How do I contact Apple to have activation lock removed?

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Level 1

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How do I contact Apple to have activation lock removed?

I have an iPad 2 that I removed from my iCloud account 4+ years ago when I was going to Give it to an elderly relative. I created an iCloud account for them, but I don’t remember what it is, they never used the iPad, and I haven’t used it in a couple of years. I charged it up today and now it is in activation lock. It says I can’t unlock it with my Apple ID. I don’t remember the elderly relative’s ID that I created. I have them email from back in 2016 showing the iPad’s removal from my account. I am assuming I need to contact Apple to unlock the iPad. How do I do so?

iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Apr 4, 2020 3:27 PM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

302,846 points

Apr 5, 2020 8:27 AM in response to Rndgstn

The only way to respond to the Activation Lock is to provide the AppleID credentials previously used to activate the device. The documented process, within the supplied link, will take you to this site to recover your lost AppleID:

https://iforgot.apple.com

You should note that if you do not own the AppleID that was previously used to activate the iPad, without the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to remove the lock.

If you are the original owner of the device, and have documentary evidence to prove it (that includes the serial number), then Apple Support might be able to help.

If you don’t have the necessary documentation, it’ll be very short conversation - as Apple will not assist with bypass of this key security feature - intended to make re-use of a potentially stolen device impossible.

Should you have the required documentation with which to seek assistance directly from Apple, you’ll find the link to Contact Support at top-right of this page.

I hope this provides some helpful clarification of your available ways forward.

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