bought an IPAD that was factory rest, but when i went to use it it has an activation lock and the seller can not be reached. please help
iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi, Cellular
Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201441
As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.
You should try to return the device to the retailer. As is, it is no use to you or anyone other than the original owner.
Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201441
As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.
You should try to return the device to the retailer. As is, it is no use to you or anyone other than the original owner.
If you are failing to reach the seller that sold you this iPad so you can elicit their help or to return this iPad and get your money back, then there is nothing more to be done.
You purchased a dead, useless device to you.
You'll never get that iPad to work for you without the aid of the previous owner of this iPad.
Failing this, there is nothing anyone here can do to help you and Apple WILL NOT get involved with any of its devices that is user activation locked to another owner/user.
If you cannot get this iPad working, please recycle the device responsibly.
Hopefully, you didn’t pay a lot for this iPad.
Next time, If you purchase another iPad, then, you need to purchase a new iPad from Apple or a discounted, refurbished iPad from Apple’s Refurbished & Clearance section of Apple’s Website or a new or refurbished iPad from an Apple authorised, third party retail or online reseller OR other trusted sources for new or used Apple products.
If you must purchased used devices from unknown sources, you must ask more questions of the iOS device seller, ask for more photo/images, ask if the iPad has user/iCloud activation lock and ask for photos/images/short video proof that such an iPad has been reset factory settings and shown proof of the iOS device's start up screen showing the animated, moving, multi-language “Hello” Welcome to iPad screen.
If the iOS device seller is unwilling to do all of this, pass on the iOS device and look at other iOS device sellers.
Also, make sure the iOS device is something that is fairly recent as all older 7, 8 and 9-year old iOS devices have no more support from Apple or third party apps from the iOS App Store.
Sorry & Best of Luck to You!
Only the person whose Apple ID is tied to the phone can open the activation lock. Try to get a refund from where you bought it.
Hi,
Return it to the seller.No other option.
I bought an ipad and cant remove the activation lock, previous owner can not be contacted
