IPad reset
how do I erase and reset an iPad if the prior owner can't recall his Apple ID password?
iPad Air, iOS 11
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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.
If you in contact with the previous owner, whose AppleID that previously activated the device, they will find the following information to be helpful in recovering their AppleID and associated password - and in preparing the iPad for its new owner (this presumably is you).
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If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:
To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:
- Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
- Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
- Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID
Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.
More information about recovery of your AppleID:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201354
More information about recovery of your AppleID password:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201487
When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:
If selling or giving away your iPad, you should follow this process to properly prepare the iPad for its new owner:
What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support