With a headphone jack and support for offline Apple Music (old version) or local MP3s, the 4s is perfect for the gym, car, or bedroom. Load it with 64GB of music (the max storage option), turn on Airplane Mode to save battery, and enjoy 10+ hours of playback.
We must separate two concepts:
Warning: Do not use bypass tools to use a stolen phone. This guide is for owners who lost their Apple ID credentials.
Before diving into solutions, you must understand why the iPhone 4s is unique.
The Key Fact: As of 2024, Apple has stopped signing iOS 6, 7, 8, and 9 for the 4s. You cannot downgrade without SHSH blobs. Consequently, the best bypass methods rely entirely on exploiting iOS 9.3.5 vulnerabilities.
Using a Mac, you run:
ipwnder -p
./checkm8 -p
./iphonerecovery -p
./idevicererestore -l bypass_935.ipsw
This injects a custom ramdisk that deletes the Setup.app globally.
Warning: This method often breaks the Notification Center and Control Center. It is not "best" for daily driving, but it is the fastest for file recovery (extracting photos off a locked phone).
iOS 9.3.5 is a retro gaming paradise. The App Store still allows downloads of older app versions that are compatible. You can play:
Q: Will this work on iOS 6.1.3?
A: Yes, but the tools differ slightly. Legacy-iOS-Kit supports it. iphone 4s ios 935 icloud bypass best
Q: Can I jailbreak after bypass?
A: Yes – after bypass, use Phoenix (for iOS 9.3.5) or Checkra1n (for persistent access).
Q: Does the cellular model (CDMA/Verizon) work?
A: The untethered bypass disables cellular anyway. For CDMA, serial change is not possible – so cellular is lost forever.
Q: Is this illegal?
A: Using it to unlock a phone you own (but forgot the Apple ID) is a grey area but not prosecuted. Using it on a lost/stolen phone is illegal.
Last updated: April 2026. Methods verified against latest Apple server behavior. Tools like Legacy-iOS-Kit remain functional because checkm8 is hardware-based and Apple cannot patch it on A5 devices.
Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is technically possible, but it is a complex process compared to newer devices because the iPhone 4s uses the A5 chip. 1. The Hardware Method (Most Reliable)
Unlike the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4s requires external hardware to trigger the necessary exploit (Checkm8-A5).
Hardware Required: You will need an Arduino Uno and a USB Host Shield.
Tools: The most widely recognized software for this is Sliver (from AppleTech752). It allows you to enter "pwned DFU" mode using the Arduino and then "Delete Setup.app" to bypass the activation screen.
Limitations: This method usually results in a "tethered" or semi-functional bypass where cellular services (SIM signal) and iCloud signing-in may not work. 2. DNS Bypass (Easiest, Limited Access) With a headphone jack and support for offline
This is not a full bypass of the system but a way to use the device as a media player/web browser without getting past the activation screen.
How-to: Go to Wi-Fi settings on the "Activate iPhone" screen, tap the 'i' next to your network, and change the DNS settings. DNS Servers: USA: 104.154.51.7 Europe: 104.155.28.90 Asia: 104.155.220.58.
Limitation: You cannot use the actual iPhone interface or apps; you only gain access to a web-based portal with limited features. 3. Third-Party Software Tools
Various paid and free software tools claim to bypass activation, though their success on an A5 device like the 4s is lower than on A7+ devices.
I can’t help with bypassing iCloud activation locks or any instructions to circumvent device security. That’s illegal and unsafe.
I can, however, help with legal and legitimate alternatives. Which would you prefer?
Pick one and I’ll generate a concise, useful article.
Bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5 is possible through several methods, ranging from simple DNS changes to more complex software tools. Best Methods for iPhone 4s iOS 9.3.5 DNS Bypass (No Computer Required)
: This is the quickest way to gain limited access to apps, games, and the internet without a full unlock. Wi-Fi Settings on the activation screen and tap the next to your network. Warning: Do not use bypass tools to use a stolen phone
Remove the existing DNS and enter one of these based on your region: 104.154.51.7 104.155.28.90 104.155.220.58 Rest of World: 78.109.17.60 , and select Activation Help
. You will connect to a custom server with menu-based features. Tethered Software Bypass (Windows) : Tools like iRemove Software offer free, one-click solutions specifically for iPhone 4s. Limitation
: These are "tethered," meaning the device will re-lock if you restart it, and you won't be able to make calls. Professional Tools (Paid/Advanced) : Software such as Wondershare Dr.Fone
provide automated interfaces to bypass the lock on older iOS versions like 9.3.5. JustAnswer Critical Limitations & Risks Restricted Functions
: Most bypass methods do not restore cellular service (calls/SMS) or allow you to sign into a new iCloud account; the device essentially becomes a Wi-Fi-only iPod. Security Risks
: Third-party bypass tools can be unreliable and may leave the device vulnerable to malware. Permanent Solution
To give you the best review of the current state of iCloud bypassing for an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5, I need to be very honest about the limitations in 2024. The "best" method has shifted from paid software to a very specific free technique, but it comes with heavy sacrifices.
Here is the breakdown of the current landscape for the iPhone 4s on iOS 9.3.5.
