Activation Lock fails on my own iPad

Ok, a little more progress. I figured out that I DID create a separate Apple ID for this iPad (probably to get another free 5GB backup). However, when trying that account it says the Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons. Likely because it is a very simple password. When I try to login to that Apple ID on my Mac, it says it needs to confirm my phone number, which is a number from 8 years ago that I no longer have. The search continues. This is a lot of work for an 8 year old device! :-)

Well, 4 old Apple ID's later, and having to re-buy my old personal email domain name, I finally got it working! However, I certainly don't like the idea that a device I purchased (my wife, rather) requires Apple's permission to activate and use 8 years later. When technology has sufficiently changed and this activation lock server is retired, is Apple going to remove that requirement from the device software? Unlikely.

Haha, well at this point it is more of a hobby. I still have my Apple Newton MessagePad 2000. I enjoy tinkering. :-)

Just an update on my old iPad 2. This thing is still fantastic for looking at photos. It’s pretty much useless for internet browsing, but shared photo albums work great. We are in the process of building a new house and I’ve been carrying it everywhere with me. Plus, since I no longer feel the need to have it in a bulky case, it’s much slimmer and more convenient to carry out to the job site or in the truck than my new iPad. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and help!