Bypass Software" that costs $30-50 and promises a permanent unlock for iOS 9.3.5. Do not pay for these.