Checkm8 iCloud Bypass Review: Is It Worth Choosing?

Checkm8 is often recommended within jailbreak communities, which promises to bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone and iPad, especially those running on older chipsets. However, for most everyday users, it’s far from straightforward. Where do you download it? Is it free to use? Questions like these turn an already frustrating iCloud screen lockout into even more confusion.

That’s exactly what this Checkm8 review guide aims to clear up. We’ll walk you through what Checkm8 really offers, how safe it is to use, and whether the results are truly permanent. And for those looking for something more beginner-friendly, we’ll also introduce you to Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a tool that delivers a high success rate, fast iCloud lock removal, and a simple setups.

Overview of Checkm8 iCloud Bypass Feature

Checkm8 is a desktop-based utility designed to help users remove iCloud Activation Lock from a range of iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Created by GitHub contributor axi0mX, it first gained attention in the jailbreak community for unlocking devices running on Apple’s A5 to A11 chipsets. The newer Checkm8 versions, however, have extended support to more recent iOS models using methods like serial number rewriting.

With that context in mind, here’s a quick snapshot of what Checkm8 supports and how it stacks up:

Is Checkm8 Safe and Legit for Bypassing iCloud Activation Lock?

When it comes to safety, Checkm8 sits in a grey zone.

That said, Checkm8 is an independent utility. It doesn’t come with official documentation. In terms of security assurance, it relies purely on reputation within the jailbreak community and there is no formal verification.

As for legitimacy, bypassing iCloud Activation Lock is not illegal, when you’re the rightful owner of the device.

Is Checkm8 Permanent for iCloud Lock Bypass?

No, the unlock provided by Checkm8 isn’t permanent.

Checkm8 uses a low-level exploit to skip the iCloud Activation screen during the boot process. By hijacking the very first checks your iPhone runs, such as LLB, iBoot, kernel, and iOS, it momentarily prevents the lock from appearing.

However, this method only works until the device is erased, reset, or simply powered off and restarted. Once that happens, those checks are re-triggered, so Activation Lock will return.

Many users, especially those on Reddit, have pointed this out after discovering the tool didn’t survive a reset. So it’s important to know: Checkm8 offers a temporary unlock but not a permanent removal of iCloud Lock.

What Do Users Say About Checkm8?

While personal testing can uncover the basics, it’s often the forums and user reviews that reveal the long-term patterns and Checkm8 has had its share of both praise and criticism. Here are the recent ones.

From Reddit

Initial reviews leaned positive. However, Reddit threads now regularly reflect confusion around the tool’s reliability, especially after discovering its connection with AppleTech752.

One user, marian6000, noted that “Checkm8 worked nicely until 2 weeks ago, nothing is working now.”

Others, like Icy-Ad-1808, argued that not every failure should be blamed on the tool itself, writing, “That’s a bold move to call a company a scam because your device is not doing the right thing.” In short, unless you follow the exact multi-step process, Checkm8 is unlikely to deliver.

Then there’s the matter of its so-called free version: a common point of confusion. While it is promoted to offer a working solution, in reality, it mostly functions as a way for Checkm8 to let people install the tool first and then talk about the pricing.

From Trustpilot

Checkm8 is also the rare iCloud unlocking tool flagged with a Trustpilot warning: a red label for potential guideline breaches. These are typically assigned when a company manipulates or misrepresents reviews.

Still, feedback exists. Many users unlocking older iPhones (iPhone 6, 7, etc.) had smoother experiences. And recent complaints point to double or even triple charges, poor refund handling, and unclear pricing.

For example, Jeremy Reid, left a review stating, “This did not work and was scammed out of 3 payments.” The good thing is Checkm8’s team responded.

How Does Checkm8 Work on Bypass iCloud Lock

Checkm8 uses two different approaches depending on the device you’re trying to unlock.

For earlier iPhones (iOS 12 to iOS 16): it takes advantage of a low-level exploit that kicks in right as the device boots up to bypass the Activation Lock entirely.

On the other hand, for newer devices like iPhone XR through iPhone 15 Pro Max on iOS 17 to 18.0.1, the tool uses serial number rewriting and server-based techniques to trick the system.

The same method also applies when you’re unlocking iPad with hardware and firmware aligning with Checkm8’s compatibility range.

Requirements:

To use Checkm8, you’ll need:

• A supported iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (based on the models and iOS versions mentioned above)
• macOS 10.11 or later or Windows 8, 10, or 11 (with extra steps required)
• USB cable (USB-C adapter required for newer Macs with Thunderbolt-only ports)
• Reliable internet connection
• Checkm8 software installed
• And a bit of patience, especially for newer devices

Note: If you’re on Windows, additional tools like BalenaEtcher or ra1nUSB are required to emulate a macOS-like environment for Checkra1n.

Steps to Bypass iCloud Lock with Checkm8

Step 1. Start by connecting your device to the computer to check compatibility.

• If you’re working with iPhone from 5S through X, or iPad running on A5 to A11 chips, the tool will first require a jailbreak before it can confirm eligibility. Just run the built-in Checkra1n jailbreak utility in the program.



• If you’re on a newer model (A12 and up), the tool will skip straight to the verification stage. In either case, once everything checks out, you’ll see a prompt to order the iCloud bypass.

Step 2. If your device is verified as supported, the program will guide you to the Order iCloud Service section. Here, you’ll see the specific price for your device model—each one varies.

Please note: Any payment made is non-refundable, even if the bypass fails.

Step 3. You’ll receive an email confirming that your registration is ready.

Once you get the confirmation, reopen the tool, connect your device again, and hit Start.

Step 4. Once you start the process, your device will enter a sequence of terminal-like processes. You’ll see scrolling numbers and system messages. Don’t panic. That’s normal.

If everything goes well, your screen will eventually display Device Successfully Bypassed. That means it’s done.

However, if the device gets stuck in Recovery Mode or fails to reboot, try restarting it manually. In most cases, this means the attempt didn’t work. You can re-run the entire process from the beginning. Or, consider better tools like Passixer iPhone Unlocker.

Top Alternative to Checkm8 for iCloud Bypass

While Checkm8 is known for its jailbreak-based roots, Passixer iPhone Unlocker stands out as a modern solution for bypassing iCloud Activation Lock across the full range of iOS devices. Whether you want to unlock an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Passixer covers them all, including newer models like iPhone 16 and iOS versions up to 18.

Passixer iPhone Unlocker can be installed on both Windows and macOS seamlessly. Once the bypass is complete, your device will regain full functionality. You can sign in App Store with a new Apple ID, download apps, stream music,etc. Even Find My is disabled on your second-hand iDevice, so there isn’t any risk of being tracked by the previous owner.

Key Features:

• It consistently ranks highest in iCloud unlock success rate across the industry.
• Remove Apple ID from your iPhone without password and without wiping your data when Find My is off.
• Handle the removal of both Screen Time passcode and iTunes backup encryption.
• Also remove MDM locks tied to corporate or school-based remote management settings.
• Each license supports up to six devices, no extra cost regardless of feature or model type.

Why Is Passixer Recommended?

Passixer is recommended not just because it works, but because it simplifies the technical process. With a clean interface and a price that’s far more reasonable, it’s become the go-to for users looking for reliability without the guesswork. Just to put things into perspective, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

How to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock with Passixer

Step 1. Once Passixer is running after installation, go straight to the iCloud Activation Lock option to get started.

Step 2. Plug in your iPhone or iPad using a USB cable. The software will check compatibility of the connected iOS device.

Step 3. Begin the jailbreak process by following the prompts on screen.

Step 4. Once the jailbreak completes, Passixer will take it from there, removing the Activation Lock in just a few minutes.

Wrap Up

The comparison table above already clears up much of the confusion. Keeping the technical difficulties aside, the real issue with Checkm8 is its cost. With prices reaching up to US$ 180 (or even US$ 230 for some iPhones), it simply doesn’t justify the return, especially when iCloud locks aren’t always permanent.

Passixer, on the other hand, offers a higher success rate when bypassing iCloud Activation lock. More importantly, it gives a far more balanced deal. Not only is it 1/6th the price of Checkm8, but it also gives you up to six device licenses under the same purchase. Once the iCloud lock screen is bypassed, you can install apps, listen to songs, etc.