There is no magic, permanent software patch that completely removes an Activation Lock from Apple's servers for free or via generic internet tools.

You load a specific script onto the Arduino that triggers the bootrom exploit when the iPhone is connected in DFU mode. Once "pawned," the software can delete the Setup.app file, allowing you to reach the home screen. The Downgrade Method (Alternative):

Before you start, gather the following:

: This Cydia tweak forces the App Store to download the last compatible version of popular apps (like older versions of Instagram, Twitter, or games) instead of flatly rejecting your old firmware.

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Click . This script deletes the specific system application responsible for checking the iCloud Activation Lock status.

: Many of these tools require a jailbreak to function and may result in a "tethered" bypass, meaning the lock could return if the device is hard-reset.

I can provide step-by-step instructions tailored to the tools you currently have available.

If you’d like, I can instead provide a on:

: Once the device restores and reboots, quickly swipe through any remaining prompt to reach the desktop springboard.

Unlike the iPhone 6 or newer models, the has a unique vulnerability: the A5 chip’s SEP (Secure Enclave) does not enforce hardware-bound activation tickets. This means any valid ticket—even one cloned from another device—will work. Newer iPhones use cryptographically signed activation records tied to the UID key. The 4s does not.

If you are the original owner, you can always Restore your phone via iTunes if you remember the original Apple ID credentials. Conclusion

Apple strongly recommends using official recovery methods. Many Apple Support advisors note that a locked iPhone 4S is "a very realistic but inert theater prop" if the original credentials cannot be recovered.

However, be realistic about the device's capabilities. Even after a successful bypass, you're holding a 15-year-old piece of technology with severe limitations. The iPhone 4S shines as a nostalgia piece, music player, or collector's item—not as a daily driver.

Expert Solutions for iOS 9.3.5 iCloud and Activation Lock Bypass

The DNS bypass method is a temporary workaround that does not unlock the phone but allows you to use it as a media player or web browser. It changes the DNS settings in your Wi-Fi configuration to route the device through a third-party server.

While some third-party services claim to offer Activation Lock bypass solutions, these methods are often: