iPad suddenly went into activation lock after factory reset.

I have bought this iPad Air 2 second hand about half year ago. I have been logged into my iCloud account on it and everything was fine. But suddenly after factory reset (this was my second factory reset, after the first everything was fine), the activation lock appeared with AppleID that wasn't mine.

iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi

Posted on Apr 2, 2020 3:17 AM

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Posted on Apr 2, 2020 3:37 AM

This would indicate that the iPad was not correctly prepared prior to being sold to you - and is still associated with the previous owners AppleID. Unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to reactivate the iPad for your use.


The Activation Lock cannot be bypassed. Other than us being able to direct you to the correct procedures, we cannot help you. Unless you are the owner of the AppleID used previously to activate the device, Apple will not assist.


This is the process that should have been followed to prepare the device for reuse by a new owner:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201351


Here is Apple’s documentation concerning the Activation Lock and associated procedures:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365


Whilst I appreciate that this information may not be what you were hoping to discover, I hope that it is at least helpful in explaining your situation and potential ways forward.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 2, 2020 3:37 AM in response to patmar288

This would indicate that the iPad was not correctly prepared prior to being sold to you - and is still associated with the previous owners AppleID. Unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to reactivate the iPad for your use.


The Activation Lock cannot be bypassed. Other than us being able to direct you to the correct procedures, we cannot help you. Unless you are the owner of the AppleID used previously to activate the device, Apple will not assist.


This is the process that should have been followed to prepare the device for reuse by a new owner:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201351


Here is Apple’s documentation concerning the Activation Lock and associated procedures:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365


Whilst I appreciate that this information may not be what you were hoping to discover, I hope that it is at least helpful in explaining your situation and potential ways forward.

Apr 2, 2020 4:12 AM in response to patmar288

No, another AppleID cannot suddenly replace yours. Don’t forget, your AppleID being used with the iPad is completely different to your AppleID previously activating the iPad.


If you have emails that prove/confirm deactivation of the Activation Lock corresponding to your AppleID, you might try seeking assistance from Apple Support - although I fear that the Support Agents may be unreceptive. It wouldn’t hurt to try if you have supporting evidence.


The link to Contact Support is at top-right of this page - although, given the current global situation and increased pressures, be prepared for response to be somewhat slower than normal.


Best of luck. I hope this has been helpful.

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iPad suddenly went into activation lock after factory reset.

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