I’ve recently purchased an iPad 4 from eBay with an activation lock and I cannot get in contact with the previous owner. Is there anything I can do? I paid $100 for this!

Return it for refund or enjoy your new paperweight in the shape of an iPad. Without the previous owner removing activation lock, you CANNOT bypass it EVER. Apple will NOT help you and we CANNOT help you.

This is why one should never buy a used iPad from eBay unless they know with absolute certainty activation lock has been removed. You should be able to open a case with eBay if the seller promoted this device as one NOT activation locked. If they didn't, the seller may not refund you. If you paid with a credit card, dispute the purchase with your credit card company.

Only buy devices from Apple or an Apple authorized reseller.

Ask eBay for a refund. The activation lock is an anti-theft measure.

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